---
id: bridge-devices.what-does-use-local-network-only-do
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-use-local-network-only-do
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Staying connected"
question: "What does “Use local network only” do in Bridge?"
alt_questions:
  - "Keep Bridge off the internet"
  - "Bridge LAN only setting"
  - "Can I limit Bridge to my Wi-Fi?"
  - "Local network only Bridge option"
  - "Stop Bridge connecting over the internet"
  - "Bridge Wi-Fi only mode"
short_answer: "It keeps Bridge entirely on your local network: no internet is used to find or reach the other device, so both must be on the same Wi-Fi or LAN. It's off by default."
tags: ["bridge", "settings", "local network", "privacy"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/does-bridge-work-over-the-internet", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-find-each-other-automatically-do"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does “Use local network only” do in Bridge?

It keeps the Bridge link entirely on your local network. With it on, Bridge doesn't use the internet to find or reach the other device, so both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi or wired network.

It's off by default, which lets Bridge also connect when the devices are apart. Turn it on if you only ever use Bridge at home or in one office and prefer it never to leave that network.

You'll find the switch under **Connect a device** in the Devices tab on the Mac, and in the Bridge app's settings. In the Bridge app the change takes effect after you restart Bridge.

- [Does Bridge work over the internet?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/does-bridge-work-over-the-internet)