Remote access to USB external HDD connected to my router

[slates149]

Hello community!

I’m hoping there’s some really clever techno people on here that can help me solve my problem with some clear instructions on how to.

I have full fibre BT broadband and a BT Halo router/smart hub. Connected to it via a USB cable is a family used HDD for storing photos. We all use iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) and have the iOS File Browser app installed which after some easy configuration, allows us all to connect into the HDD to upload, move and view photos.

However, we can only do this when on our home WIFI network. So my question is, would it be possible via a VPN or otherwise, to access the HDD when outside the home on other WIFI networks or mobile networks and if so, how do I do it - preferably with instructions that are easy to follow. 

Thank you in anticipation 

[Keith_Beddoe]

@slates149 

Its not possible to access your home hub remotely, by any means. Only BT can do that.

A proper NAS is the only way, or by storing the content on a Cloud service.

[licquorice · Accepted solution]

Indeed, it cannot be done. The drive will reside at the local IP address of the hub which is not accessible externally.

You could always connect the drive to a Raspberry Pi and access it via that.

[slates149]

Thank you guys