Synology Moments to Photos Manual Migration Guide

# Synology Moments to Photos Manual Migration Guide ## 📋 Video Overview This comprehensive tutorial demonstrates the complete process of manually migrating data from Moments to Photos when upgrading Synology DSM from 6.x to 7.2. The author uses a test machine to recreate the entire migration workflow, providing a reliable solution for users planning to upgrade. --- ## 🎯 Core Content ### 1. **Preparation Requirements** - **Hardware Setup**: A Synology NAS running DSM 7.2 - **Software Installation**: Synology Photos package must be installed - **Data Backup**: Complete backup of Moments data from DSM 6 to home folder (recommend using "BK_" prefix) - **Mobile Client**: Install Synology Photos app on your smartphone ### 2. **User & Permission Configuration** **Create Dedicated User Group**: - Group naming example: `family_member_photo` - Enable Synology Photos access in Application permissions - Folder permissions auto-configure (no manual setup needed) **Create Test Account**: - Create new user account (e.g., `etest_auto`) - Add user to the created group - Permissions inherit automatically from group settings ### 3. **Network & Security Settings (Optional)** - **DDNS Configuration**: Configure dynamic DNS if public IP available - **Custom Ports**: - HTTP port: 51303 - HTTPS port: 51304 - **SSL Certificate**: Download and import certificate from providers like Tencent Cloud - **Local Network Testing**: Use internal IP if no external access required ### 4. **Photos Initialization Critical Steps** This often-overlooked step is crucial for successful migration: **Web Client Initialization**: - Login to DSM with new account and open Photos - Upload at least one test image - System automatically creates `photos/photo library` folder structure - Structure: `photos/photo library/year/month` **Mobile Client Initialization**: - Login to Synology Photos app on smartphone - Enable photo backup, select "Only backup new photos" - Optionally disable "Wi-Fi only" for 4G/5G backup - Take a screenshot or photo to trigger first backup - System creates `photos/Mobile backup/[device name]` folder > **⚠️ Important**: Both web and mobile initialization must be completed to ensure proper folder structure creation, otherwise data migration may fail. ### 5. **Data Migration Core Operations** **Understanding Original Moments Directory Structure**: ``` driver/moments/ ├── Mobile/ │ ├── [Phone Name 1]/ │ │ └── year/month/photo files │ └── [Phone Name 2]/ │ └── year/month/photo files └── Web/ └── year/month/day/photo files ``` **Migration Steps**: 1. **Migrate Mobile Data**: - **Move** (not copy) all device folders from backup `Mobile` directory - Destination: `homes/[username]/photos/Mobile backup/` - Moving is significantly faster than copying (especially on HDDs) 2. **Migrate Web Data**: - **Move** entire `Web` folder from backup - Destination: `homes/[username]/photos/photo library/` - Recommend renaming to `Web from old NAS` for clarity 3. **Data Verification**: - Refresh Photos web interface to check photo display - Verify historical photos accessible on mobile - Test playback, download, and other functions ### 6. **Backup Target Optimization** Default backup uses generic names like "iPhone," potentially causing multi-device conflicts: **Modify Backup Destination**: 1. Open "Backup" settings in Photos mobile app 2. Tap gear icon in top-left corner 3. Select "Backup destination" → "Customize" 4. Choose folder with device-specific name (e.g., `亿iPhone亿`) 5. **Keep default iPhone folder** (deletion may affect stability) --- ## ✅ Migration Completion Checklist - [x] All historical photos accessible via Photos web interface - [x] Mobile client can access migrated old data - [x] New photos backup automatically - [x] Video files play normally - [x] Photo timeline displays correctly - [x] Backup destination folder optimized --- ## 🔧 Troubleshooting Tips 1. **Photos Not Displaying**: Check folder permissions and directory structure 2. **Backup Failures**: Verify network connection and Photos package status 3. **Certificate Issues**: Use internal IP temporarily if HTTPS problems occur 4. **Data Loss Risk**: Always create complete backup on external media before operations --- ## 💡 Best Practice Recommendations - Use family groups for multi-user album sharing - Regularly check backup status to ensure data safety - Schedule large migrations during off-peak hours - Retain original Moments data for at least one month to verify completeness --- ## 🏷️ SEO Keywords Synology tutorial, Synology Photos migration, Moments to Photos, DSM 7.2 upgrade, NAS photo management, photo backup, Synology data migration, DSM 6 to 7, manual photo migration, Synology album