Finder won't log into a raspberry pi through "Connect to Server"

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Level 1

4 points

Finder won't log into a raspberry pi through "Connect to Server"

MBPro M3 Max. Trying to remotely access files on a raspberry pi on my network. I used Finder and Connect to Server. Entered the local network name for the RPI. I want to connect (I think) as Registered User, and entered my RPI credentials. I did not check remember password, simply because I am cautious. I clicked connect.

Error message is: There was a problem connecting to the server "server name". Check the server name or IP address, and then try again. If you continue to have problems, contact your system administrator.

I am the system and network administrator at home. The message above is a non helpful message. I can ssh into the RPI via the terminal, using the identical credentials that I used in Finder>Connect to Server. I can also access the server via it's web interface. But Finder can't access the server. So what can I do? Yes, I have tried several times... I have used the IP address as well. Either way, I can ssh in, but Finder won't connect. Is there some setting I need to change on Finder? Documentation leads me to believe it should work - but it doesn't work for me.

The topic is Finder, there doesn't seem to be a category for this.

MacBook Pro (M3 Max, 2023)

Posted on Feb 6, 2024 12:37 PM

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Answer 1

bedonewi Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 6, 2024 1:48 PM in response to 0Wishtobefree0

I may yet try some of the above. Fixed my immediate problem using rsync. It doesn't care (much) about file systems.

On the RPI console: $ rsync -avr 64mp.jpg "my name@myMacBookPro.local:Desktop"

Result, 64 mega pixel picture was transfered to my Desktop.

To get the settings right, practice with -avrn instead of -avr. The n stands for dry run. Use quotes as above if your user name has a space. I've been using Linux for 20 years. I did have to lift the shields up on my Mac. May lower them soon, just for good security practice.

Network is fine
Server name and IP are fine - I can ssh using both
How do I restart AFP services? As far as I know, there are no AFP services running on the RPI. It seems I would need to install netatalk https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-afp/
DNS is fine, it works for ssh
Firewall is fine for this connection
Have had to discard old ssh keys, in the past, but there was no indication there was an issue - no error messages
Don't know how to change any format - I just type stuff in. Works for ssh using terminal, should work in Finder, but that's my limited perspective on things.
Server wasn't visible at all. I simply attempted to connect via Go special K.

And thanks for the encouragement. Learned a little along the way - had no idea about netatalk.

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Answer 2

Feb 6, 2024 1:24 PM in response to bedonewi

It's awesome that you're already SSH-ing into your Raspberry Pi and accessing it through the web interface. That shows your networking skills are on point!

Here are a few troubleshooting steps we can try:

1. Check Network Configuration: Make sure that your Mac and Raspberry Pi are on the same local network. Sometimes, network configuration issues can prevent Finder from connecting to the server.

2. Verify Server Name or IP Address: Since you've tried both the server name and IP address without success, let's double-check the spelling and ensure there are no typos. It could be a simple typo causing the connection hiccup.

3. Restart Services: Restart the AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) services on your Raspberry Pi. Sometimes, a service restart can resolve connection issues with Finder.

4. DNS Configuration: Verify that your router's DNS settings are correctly resolving the server name to the IP address. Incorrect DNS configurations can lead to connection problems.

5. Firewall Settings: Check the firewall settings on both your Mac and Raspberry Pi. Make sure that the necessary ports for file sharing are open and that the firewall isn't blocking the connection.

6. Keychain Access: In some cases, the credentials might not be stored correctly in Keychain Access. You can try removing any existing entries related to your Raspberry Pi and try reconnecting with the option to remember the password this time.

7. Credential Format: Ensure that the credentials you're entering in Finder are in the correct format. Sometimes, small inconsistencies in the format can cause authentication failures.

8. Finder Preferences: In Finder, go to Preferences > Sidebar and make sure that the server isn't being excluded from the sidebar. You want to ensure that the server is visible and accessible in Finder.

Remember, troubleshooting can sometimes be a trial-and-error process, so don't get discouraged!

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Answer 3

bedonewi Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 6, 2024 12:57 PM in response to bedonewi

I see. Mac won't connect in general say with sftp. Pretty disappointing. smb, which does me little good, http, https, and nfs. My RPI didn't have ftp installed on it. My Linux computers would connect with no problem, I would just ssh in via the "Finder" and it just worked. I could even remotely open files and work on them.

Kind of disappointing behavior for Finder as this doesn't make my life easier.

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