How to access shared folder from macOS

Sharing folders facilitates the swift transfer of files between devices on a shared network. Regardless of the operating system, be it Windows, Linux, or another version of macOS, this feature allows seamless communication and file sharing between computers.

Using the SMB protocol, macOS users can easily access folders shared on a network. This protocol ensures compatibility across multiple platforms, making it the ideal choice for mixed OS environments.

On macOS, the built-in Finder application simplifies the process of accessing shared folders. By navigating through the app, users can locate and interact with shared folders with ease.

1. Open Finder application from the Dock.
2. In the Finder menu, click on the Go option and select Connect to Server from the dropdown menu.
3. Enter the IP address or hostname of the sharing device with the prefix smb://. Then click the Connect button.
4. If prompted, choose how you'd like to connect to the server: either as a Guest or by using a registered username and password. Click on the appropriate option and enter the required credentials if necessary.
5. After successfully connecting, select the shared folder you want to access and click OK.
6. The shared folder will now appear in the Finder sidebar under the Shared section. You can access its contents just like any other folder on your Mac.
7. Once you are done accessing the shared folder, right-click (or control-click) on the shared folder in the Finder sidebar and select Eject to disconnect.