Permission & Access Issues

How to Save Word Files to a VPN-Connected NAS on Android

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to save Microsoft Word documents directly to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive over a VPN connection using an Android smartphone.

Product: Microsoft Word for Android
Device & OS: Android (Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra)
Scenario: Attempting to save a document to a remote NAS drive while securely connected to the network via VPN.
Observed behavior: Word for Android only displays local storage, OneDrive, and Dropbox as default save locations, lacking native options to directly browse or save to a VPN-connected NAS.

Before you start

Verify that your Android device is actively connected to your VPN and that you can successfully ping or access the NAS drive through a standard web browser or network tool.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Supported NAS File Provider App

Install your NAS manufacturer's official Android app to expose the network drive to Android's built-in file picker system.

Microsoft 365 Android apps do not natively support SMB or direct network drive mapping. However, they do integrate with the Android Storage Access Framework. If your NAS manufacturer provides an app that supports this framework, you can browse your NAS directly from Word.

Install the official NAS app

Download and install the dedicated application for your NAS brand (such as Synology Drive, QNAP Qfile, or WD My Cloud) from the Google Play Store.

Log in via VPN

Ensure your VPN is active, open the NAS app, and log in using your local network IP address and credentials.

Save from Microsoft Word

Open your document in Microsoft Word, tap 'Save As', select 'Browse' (which opens the Android file picker), and select your NAS drive from the sidebar menu to save the file.

File Provider Support: Not all NAS companion apps fully support the Android document provider framework. If your NAS does not appear in the 'Browse' sidebar, you will need to use a manual transfer method.

Solution 2

Save Locally and Transfer Manually

Save the document to your Android device's local storage first, then manually move it to the NAS using a file manager.

Advanced Mobile File Management

Save Documents Directly to Your NAS with WPS Office

Unlike other mobile office apps, WPS Office for Android features built-in support for WebDAV and FTP protocols. This allows you to easily connect directly to your NAS over a VPN and save documents without relying on third-party file managers or complex workarounds.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and open WPS Office on your Android device.
2. Add your NAS via WebDAV/FTP: Go to the 'Open' tab, tap 'Add Cloud Storage', and select either WebDAV or FTP based on your NAS configuration.
3. Enter NAS Credentials: Input your NAS IP address, port, username, and password while connected to your VPN.
4. Save Directly: When editing any document, tap 'Save As' and choose your newly added NAS location to save the file directly to your network drive.

Built-in WebDAV and FTP support for direct NAS and remote server accessFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel, and PowerPoint formatsLightweight, fast, and free to use on Android devicesSeamless integration with third-party cloud drives

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't my NAS appear in Microsoft Word's save locations on Android?

Microsoft 365 mobile apps prioritize native cloud services like OneDrive and SharePoint. They lack built-in SMB (Server Message Block) or WebDAV clients, meaning they cannot directly scan or map local network drives over a VPN without third-party file provider integration.

Can I sync my NAS with OneDrive to bypass this issue?

Yes. Most modern NAS devices (like Synology or QNAP) offer cloud synchronization apps. You can configure your NAS to continuously sync a specific folder with your Microsoft OneDrive account. You can then save documents to OneDrive in Word, and the NAS will automatically pull the file down to your local storage.

Do I absolutely need a VPN to save files to my NAS remotely?

If your NAS is not exposed to the public internet (which is highly recommended for security), you must establish a VPN connection to access the local network safely. Exposing your NAS directly to the internet without a VPN significantly increases the risk of cyberattacks.

Document & File Issues