Files gives read only access to SMB drive

I am using Files to connect to a WD MyBookLive 1TB drive from my iPhone 14 (iOS 18.1). I’m connecting as the admin user on the WD drive but I just get read only access. If I access the WD drive from my MacBook Air using the same admin user I get read/write access. Why can’t I get write access from my iPhone?

iPhone 14, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 29, 2024 5:54 AM

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3 replies

Dec 29, 2024 9:02 AM in response to RoyNic

To enable read-write access to a USB drive connected to your router via SMB on your iPhone running iOS 18, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check Router Settings:
    1. Access your router's administration interface via a web browser.
    2. Navigate to the USB or storage settings where the SMB share is configured.
    3. Ensure that the share permissions are set to allow read and write access for the user account you are using to connect.
  2. Verify SMB Share Permissions:
    1. Ensure the SMB share on your router is not set to read-only.
    2. Check the user permissions and make sure they include both read and write access.
  3. Update Router Firmware:
    1. Ensure your router's firmware is up to date. Sometimes firmware updates can fix compatibility issues with SMB sharing.
  4. Connect with Correct Credentials:
    1. Make sure you are using the correct username and password for the SMB share that has read-write permissions.
  5. iOS Device Settings:
    1. Go to Settings > Files on your iOS device.
    2. Under Browse > Connect to Server, enter the SMB address of your router.
    3. Enter the correct credentials when prompted and ensure you are logging in with an account that has read-write permissions.
  6. Check File System Compatibility: While FAT32 is generally supported, ensure the USB drive is not corrupted and is properly recognized by the router.


Dec 29, 2024 9:00 AM in response to RoyNic

How are connected through a router or cable is not clear from your post.


Connect external storage devices to iPhone. You can use the Files app and other supported apps to access files stored on external devices, such as USB ...


Connect external storage devices to iPhone


Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.


Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.



Dec 30, 2024 5:28 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thank you for your response. I am using “Connect To Server” and an smb protocol to connect to my WD drive. So I would be connecting over my WiFi. I am using the same connection method on my MacBook Air only via Finder. If there was a problem with the router settings then wouldn’t I have read only access on my MacBook? However if I have read write access on the MacBook.

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Files gives read only access to SMB drive

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