diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.swift
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..6147bbfd2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+import Foundation
+
+enum BridgeDiscoveryPreferences {
+    private static let preferredStableIDKey = "bridge.preferredStableID"
+
+    static func preferredStableID() -> String? {
+        let raw = UserDefaults.standard.string(forKey: self.preferredStableIDKey)
+        let trimmed = raw?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+        return trimmed?.isEmpty == false ? trimmed : nil
+    }
+
+    static func setPreferredStableID(_ stableID: String?) {
+        let trimmed = stableID?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+        if let trimmed, !trimmed.isEmpty {
+            UserDefaults.standard.set(trimmed, forKey: self.preferredStableIDKey)
+        } else {
+            UserDefaults.standard.removeObject(forKey: self.preferredStableIDKey)
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/BridgeEndpointID.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/BridgeEndpointID.swift
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..189e6775a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/BridgeEndpointID.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+import ClawdisKit
+import Foundation
+import Network
+
+enum BridgeEndpointID {
+    static func stableID(_ endpoint: NWEndpoint) -> String {
+        switch endpoint {
+        case let .service(name, type, domain, _):
+            // Keep stable across encoded/decoded differences (e.g. \032 for spaces).
+            let normalizedName = Self.normalizeServiceNameForID(name)
+            return "\(type)|\(domain)|\(normalizedName)"
+        default:
+            return String(describing: endpoint)
+        }
+    }
+
+    static func prettyDescription(_ endpoint: NWEndpoint) -> String {
+        BonjourEscapes.decode(String(describing: endpoint))
+    }
+
+    private static func normalizeServiceNameForID(_ rawName: String) -> String {
+        let decoded = BonjourEscapes.decode(rawName)
+        let normalized = decoded.split(whereSeparator: \.isWhitespace).joined(separator: " ")
+        return normalized.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/MasterDiscoveryMenu.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GatewayDiscoveryMenu.swift
similarity index 75%
rename from apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/MasterDiscoveryMenu.swift
rename to apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GatewayDiscoveryMenu.swift
index 3247556ff..f486d413e 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/MasterDiscoveryMenu.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GatewayDiscoveryMenu.swift
@@ -1,12 +1,10 @@
 import SwiftUI
 
-// “master” is part of the discovery protocol naming; keep UI components consistent.
-// swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-struct MasterDiscoveryInlineList: View {
-    var discovery: MasterDiscoveryModel
+struct GatewayDiscoveryInlineList: View {
+    var discovery: GatewayDiscoveryModel
     var currentTarget: String?
-    var onSelect: (MasterDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredMaster) -> Void
-    @State private var hoveredGatewayID: MasterDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredMaster.ID?
+    var onSelect: (GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> Void
+    @State private var hoveredGatewayID: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway.ID?
 
     var body: some View {
         VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 6) {
@@ -19,16 +17,16 @@ struct MasterDiscoveryInlineList: View {
                     .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
             }
 
-            if self.discovery.masters.isEmpty {
+            if self.discovery.gateways.isEmpty {
                 Text("No gateways found yet.")
                     .font(.caption)
                     .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
             } else {
                 VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 6) {
-                    ForEach(self.discovery.masters.prefix(6)) { gateway in
+                    ForEach(self.discovery.gateways.prefix(6)) { gateway in
                         let target = self.suggestedSSHTarget(gateway)
-                        let selected = target != nil && self.currentTarget?
-                            .trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) == target
+                        let selected = (target != nil && self.currentTarget?
+                            .trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines) == target)
 
                         Button {
                             withAnimation(.spring(response: 0.25, dampingFraction: 0.9)) {
@@ -41,13 +39,11 @@ struct MasterDiscoveryInlineList: View {
                                         .font(.callout.weight(.semibold))
                                         .lineLimit(1)
                                         .truncationMode(.tail)
-                                    if let target {
-                                        Text(target)
-                                            .font(.caption.monospaced())
-                                            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
-                                            .lineLimit(1)
-                                            .truncationMode(.middle)
-                                    }
+                                    Text(target ?? "Bridge pairing only")
+                                        .font(.caption.monospaced())
+                                        .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                                        .lineLimit(1)
+                                        .truncationMode(.middle)
                                 }
                                 Spacer(minLength: 0)
                                 if selected {
@@ -89,7 +85,7 @@ struct MasterDiscoveryInlineList: View {
         .help("Click a discovered gateway to fill the SSH target.")
     }
 
-    private func suggestedSSHTarget(_ gateway: MasterDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredMaster) -> String? {
+    private func suggestedSSHTarget(_ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> String? {
         let host = gateway.tailnetDns ?? gateway.lanHost
         guard let host else { return nil }
         let user = NSUserName()
@@ -107,24 +103,23 @@ struct MasterDiscoveryInlineList: View {
     }
 }
 
-// swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-struct MasterDiscoveryMenu: View {
-    var discovery: MasterDiscoveryModel
-    var onSelect: (MasterDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredMaster) -> Void
+struct GatewayDiscoveryMenu: View {
+    var discovery: GatewayDiscoveryModel
+    var onSelect: (GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> Void
 
     var body: some View {
         Menu {
-            if self.discovery.masters.isEmpty {
+            if self.discovery.gateways.isEmpty {
                 Button(self.discovery.statusText) {}
                     .disabled(true)
             } else {
-                ForEach(self.discovery.masters) { gateway in
+                ForEach(self.discovery.gateways) { gateway in
                     Button(gateway.displayName) { self.onSelect(gateway) }
                 }
             }
         } label: {
             Image(systemName: "dot.radiowaves.left.and.right")
         }
-        .help("Discover Clawdis masters on your LAN")
+        .help("Discover Clawdis gateways on your LAN")
     }
 }
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GatewayDiscoveryModel.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GatewayDiscoveryModel.swift
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..173a6f56e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GatewayDiscoveryModel.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+import ClawdisKit
+import Foundation
+import Network
+import Observation
+
+@MainActor
+@Observable
+final class GatewayDiscoveryModel {
+    struct DiscoveredGateway: Identifiable, Equatable {
+        var id: String { self.stableID }
+        var displayName: String
+        var lanHost: String?
+        var tailnetDns: String?
+        var sshPort: Int
+        var stableID: String
+        var debugID: String
+    }
+
+    var gateways: [DiscoveredGateway] = []
+    var statusText: String = "Idle"
+
+    private var browsers: [String: NWBrowser] = [:]
+    private var gatewaysByDomain: [String: [DiscoveredGateway]] = [:]
+    private var statesByDomain: [String: NWBrowser.State] = [:]
+
+    func start() {
+        if !self.browsers.isEmpty { return }
+
+        for domain in ClawdisBonjour.bridgeServiceDomains {
+            let params = NWParameters.tcp
+            params.includePeerToPeer = true
+            let browser = NWBrowser(
+                for: .bonjour(type: ClawdisBonjour.bridgeServiceType, domain: domain),
+                using: params)
+
+            browser.stateUpdateHandler = { [weak self] state in
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    guard let self else { return }
+                    self.statesByDomain[domain] = state
+                    self.updateStatusText()
+                }
+            }
+
+            browser.browseResultsChangedHandler = { [weak self] results, _ in
+                Task { @MainActor in
+                    guard let self else { return }
+                    self.gatewaysByDomain[domain] = results.compactMap { result -> DiscoveredGateway? in
+                        guard case let .service(name, _, _, _) = result.endpoint else { return nil }
+
+                        let decodedName = BonjourEscapes.decode(name)
+                        let txt = Self.txtDictionary(from: result)
+
+                        let advertisedName = txt["displayName"]
+                            .map(Self.prettifyInstanceName)
+                            .flatMap { $0.isEmpty ? nil : $0 }
+                        let prettyName = advertisedName ?? Self.prettifyInstanceName(decodedName)
+
+                        var lanHost: String?
+                        var tailnetDns: String?
+                        var sshPort = 22
+
+                        if let value = txt["lanHost"] {
+                            let trimmed = value.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+                            lanHost = trimmed.isEmpty ? nil : trimmed
+                        }
+                        if let value = txt["tailnetDns"] {
+                            let trimmed = value.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+                            tailnetDns = trimmed.isEmpty ? nil : trimmed
+                        }
+                        if let value = txt["sshPort"],
