How to access a network share from an Apple Macintosh computer

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In this video, we’ll show you how to access a network share from an Apple Mac computer. But as there are two ways to do this, we’ll show you both. First, we’ll show you the most reliable way, and then we’ll show you the easiest way.

Note: Apple Macintosh computers will by default use Server Message Block (SMB) as its main protocol for accessing network shares. This is in line with Windows and Linux that also use SMB as their network sharing protocol. However, in order to access a network share from your Apple Macintosh computer, you will need the following information:

The sub-domain name or IP address of your file server.
A valid username and password in order to access your File Server
The name of the network share you wish to access.

From the desktop of macOS select Go from the menu bar of Finder
Locate and choose Connect to Server from the drop down menu
Now in the Connect to Server window type the following:

\\myfileservehostname or \\192.168.xxx.xxx

Note: You will need to type two back slashes, to inform macOS that it is looking to connect to a network share.

If you want to connect to a specific network share. Type another back slash and then enter the name of the network share you wish to connect to. For example

\\192.168.xxx.xxx\Public

Next click on Connect
You will now be prompted to enter the username and password for someone authorised to access network shares on your file server

Note: If you tick the check box, “Remember this password in my keychain“. Your computer will no longer prompt you for user credentials in order to access your network shares.

By selecting Connect, a Finder window will open displaying the contents of your network share

You can also use Finder to browse for network shares on an Apple Macintosh computer. However, while browsing for network shares is more user friendly. We find it to be less reliable than using the Connect to Server command in the Finder menu bar.
When prompted for user credentials, enter a valid username and password to your file server
Locate and select Finder from the Dock of macOS
In the sidebar of Finder you will find a heading called Locations
If your Apple Macintosh computer can see your file server, by clicking on Network you file server should be listed along with other devices connected to your network
When you select your file server from the list, you should see a secondary list of network shares
If a list of your network shares is not displayed, click Connect As