How do I migrate data between two QNAP NAS?
Last modified date:
2025-11-06
Applicable Products
- All QNAP NAS models
- TR-002, TR-004 external RAID enclosures
Overview
You can migrate data between two QNAP NAS devices using one of the following common methods:
- Copy data directly over the local network.
- Transfer data using a TR-002 / TR-004 DAS as an external USB enclosure.
Each method has specific requirements and limitations, which are described below.
Procedure
Method 1: Copy data over the network
- Connect both NAS devices (e.g., TS-119PII and TS-453E) to the same network.
- On the destination NAS, open File Station and use the Remote Mount feature (i.e. HybridMount app) to mount shared folders from the source NAS via SMB.
- Copy the files and folders to the destination NAS.
This method is straightforward and requires no extra hardware, but transfer speed depends on your network performance.
Method 2: Use the TR-002 / TR-004 as an external USB enclosure
Step 1: Prepare and configure the TR-002 / TR-004 RAID enclosure
- Install disks into the TR-002 / TR-004 and set the mode switch (DIP switch at the rear) to RAID 1 mode. See the External RAID enclosure user guide for details.
- Connect the TR-002 / TR-004 to a Windows PC and format the disks as NTFS.
- Warning: Do not change the mode switch while the enclosure is connected to a NAS. Doing so can cause errors or data loss.
Step 2: Connect the TR-002 / TR-004 to the source NAS and copy data
- Connect the TR-002 / TR-004 to the source NAS via USB.
- Configure the TR-002 / TR-004 as an external storage device on the NAS.
- Copy your data to the TR-002 / TR-004.
- Once copying is complete, safely eject the TR-002 / TR-004.
Step 3: Connect the TR-002 / TR-004 to the destination NAS and restore data
- Connect the TR-002 / TR-004 to the destination NAS via USB.
- Configure it as an external storage device.
- Copy the data to the destination NAS.
Important notes:
- Changing the TR-002 / TR-004 mode switch while it is connected may cause data loss.
- All data on the disks will be deleted when creating a new RAID group. Always back up important data before proceeding.