+                           let parsed = Int(value.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)),
+                           parsed > 0
+                        {
+                            sshPort = parsed
+                        }
+
+                        return DiscoveredGateway(
+                            displayName: prettyName,
+                            lanHost: lanHost,
+                            tailnetDns: tailnetDns,
+                            sshPort: sshPort,
+                            stableID: BridgeEndpointID.stableID(result.endpoint),
+                            debugID: BridgeEndpointID.prettyDescription(result.endpoint))
+                    }
+                    .sorted { $0.displayName.localizedCaseInsensitiveCompare($1.displayName) == .orderedAscending }
+
+                    self.recomputeGateways()
+                }
+            }
+
+            self.browsers[domain] = browser
+            browser.start(queue: DispatchQueue(label: "com.steipete.clawdis.macos.gateway-discovery.\(domain)"))
+        }
+    }
+
+    func stop() {
+        for browser in self.browsers.values {
+            browser.cancel()
+        }
+        self.browsers = [:]
+        self.gatewaysByDomain = [:]
+        self.statesByDomain = [:]
+        self.gateways = []
+        self.statusText = "Stopped"
+    }
+
+    private func recomputeGateways() {
+        self.gateways = self.gatewaysByDomain.values
+            .flatMap(\.self)
+            .sorted { $0.displayName.localizedCaseInsensitiveCompare($1.displayName) == .orderedAscending }
+    }
+
+    private func updateStatusText() {
+        let states = Array(self.statesByDomain.values)
+        if states.isEmpty {
+            self.statusText = self.browsers.isEmpty ? "Idle" : "Setup"
+            return
+        }
+
+        if let failed = states.first(where: { state in
+            if case .failed = state { return true }
+            return false
+        }) {
+            if case let .failed(err) = failed {
+                self.statusText = "Failed: \(err)"
+                return
+            }
+        }
+
+        if let waiting = states.first(where: { state in
+            if case .waiting = state { return true }
+            return false
+        }) {
+            if case let .waiting(err) = waiting {
+                self.statusText = "Waiting: \(err)"
+                return
+            }
+        }
+
+        if states.contains(where: { if case .ready = $0 { true } else { false } }) {
+            self.statusText = "Searching…"
+            return
+        }
+
+        if states.contains(where: { if case .setup = $0 { true } else { false } }) {
+            self.statusText = "Setup"
+            return
+        }
+
+        self.statusText = "Searching…"
+    }
+
+    private static func txtDictionary(from result: NWBrowser.Result) -> [String: String] {
+        guard case let .bonjour(txt) = result.metadata else { return [:] }
+        return txt.dictionary
+    }
+
+    private static func prettifyInstanceName(_ decodedName: String) -> String {
+        let normalized = decodedName.split(whereSeparator: \.isWhitespace).joined(separator: " ")
+        let stripped = normalized.replacingOccurrences(of: " (Clawdis)", with: "")
+            .replacingOccurrences(of: #"\s+\(\d+\)$"#, with: "", options: .regularExpression)
+        return stripped.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GeneralSettings.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GeneralSettings.swift
index 9b0a5aee0..a1fbc56e1 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GeneralSettings.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/GeneralSettings.swift
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ struct GeneralSettings: View {
     private let healthStore = HealthStore.shared
     private let gatewayManager = GatewayProcessManager.shared
     // swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-    @State private var masterDiscovery = MasterDiscoveryModel()
+    @State private var gatewayDiscovery = GatewayDiscoveryModel()
     @State private var isInstallingCLI = false
     @State private var cliStatus: String?
     @State private var cliInstalled = false
@@ -152,11 +152,11 @@ struct GeneralSettings: View {
                     .trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).isEmpty)
             }
 
