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KB ID: 5789

Initial setup a LinkStation from your mobile device

Last Updated: 06/06/2025

Applies to LinkStation LS200 / LS700 series

Install SmartPhone Navigator and WebAccess App on your mobile device

1.    Open App Store (iOS or iPadOS devices) or Google Play (Android devices).
2.    Search for and install “SmartPhone Navigator” and “WebAccess”
 
You can also install the apps from the QR codes below. Use the appropriate QR code for your mobile device.

SmartPhone Navigator
Note: SmartPhone Navigator will allow you to open LinkStation’s Settings, change the IP address, and configure WebAccess settings from a mobile device.

WebAccess
Note: WebAccess is a software utility for accessing the files in the shared folder of your LinkStation from your mobile devices through the local network or Internet.



Initial setup and configuration of a LinkStation

1.    Open the installed “SmartPhone Navigator” app on your mobile device.
Your LinkStation NAS should show up on the NAS list. Select the NAS you want to configure.
If the app cannot find your NAS, make sure your NAS is on the same local network with your mobile device.

2.    From the setup menu, tap "NAS Setup" then tap “Open Settings” to start the initial setup.

Or tap “Open Settings” from the menu directly.

Which will open in your mobile device' default web browser.

3.    (Optional) If you want to change the pre-configured RAID array type, select the desired RAID mode.
We suggest keeping the current RAID1 and tap Next.

4.    Set the new administrator password then tap Next.

5.    Set the time zone then tap Next.

6.    Initial setup is complete. Tap OK.

7.    You will be re-direct to the NAS WEBUI interface.
To continue to setup WebAccess, switch back or re-launch the “SmartPhone Navigator” app again.
We suggest to use WebAccess setup wizard from Step.8 instead of enabling WebAccess from the NAS WEBUI here.


 

Setup WebAccess

8.    Switch to the “SmartPhone Navigator” app.
Then tap “NAS Setup” to enable and setup WebAccess.

9.    Enter a new username and the password for WebAccess access. Tap Next after finished.

 Wait until the setup wizard completes the process.

 

10.  WebAccess is setup complete and enabled on your NAS.
Now you will be able to access the NAS from the local network.
Tap “Open WebAccess” to launch the WebAccess app from your mobile device.

 

Configuring and using WebAccess App from a mobile device

11.    Tap and read the “Privacy Policy”, then tap Continue.

12.    From the App home menu, tap “NAS list”.

13.    Tap the NAS you want to connect to.

14.    Tap the share folder that’s created by the setup wizard. In our example, it’s the “buffalo” folder.

15.    Tap the three dots on the right.

16.    We will do a file upload for example, tap “Upload”.

17.    Tap “Select Files”.

18.    Select the file you want to upload.
Note: Depending on your mobile device OS, it might be required to grant the WebAccess App file access permissions to the mobile device' internal storage.


 

(Optional Advanced) Configure NAS access from an external network

You will need to configure port forwarding on your modem/router in order to use WebAccess from an external network. Please see the user's manual for your modem/router for instructions on setting up port forwarding. To determine what external ports are available in your environment, contact your internet service provider (ISP).

It is also recommended to use a static IP address on the LinkStation when using WebAccess to prevent loss of access due to a change in the IP address of the LinkStation. For instructions on setting a static IP address on a LinkStation see here.

19.    From the “SmartPhone Navigator” app, tap your LinkStation from the list of devices.

 
20.    Tap “Open Settings”. Which will open in your phone’s default web browser.

21.    Enter the username “admin” and the password you set, then tap Log In.

22.    From settings, tap “WebAccess”.

23.    Tap “Access Method”.

24.    Enter the desired BuffaloNAS.com name for your NAS.
Note: Buffalonas.com is a DNS service provided by Buffalo. 

With some routers you may be able to automatically configure the ports using the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) feature of the router. This feature is not implemented identically in all router brands so it may or may not work. 
If UPnP does not work you will need to configure the ports and port forwarding manually.
Select “Configure router's port settings manually” and enter the router’s port number, then tap Apply.
 

25.    After setting up the BuffaloNAS.com name and port forwarding on your roter, you will be able to access your NAS from an external network using WebAccess App.