Why is Synology NAS Not Hibernating? How to Fix?

Hibernation is a crucial feature for a Synology NAS, allowing the device to conserve energy and reduce wear on the hard drives when not in use. However, if your Synology NAS is not hibernating as expected, it could be due to several factors. We have written this article to help you fix the problem when the Synology NAS fails to hibernate. You can take the help of this post no matter whether you are facing issues with Synology DSM 7.2 or another NAS device.

Why NAS Should be Hibernated?

Hibernation helps in improving the lifespan of hard drives and reduces energy consumption by putting the NAS into a low-power state during periods of inactivity. When a NAS fails to hibernate, it operates all the time, that then results in higher energy costs and a shorter hardware lifespan.

Note: Continuous operation of hard drive LEDs, audible noise from spinning hard drives even during inactivity, and increased power consumption and heat output and some common symptoms of Synology NAS being failed to hibernate.

What to Do to Fix Synology NAS Hibernation Issues?

Check the Hibernation Settings First

You should start the troubleshooting process by checking the hibernation mode settings on your Synology NAS drive. Here is what you are supposed to do:

• Log in to your Synology DSM interface.
• Navigate to Hardware & Power > HDD Hibernation.
• Ensure that the hibernation settings are enabled and configured correctly for your desired inactivity period.

Verify the Active Services on NAS

Some services might prevent hibernation. Check active services such as file sharing, multimedia services, or surveillance applications. Temporarily disable services that are not in use and observe if the NAS starts to hibernate.

Check the Network and Device Activity

Use the Resource Monitor in DSM to check for any ongoing network activity that might be preventing hibernation.

You are suggested to disconnect unnecessary devices from the network that might be polling the NAS every now and then.

Have a Look at the Application Logs

Applications like download managers, media servers, or third-party applications can prevent hibernation by accessing the disks. We recommend you to review logs to identify applications that frequently access the disk. You should disable or adjust the settings of these applications to reduce their activity.

Review Disk Activity

In DSM, go to Resource Monitor > Disk to see which processes are accessing the disks. You can access your DSM with the help of the Synology NAS login IP or URL. After that, check for scheduled tasks like backups, indexing, or virus scans that might be running frequently and preventing hibernation. Adjust the schedule to times when the NAS is typically in use.

Services like Media Server, Photo Station, or Video Station can keep the disks active due to constant indexing. Adjust the indexing settings or schedule them during active hours to prevent them from interfering with hibernation.

Check the External Devices Connected to NAS

External USB drives or printers connected to the NAS can prevent hibernation. Disconnect these devices and check if the NAS hibernates.

Similar to USB devices, network printers can keep the NAS awake. Ensure they are not configured to use the NAS as a print server unless necessary.

Verify the System Logs

Review system logs in DSM under Log Center. Look for any errors or warnings that might indicate issues preventing hibernation. Identify patterns in the logs that correlate with periods when the NAS fails to hibernate.

In a Nutshell

Ensuring your Synology NAS hibernates correctly involves a combination of verifying settings, monitoring network and disk activity, and adjusting application configurations. By systematically checking each potential factor and adjusting as necessary, you can resolve hibernation issues and ensure your NAS operates efficiently. This approach not only saves energy but also prolongs the life of your device.