How to map a network drive on macOS to access shared office files

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to map a network drive on macOS to access shared office files. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Mapping a network drive on your Mac allows you to access shared office files stored on a network attached storage (NAS) device or office server directly from Finder. This guide walks you through connecting to your shared drive and keeping it accessible after restarting your Mac.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Open Finder
2. Press Command + K to open Connect to Server
3. Enter the server address in the format smb://server-name-or-ip/share-name
4. Click Connect and enter your network credentials when prompted

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Find Your Server Address

Before connecting, you need the network address of the shared drive. This is typically provided by your IT administrator and will look something like smb://192.168.1.50/SharedFiles or smb://nas.local/OfficeData. If you are unsure of the address, check with whoever manages your office network.

Step 2: Connect to the Server

1. Click on the Finder icon in your Dock.
2. From the top menu bar, click Go then select Connect to Server, or simply press Command + K.
3. In the Server Address field, type the address of your network drive starting with smb:// followed by the server name or IP address and the share name. For example: smb://192.168.1.50/SharedFiles
4. Click the Connect button.

Step 3: Enter Your Credentials

1. After clicking Connect, you may be prompted to enter a username and password.
2. Enter the username and password for the network drive. These are typically your office network credentials, not your Mac login details.
3. Tick the box next to Remember this password in my keychain so you do not have to enter it each time.
4. Click Connect.

Step 4: Access the Mapped Drive

Once connected, the shared drive will appear in Finder under the Locations section in the sidebar, as well as on your Desktop. You can now browse, open, and save files to the shared drive just as you would with any local folder.

Troubleshooting

The Server Will Not Connect

• Check that you are connected to the correct office network, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Network drives are typically not accessible from outside the office without a VPN connection.
• Verify the server address is correct. Try using the IP address instead of the server name, as DNS resolution can sometimes fail on local networks.
• Ensure the smb:// prefix is included at the start of the address.

Incorrect Username or Password Error

If you receive an authentication error but are certain your details are correct, the credentials saved in your Keychain may be out of date. To fix this:

1. Open the Keychain Access app from your Applications folder, then Utilities.
2. Search for the name or IP address of the server you are trying to connect to.
3. Right-click the entry and select Delete.
4. Try connecting again using Command + K and re-enter your credentials.

The Drive Disappears After Restarting

To have the network drive reconnect automatically each time you start your Mac:

1. Open System Settings from the Apple menu.
2. Scroll down and click on General, then select Login Items.
3. Under the Open at Login section, click the + button.
4. Locate the network drive from the sidebar or Desktop, select it, and click Open.

The Drive Connects But Folders Are Empty

This usually indicates a permissions issue. Your user account may not have access to the contents of the share. Confirm with your IT administrator that your account has been granted read (or read/write) permissions for the specific folder you are trying to access.

Still Having Issues?