---
id: data-transfers.connecting-to-device-takes-a-few-seconds
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/connecting-to-device-takes-a-few-seconds
category: "Data Transfers"
subcategory: "Paired devices and plan storage"
question: "Why does a “Connecting to…” card appear when I browse a paired device?"
alt_questions:
  - "Connecting to device setting up a secure link"
  - "browse other Mac slow to open"
  - "secure link over the tunnel message"
  - "waiting to connect to my other Mac"
short_answer: "Storage Studio is setting up a secure link to the device before showing its folders, which takes a few seconds. The folder browser opens when it's ready, or you'll see a note if the device can't be reached."
tags: ["bridge", "devices", "connecting"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-a-paired-device", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/paired-device-isnt-reachable"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Why does a “Connecting to…” card appear when I browse a paired device?

Before the folder browser can show another device's folders, Storage Studio sets up a secure link to it. That takes a few seconds, so a *"Connecting to …"* card covers the sheet while it happens, letting you know it's working.

When the link is ready, the folder browser opens with the device's name at the top. If it can't connect, you'll see a note that the device isn't reachable, with what to check.

Related: [Transfer to a paired device](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-a-paired-device) · [Device isn't reachable](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/paired-device-isnt-reachable)