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There are two ways to use Rsync over Remote SSH:  using the ReadyNAS to push or pull data; or using a remote server to push or pull data with the ReadyNAS.

 

Creating an Rsync over SSH backup job on the ReadyNAS Admin Page

You can use the ReadyNAS to pull data from a server or push data to a server that is running rsync over SSH. Follow the below steps for configuring an rsync over SSH job.

  1. Navigate to your ReadyNAS Admin Page
  2. Go to Backup > Add Backup 
  3. Select remote: Rsync over Remote SSH to use the rsync over SSH options.
  4. Enter host, any custom port (if applicable) share (path), and the username to connect to on the other side. Password is not allowed.
    You can hit test connection to confirm connection, but you'll need the public key added to the destination first. 
  5. Click Next.
  6. Optionally, configure the schedule of this backup job. 
  7. Click Finish.

Now, you need to give the public key from the ReadyNAS and attach it to the authorized_keys file of your remote SSH connection.

Note: This method changed in 6.4.1.

ReadyNAS 6.4.1 and newer

ReadyNAS 6.4.0 and earlier
  1. In the ReadyNAS Admin Page, navigate to System > Settings, and click SSH.
  2. If disabled, check the box to Enable SSH
  3. Click Download SSH key file to get the public key from the ReadyNAS.
    A text file will be downloaded with the public key. Generally, this goes in ~/.ssh/authorized_keys of your destination. 
  4. Click Apply
  1. Edit the backup job you created by clicking Settings. 
  2. Click on the Advanced tab.
  3. Click Download SSH key file...
  4. A text file will be downloaded with the public key. Generally, this goes in ~/.ssh/authorized_keys of your destination. 

To confirm that your connection is successful, edit the Backup job and click Destination, then Test Connection test the connection or click OK to finish. 

If your configuration is incorrect, you will receive an error like "Unable to connect to host." 
 

 

Using a remote host

When connecting to the ReadyNAS from a remote host, import a public key to a user account. We don't recommend using admin/root for security purposes. You can create users under Accounts > Users.

  1. From the ReadyNAS Admin Page, navigate to Accounts > Users.
  2. Create a user, unless one already exists that you'd like to use.
  3. Click the user and click Settings. 
  4. Click the SSH tab. 
  5. Click Import Public Key. 
  6. Click Browse and select your public key. 
    Keys must be uploaded via text file. 
  7. Once your public key is selected, click Upload. 
  8. The public key is now allowed for Rsync over Remote SSH connections. 
     

Note: The RSYNC ONLY checkbox allows users to login strictly for rsync purposes only. To allow full SSH access with that private key, uncheck RSYNC ONLY and check Allow shell access.

Last Updated:07/07/2025 | Article ID: 29929

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