Why Choose Keith Thomas
• 20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.
• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.
• Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.
• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.
On‑site Apple Mac Support in London and the South East UK
What this page covers
This guide explains the real reasons a Mac cannot connect to a network drive, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:
• MacBook Air
• MacBook Pro
• iMac
• Mac mini
• Mac Studio
If your Mac won’t connect to a shared folder, NAS drive, Windows server, Time Capsule, or office network storage, this page is for you.
The most common reasons a Mac cannot connect to a network drive
These are the issues that Keith Thomas identifies most often during on‑site visits:
• Incorrect network path
• SMB or AFP protocol issues
• macOS update problems
• Wi‑Fi network restrictions
• Incorrect username or password
• Firewall or security settings blocking access
• Damaged network configuration
• Corrupted user account
Quick checks you can do yourself
These steps solve around 60% of network drive issues.
Check 1 – Restart the Mac
A restart resets network and SMB services.
Check 2 – Restart the router or switch
Network drives often fail due to router issues.
Check 3 – Check the network path
Use Go → Connect to Server and enter the correct SMB path.
Check 4 – Turn Wi‑Fi off and on
This forces the Mac to reconnect to the correct network.
If the network drive does not appear in Finder
This usually means:
• Network discovery disabled
• SMB browsing issues
• Wi‑Fi network isolation
Try:
• Finder → Settings → Sidebar → enable Network
• Restarting the Mac
• Connecting to the drive manually via SMB
If the Mac asks for a username and password repeatedly
This usually means:
• Incorrect login details
• Keychain conflict
• SMB authentication issue
Try:
• Removing old passwords from Keychain
• Restarting the Mac
• Checking credentials with your network admin
If the network drive is slow or disconnects
This usually means:
• Weak Wi‑Fi signal
• Router interference
• SMB timeout issues
Try:
• Moving closer to the router
• Restarting the router
• Connecting via Ethernet if possible
If the network drive works on another device
This usually means:
• macOS network configuration issue
• Damaged preferences
• Corrupted user account
Try:
• Testing on another user account
• Restarting the Mac
• Reinstalling macOS without erasing data
If network drive issues started after a macOS update
This usually means:
• SMB protocol changes
• Firewall reset
• Network settings reset
Try:
• Restarting the Mac
• Re‑adding the network drive
• Updating all apps
When DIY stops working
You should get on‑site help if:
• The Mac cannot connect to any network drive
• SMB connections fail repeatedly
• macOS reinstall does not fix the issue
• Network drives disconnect constantly
• You need your data preserved
These issues usually require:
• Network and SMB configuration repair
• macOS recovery
• Data‑safe macOS reinstall
• User account repair
• Permissions and system file diagnostics
On‑Site Apple Mac Support – London & South East UK
If your Mac cannot connect to a network drive, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:
• Central London
• West, North, South and East London
• Surrey
• Berkshire
• Hampshire
• Wiltshire
Keith Thomas is a Mac Support Specialist in:
• Network drive and SMB issues
• macOS configuration repair
• Data‑safe macOS recovery
• macOS reinstall and repair
• iCloud and Apple Account issues
• New Mac setup and migration
• User account and permissions diagnostics
Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK
If your Mac cannot connect to a network drive, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get you working again.
Keith Thomas – Apple Mac Support Specialist
Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days
Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7