---
id: bridge-devices.why-does-my-device-say-internet-instead-of-local-network
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/why-does-my-device-say-internet-instead-of-local-network
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Troubleshooting"
question: "Why does my Bridge device say “Internet” when both are at home?"
alt_questions:
  - "Bridge connected over Internet not Local network"
  - "Local network label missing"
  - "Bridge not using my Wi-Fi"
  - "Devices on the same network show Internet"
  - "Force Bridge to use local network"
short_answer: "It means the devices reached each other over the internet, usually because they aren't really on the same network — a guest network, VPN or hotspot. Put both on the same network and reconnect, or turn on Use local network only."
tags: ["bridge", "troubleshooting", "local network"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-use-local-network-only-do", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-do-direct-and-slower-mean-on-the-path-line", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-do-bridge-status-messages-mean"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does my Bridge device say “Internet” when both are at home?

The status line shows **Local network** or **Internet** depending on how the two devices actually reached each other. If it says Internet at home, they probably aren't on the same network — for example, one is on a guest network, a different band set up as a separate network, a VPN, or a mobile hotspot.

Put both on the same Wi-Fi or wired network and reconnect. If you never want Bridge to go over the internet, turn on **Use local network only**.

- [Local network only](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-does-use-local-network-only-do)
- [The Path line](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-do-direct-and-slower-mean-on-the-path-line)