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:
• SMB network drives
• NAS drives (Synology, QNAP, WD)
• Shared Windows folders
• Shared Mac folders
• Office and home network storage
If your Mac refuses to connect to a network drive, shows connection errors, keeps asking for your password, or disconnects randomly, 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 SMB address
• Wrong username or password
• macOS SMB compatibility issues
• Network permissions problems
• Router or switch configuration issues
• NAS firmware issues
• macOS update problems
• Corrupted network settings
Quick checks you can do yourself
These steps solve around 60% of network drive connection issues.
Check 1 – Restart the Mac
A restart resets network and SMB services.
Check 2 – Restart the router or NAS
Most connection failures are caused by network devices, not the Mac.
Check 3 – Check the SMB address
Use the correct format: smb://servername or smb://IP-address.
Check 4 – Update macOS
SMB compatibility fixes are often included in macOS updates.
If the Mac cannot see the network drive
This usually means:
• Network discovery disabled
• NAS not broadcasting correctly
• Router isolation settings enabled
Try:
• Connecting using smb://IP-address
• Restarting the NAS
• Restarting the router
If the Mac keeps asking for your network drive password
This usually means:
• Wrong username or password
• Keychain conflict
• SMB authentication issue
Try:
• Removing old passwords from Keychain
• Re‑entering your credentials
• Restarting the Mac
If the network drive disconnects randomly
This usually means:
• Wi‑Fi dropouts
• Router sleep settings
• NAS power saving mode
Try:
• Using Ethernet instead of Wi‑Fi
• Turning off NAS sleep mode
• Restarting the router
If the Mac cannot connect after a macOS update
This usually means:
• SMB protocol changes
• Network settings reset
• Permissions issue
Try:
• Restarting the Mac
• Re‑adding the network drive
• Updating NAS firmware
If the network drive works on another Mac or PC
This usually means:
• macOS network configuration issue
• Corrupted preferences
• User account issue
Try:
• Testing on another user account
• Restarting the Mac
• Reinstalling macOS without erasing data
When DIY stops working
You should get on‑site help if:
• Your Mac refuses to connect to the network drive at all
• The drive keeps disconnecting
• macOS updates break your connection
• You need access to shared office files
• You need your data preserved
These issues usually require:
• SMB and network configuration repair
• macOS network settings reset
• NAS and router diagnostics
• Data‑safe macOS reinstall
• User account and permissions repair
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 connection issues
• NAS setup and configuration
• macOS network repair
• Data‑safe macOS recovery
• macOS reinstall and repair
• 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