QNAP NAS Error Code 22: How to Fix It

Medium 1-4 hours (excluding RAID rebuild or Extended SMART test, which can take 6-24+ hours) Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
22
Brand
QNAP
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-4 hours (excluding RAID rebuild or Extended SMART test, which can take 6-24+ hours)
QNAP Error Code 22 means your NAS volume has been automatically switched to read-only mode, which prevents any new files from being written, modified, or deleted. This usually happens when the NAS detects drive errors, file system inconsistencies, or a potential risk of data corruption. While your existing data remains accessible for reading, you must resolve the underlying issue before full read/write access is restored.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 22

  1. Check the Storage Manager for Drive Health

    Do not power off the NAS abruptly during this inspection. Sudden shutdowns can worsen file system damage.

  2. Review the System Logs for Error Details

  3. Run a SMART Test on All Drives

    An Extended SMART test can take several hours. Avoid writing new data to the NAS during this time.

  4. Back Up All Critical Data Immediately

    This is the most important step. Attempting file system repairs without a backup risks permanent data loss if the repair fails or the drive deteriorates further.

  5. Run a File System Check (fsck)

    Running fsck will temporarily make the volume inaccessible. Do not interrupt the process or power off the NAS mid-repair.

  6. Check and Repair the RAID Group

    Never hot-swap a drive unless your QNAP model explicitly supports hot-swapping. Check your device manual first.

  7. Update QTS Firmware and Storage Drivers

    Always back up your NAS configuration before performing a firmware update. Go to Control Panel > Backup/Restore to export a settings backup.

  8. Remount the Volume as Read/Write via SSH (Advanced)

    Only use SSH commands if you are comfortable with the Linux command line. Incorrect commands can cause data loss. Double-check the volume mount path before running the remount command.

  9. Replace Failing Drives if Required

    Use only drives from QNAP's official HDD/SSD compatibility list for your NAS model to avoid compatibility issues. Unplug the NAS from power before physically swapping drives if your model does not support hot-swapping.

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When to Call a Professional

Contact QNAP support or a professional data recovery service if: (1) multiple drives have failed simultaneously, (2) the RAID array cannot be rebuilt, (3) the file system check fails repeatedly or corrupts data, (4) the volume disappears entirely from QTS, or (5) you hear clicking, grinding, or unusual noises from any drive. Do not attempt further DIY repairs if drives are making abnormal sounds — physical damage to drive heads requires specialist clean-room recovery. QNAP's support line and certified data recovery labs are your best options in these scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data when QNAP shows Error Code 22?
Not necessarily. Error Code 22 switches the volume to read-only mode specifically to protect your existing data from further corruption. Your files should still be readable. However, you must resolve the underlying issue — such as bad sectors or file system errors — before the volume returns to normal. Always back up your data immediately while the volume is still readable.
Why did my QNAP volume suddenly become read-only?
QNAP automatically switches a volume to read-only when it detects file system errors, I/O errors from a failing drive, or other signs of potential data corruption. This is a protective mechanism. Common causes include aging hard drives developing bad sectors, unexpected power loss during a write operation, overheating drives, or loose SATA/power cables inside the NAS.
How long does a QNAP RAID rebuild take after replacing a failed drive?
RAID rebuild time depends on the drive capacity and RAID type. For a 4TB drive in a RAID 5 or RAID 6 array, rebuilds typically take 8-24 hours. Larger drives (8TB+) can take 24-48 hours or more. You can monitor rebuild progress in Storage & Snapshots > Storage > RAID Group. The NAS remains accessible during rebuild, but performance will be reduced.
Can I fix QNAP Error Code 22 without losing my data?
In most cases, yes. If the issue is a file system error rather than full drive failure, running the built-in file system check (fsck) often resolves the problem without any data loss. However, if a drive has physically failed, you may need to rebuild the RAID, which could expose data loss risk if another drive also fails during rebuild. Always back up first to minimize risk.
What is the difference between a degraded RAID and a read-only volume on QNAP?
A degraded RAID means one or more drives in the array have failed, but the volume is still accessible using redundancy (e.g., RAID 5 or 6). A read-only volume means QNAP has detected errors serious enough to block all write operations to prevent further corruption — this can happen even on a healthy RAID if the file system itself is damaged. Both situations require prompt attention, but they have different repair steps.

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