Connecting to your TimeCapsule from the Internet

These details apply to TimeCapsule and to AirportExtreme devices with attached USB hard drives configured with the most recent OSX Airport Utility (version 6.0) - where 'TimeCapsule' is mentioned below, if you have an AirportExtreme, the same applies.

These instructions assume that you have already successfully configured and connected FileBrowser to your Time Capsule locally.

Connecting remotely requires more configuration than a local connection. If you have a VPN to your home network, the settings for local TimeCapsule access should allow you to connect with no additional configuration.

If not, you must use Port Forwarding - the following instructions detail how to configure your TIme Capsule for access via this method. These instructions assume that your TimeCapsule is also your router, and its local IP address is 10.0.1.1 (substitute a different address if yours is not quite the same)

When you launch the AirPort Utility you should see a screen like this. If your screen looks different click here.

Configuring TimeCapsule for Remote Access guide

These instructions help you to connect using the Internet IP address of your TimeCapsule. If you have not purchased a static IP address from your ISP) you will need to use a service such as noip.com or dyndns.org - Once you have obtained a domain name from one of these services (they are free), replace the external IP address with this domain name.

Start the AirPort Utility and on the main page, click on the TimeCapsule icon to reveal a popup (not shown) - the IP address will be listed in the popup. In this example we will use the address 86.19.62.26 but yours will be different

Then select 'Edit' on the popup. NOTE If you then select the Internet tab, the IP address of the router is also shown.

Enable File Sharing

  1. Select the "Disks" tab.
  2. Ensure that "Enable file sharing" is ticked.
  3. Ensure that "Share disks over WAN" is ticked.

Add a port-forwarding rule to your TimeCapsule:

  1. Select the Network Tab.
  2. Click the "+" icon under the "Port Mapping" section.
  1. In the config window that appears, enter the following:
    • Select an entry in the Description drop down - for example 'Personal File Sharing' (This step is essential or you will not be able to save the rule)
    • Modify the text in the description to something such as "External SMB on 20445".
  2. The modify the other fields to the following:
    • Public UDP Ports: blank
    • Public TCP Ports: 20445
    • Private IP Address: 10.0.1.1

      (substitute a different address if yours is not quite the same) - to find your TimeCapsule's IP address look on the first page that is displayed on the AirPort Utility here.

    • Private UDP Ports: blank
    • Private TCP Ports: 445
  3. Click "Save".

Click the update button.

Connect using FileBrowser

  1. Create a new Location in FileBrowser
  2. In the "Address" field, enter the IP Address from screenshot 2 above or your dyndns / no-ip domain name if you have one.
  3. Expand "Show More settings" and set the Username and Password fields depending on how you configured file sharing in the 'Enable File Sharing' section above.
  4. Expand the "Advanced Settings" and change the "SMB Port Number" to "20445"
  5. Save these settings
  6. Tap the new location to connect.