---
id: bridge-devices.why-cant-bridge-find-my-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/why-cant-bridge-find-my-mac
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Troubleshooting"
question: "Why can't Bridge find my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "SS Bridge says it can't find my Mac"
  - "Bridge not connecting to Mac"
  - "PC can't see my Mac in Bridge"
  - "Bridge connection fails on Windows"
  - "Bridge won't connect at all"
short_answer: "The devices usually can't reach each other. Keep both apps open, use the same Wi-Fi, allow SS Bridge through Windows Firewall on Private networks, re-type the code, and on a hotspot connect from that device."
tags: ["bridge", "troubleshooting", "connection", "windows"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-allow-bridge-through-windows-firewall", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/why-wont-bridge-connect-on-a-mobile-hotspot", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-pairing-didnt-complete-mean"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why can't Bridge find my Mac?

Usually the two devices can't reach each other on the network. Work through this:

1. Make sure Storage Studio is open on the Mac and Bridge is open on the PC.
2. Put both on the same Wi-Fi or network.
3. On Windows, allow **SS Bridge** through Windows Firewall on **Private** networks, and check your Wi-Fi is set as Private.
4. Re-type the connecting code carefully.
5. On different networks, turn on **Find each other automatically**; if one device is on a mobile hotspot, connect from that device.
6. If **Use local network only** is on, both must be on the same network.

- [Windows Firewall](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/how-do-i-allow-bridge-through-windows-firewall)
- [Hotspot](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/why-wont-bridge-connect-on-a-mobile-hotspot)