Overview

The cleanest migration starts with a staged export and a clear destination folder plan.

Work in batches and let indexing complete between steps.

Prepare your library

Reduce duplication before you export.

• Delete obvious duplicates and failed uploads
• Consolidate shared albums if you plan to maintain them on the NAS
• Note live photos and motion formats that may export as separate files

Export from Google Photos

Use Google Takeout and select Photos with original quality.

• Export by album or date range to keep batches manageable
• Download and verify each archive before proceeding
• Extract archives to a staging drive with plenty of free space

Plan folders and naming

A predictable folder scheme simplifies future maintenance.

• Use a YYYY/MM event or subject based structure
• Avoid special characters and very long folder names
• Keep album names consistent with folder names where possible

Import into Synology Photos

Copy staged folders to the NAS and let indexing complete.

• Create shared libraries for family or team areas
• Use the desktop client for bulk moves and keep the path stable
• Wait for thumbnails to complete before adding more files

Mobile apps and background upload

Enable the official mobile apps to keep new photos flowing automatically.

• Install the mobile app and enable background upload on trusted WiFi
• Select the correct destination folder for each device
• Confirm sign in on all family devices

Deduplication and clean up

Tidy up once everything is indexed.

• Search for exact duplicate files and remove extras
• Merge or rename albums where events overlap
• Review face recognition results and correct mismatches

Remote access options

Keep remote access simple and safe.

• Use QuickConnect or a secure reverse proxy if your model supports it
• Enable two factor sign in on admin accounts
• Keep DSM and packages updated

Backup and protection

Protect your library with snapshots and a second copy.

• Schedule snapshots on the photo volume
• Back up to a second NAS or cloud provider
• Test restore a small album each month

FAQs

Answers to frequent migration questions.

• Will live photos keep motion
• They may export as paired files, verify after import
• Can I keep Google album structure
• Replicate key albums as folders and shared albums
• Is cloud access still possible
• Yes through the official apps with secure sign in