---
id: bridge-devices.does-bridge-use-data-when-idle
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/does-bridge-use-data-when-idle
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Staying connected"
question: "Does Bridge use data or bandwidth when I'm not sending anything?"
alt_questions:
  - "Bridge idle bandwidth"
  - "Will Bridge eat my mobile data?"
  - "How much data does an idle Bridge link use?"
  - "Bridge on metered connection"
  - "Does a connected device use the internet constantly?"
short_answer: "Very little — an idle link only sends a tiny keep-alive about every 20 seconds. Files move only when you share them, and large ones only when you click to receive. Disconnect or shorten “Keep connected for” on metered connections."
tags: ["bridge", "data usage", "connection"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-is-the-bridge-heartbeat", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-keep-connected-for-do"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Does Bridge use data or bandwidth when I'm not sending anything?

Very little. While a device is connected, Bridge only sends a tiny keep-alive about every 20 seconds so both sides know the link is healthy. Files and clipboard items move only when you share them, and large files only when you click to receive them.

On a metered connection, set **Keep connected for** to a short time, or **Disconnect** the device when you're done.

- [The heartbeat](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-is-the-bridge-heartbeat)
- [Keep connected for](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-keep-connected-for-do)