Bridge & your devices · Staying connected
What does “Find each other automatically” do in Bridge?
Short answer: It helps two devices on different networks find each other when the code alone won't connect, such as on a mobile hotspot. Only finding happens there — your files and clipboard still go directly between your devices, end-to-end encrypted.
It helps two devices on different networks locate each other when the connecting code alone won't link them — for example when one is on a mobile hotspot. It's on unless you switch it off.
It only helps the devices find one another. Your files and clipboard never pass through it: they still travel directly between your devices, end-to-end encrypted. We don't publish the details of how devices locate each other, but that's what it means for you.
It can't be used together with Use local network only, which keeps Bridge off the internet entirely.