Internet access¶
To ensure that none of the accessed data from the gadget is ever forwarded to any remote server, Gadgetbridge does not request the INTERNET permission, meaning it doesn't have (and won't ever have) capability to connect to the internet at all. This is one of the most critical safeguards in the Gadgetbridge permission system, so you could verify by yourself from Android settings even if you can't read the source code.
However, there are valid use cases for adding some form of internet access to Gadgetbridge, like for watch apps retrieving information from the internet, or for downloading firmware/app updates. Next to our privacy focused users we also have a group of users who simply want their devices to work without vendor apps or big tech, and who aren't necessarily as strict when it comes to internet access.
To accomodate both these viewpoints ("absolutely offline" and "some internet access while respecting privacy"), a new integration has been added to Gadgetbridge in early 2026: the internet helper add-on app. If it isn't installed or allowed, nothing changes, Gadgetbridge remains absolutely offline.
Internet helper add-on¶
Not yet released
Support for this feature has been added to Gadgetbridge's codebase, but is not yet released. It is already available in the nightly releases.
If the optional internet helper add-on app is installed and the permission to use it has been granted to Gadgetbridge, several new features become available that were not possible before:
- App store access for Bangle.js and Pebble
- Pebble watch app updates
- Watch app internet access
This short list is what is supported in the initial release, but more internet connected features are already in development.
This addition does not change a thing about the core values of Gadgetbridge: keeping your data yours. No data will ever be sent to vendor's cloud services or big tech companies. Further more, internet access will always remain optional and all related settings turned off by default.
Bangle.js build¶
The separate Bangle.js Gadgetbridge build has always been necessary to use with Bangle.js smartwatches, because the app loader requires internet access. This is not necessary anymore and users now also have the option to use the regular Gadgetbridge build with the internet helper add-on app, without loss of features.
For users installing from Google Play, there is no change planned. Bangle.js Gadgetbridge will remain available and be able to access the internet without add-on app.