---
id: bridge-devices.pair-another-mac-running-storage-studio-first
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/pair-another-mac-running-storage-studio-first
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Collab Sync"
question: "What does “Pair another Mac running Storage Studio first” mean in Collab Sync?"
alt_questions:
  - "Collab Sync has no Macs to choose"
  - "Can't add a synced folder"
  - "Collab Sync needs pairing"
  - "Choose a Mac list is empty"
  - "Collab Sync without a paired Mac"
short_answer: "Collab Sync needs a Mac already paired through Bridge, and there isn't one yet. Pair another Mac running Storage Studio in the Devices tab, then add your synced folder."
tags: ["collab sync", "pairing", "error"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-pair-two-macs-running-storage-studio", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-set-up-collab-sync"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does “Pair another Mac running Storage Studio first” mean in Collab Sync?

Collab Sync can only mirror a folder with a Mac you've already paired through Bridge, and none is paired yet. Pair the two Macs first, then come back and add a synced folder.

The other Mac must be running Storage Studio — a Windows PC with the Bridge app can't be chosen here.

- [Pair two Macs](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-pair-two-macs-running-storage-studio)
- [Set up Collab Sync](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-set-up-collab-sync)