I'm trying to view specific folders on my PC, particularly my entire D drive, using my mobile device. I've tried using Tailscale and Syncthing for access, and while those seem okay, I keep facing issues when I attempt to connect. I also tried using Cx File Explorer and Solid Explorer, but I'm encountering login errors via SMB despite entering what I believe is the correct host ID, username, and password. I've even turned off password sharing, which allows me to see my files, but I know that's not secure. Any tips on how to resolve this?
4 Answers
There are various methods to view PC folders on your mobile, but it seems like Tailscale isn't the best tool for direct file access. Syncthing is more about syncing files across devices rather than viewing them directly. If you're set on using SMB, make sure to share the folders properly on your local network first. Once that works, you can try accessing it remotely through Tailscale. Focus on troubleshooting your local access first to ensure everything’s properly configured!
Consider using Chrome Remote Desktop for easy access to your PC, as it allows you to log in and control your machine from your mobile without much hassle. For just browsing files, ensure your share permissions are set correctly, and use an app like Mixplorer or Solid Explorer. Remember, SMBv1 isn't recommended anymore, and it's better to stick with SMB2/3 if possible. If you’re accessing remotely, a VPN like Tailscale is definitely the way to go. Just make sure you have those permissions set up correctly on Windows!
Thanks for the suggestion! I got it to work! Created a new user with different ID and password, and now everything’s working perfectly!
The SMB authentication error often comes down to a few things. First, make sure SMB1 is enabled on your Windows machine, as Cx File Explorer sometimes has issues with SMB3. Also, check your username format—use either computernameusername or just username, depending on your setup. Lastly, ensure your firewall isn't blocking the connection; port 445 should be open. Honestly, if you just want to access your D drive, SMB is the way to go if you can get it set up right. If not, a basic Samba share might be simpler. Let me know what error messages you're getting; that will help narrow it down!
Here's the error I'm seeing: (insert error image). I can access files with Solid Explorer when password sharing is off, but I hit a wall once I turn it back on. Any thoughts?
I had a similar issue. Check if your username format is correct; sometimes a simple typo can throw everything off.
If you’re still experiencing issues, take a moment to check if SMB is actually enabled by going to Control Panel -> Programs -> Turn Windows features on or off. Ensure both SMB 1.1 and 3.1.1 options are checked. Also, instead of the Tailscale host ID, use your local IP address (like 192.168.x.x). That usually clears up most problems. You might also want to disable your firewall temporarily to see if that's blocking the connection. Trying this helped me solve a similar problem recently!
I got it to work! Thanks a ton! I just created a new user with a different ID and password, and it suddenly connected!
I managed to solve it! Thanks for the help!