-            MasterDiscoveryInlineList(
-                discovery: self.masterDiscovery,
+            GatewayDiscoveryInlineList(
+                discovery: self.gatewayDiscovery,
                 currentTarget: self.state.remoteTarget)
-            { master in
-                self.applyDiscoveredMaster(master)
+            { gateway in
+                self.applyDiscoveredGateway(gateway)
             }
             .padding(.leading, 58)
 
@@ -210,8 +210,8 @@ struct GeneralSettings: View {
                 .lineLimit(1)
         }
         .transition(.opacity)
-        .onAppear { self.masterDiscovery.start() }
-        .onDisappear { self.masterDiscovery.stop() }
+        .onAppear { self.gatewayDiscovery.start() }
+        .onDisappear { self.gatewayDiscovery.stop() }
     }
 
     private var controlStatusLine: String {
@@ -599,13 +599,15 @@ extension GeneralSettings {
     }
 
     // swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-    private func applyDiscoveredMaster(_ master: MasterDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredMaster) {
-        let host = master.tailnetDns ?? master.lanHost
+    private func applyDiscoveredGateway(_ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) {
+        MacNodeModeCoordinator.shared.setPreferredBridgeStableID(gateway.stableID)
+
+        let host = gateway.tailnetDns ?? gateway.lanHost
         guard let host else { return }
         let user = NSUserName()
         var target = "\(user)@\(host)"
-        if master.sshPort != 22 {
-            target += ":\(master.sshPort)"
+        if gateway.sshPort != 22 {
+            target += ":\(gateway.sshPort)"
         }
         self.state.remoteTarget = target
     }
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/MasterDiscoveryModel.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/MasterDiscoveryModel.swift
deleted file mode 100644
index 128468d35..000000000
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/MasterDiscoveryModel.swift
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,109 +0,0 @@
-import Foundation
-import Network
-import Observation
-
-// We use “master” as the on-the-wire service name; keep the model aligned with the protocol/docs.
-@MainActor
-@Observable
-// swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-final class MasterDiscoveryModel {
-    // swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-    struct DiscoveredMaster: Identifiable, Equatable {
-        var id: String { self.debugID }
-        var displayName: String
-        var lanHost: String?
-        var tailnetDns: String?
-        var sshPort: Int
-        var debugID: String
-    }
-
-    // swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-    var masters: [DiscoveredMaster] = []
-    var statusText: String = "Idle"
-
-    private var browser: NWBrowser?
-
-    private static let serviceType = "_clawdis-master._tcp"
-    private static let serviceDomain = "local."
-
-    func start() {
-        if self.browser != nil { return }
-
-        let params = NWParameters.tcp
-        params.includePeerToPeer = true
-
-        let browser = NWBrowser(for: .bonjour(type: Self.serviceType, domain: Self.serviceDomain), using: params)
-
-        browser.stateUpdateHandler = { [weak self] state in
-            Task { @MainActor in
-                guard let self else { return }
-                switch state {
-                case .setup:
-                    self.statusText = "Setup"
-                case .ready:
-                    self.statusText = "Searching…"
-                case let .failed(err):
-                    self.statusText = "Failed: \(err)"
-                case .cancelled:
-                    self.statusText = "Stopped"
-                case let .waiting(err):
-                    self.statusText = "Waiting: \(err)"
-                @unknown default:
-                    self.statusText = "Unknown"
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        browser.browseResultsChangedHandler = { [weak self] results, _ in
-            Task { @MainActor in
-                guard let self else { return }
-                self.masters = results.compactMap { result -> DiscoveredMaster? in
-                    guard case let .service(name, _, _, _) = result.endpoint else { return nil }
-
-                    var lanHost: String?
-                    var tailnetDns: String?
-                    var sshPort = 22
-                    if case let .bonjour(txt) = result.metadata {
-                        let dict = txt.dictionary
-                        if let value = dict["lanHost"] {
-                            let trimmed = value.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
-                            lanHost = trimmed.isEmpty ? nil : trimmed
-                        }
-                        if let value = dict["tailnetDns"] {
-                            let trimmed = value.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)
-                            tailnetDns = trimmed.isEmpty ? nil : trimmed
-                        }
-                        if let value = dict["sshPort"],
-                           let parsed = Int(value.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines)),
-                           parsed > 0
-                        {
-                            sshPort = parsed
-                        }
-                    }
-
-                    return DiscoveredMaster(
-                        displayName: name,
-                        lanHost: lanHost,
-                        tailnetDns: tailnetDns,
-                        sshPort: sshPort,
-                        debugID: Self.prettyEndpointDebugID(result.endpoint))
-                }
-                .sorted { $0.displayName.localizedCaseInsensitiveCompare($1.displayName) == .orderedAscending }
-            }
-        }
-
-        self.browser = browser
-        browser.start(queue: DispatchQueue(label: "com.steipete.clawdis.macos.master-discovery"))
-    }
-
-    func stop() {
-        self.browser?.cancel()
-        self.browser = nil
-        self.masters = []
-        self.statusText = "Stopped"
-    }
-
-    private static func prettyEndpointDebugID(_ endpoint: NWEndpoint) -> String {
-        String(describing: endpoint)
-    }
-}
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodeMode/MacNodeModeCoordinator.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodeMode/MacNodeModeCoordinator.swift
index c95883fd9..cd2f02d98 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodeMode/MacNodeModeCoordinator.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodeMode/MacNodeModeCoordinator.swift
@@ -28,6 +28,11 @@ final class MacNodeModeCoordinator {
         self.tunnel = nil
     }
 
+    func setPreferredBridgeStableID(_ stableID: String?) {
+        BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.setPreferredStableID(stableID)
+        Task { await self.session.disconnect() }
+    }
+
     private func run() async {
         var retryDelay: UInt64 = 1_000_000_000
         var lastCameraEnabled: Bool? = nil
@@ -132,10 +137,13 @@ final class MacNodeModeCoordinator {
         guard text.contains("NOT_PAIRED") || text.contains("UNAUTHORIZED") else { return false }
 
         do {
+            let shouldSilent = await MainActor.run {
+                AppStateStore.shared.connectionMode == .remote
+            }
             let token = try await MacNodeBridgePairingClient().pairAndHello(
                 endpoint: endpoint,
                 hello: self.makeHello(),
-                silent: true,
+                silent: shouldSilent,
                 onStatus: { [weak self] status in
                     self?.logger.info("mac node pairing: \(status, privacy: .public)")
                 })
@@ -209,6 +217,19 @@ final class MacNodeModeCoordinator {
                     for: .bonjour(type: ClawdisBonjour.bridgeServiceType, domain: domain),
                     using: params)
                 browser.browseResultsChangedHandler = { results, _ in
+                    let preferred = BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.preferredStableID()
+                    if let preferred,
+                       let match = results.first(where: {
+                           if case .service = $0.endpoint {
+                               return BridgeEndpointID.stableID($0.endpoint) == preferred
+                           }
+                           return false
+                       })
+                    {
+                        state.finish(match.endpoint)
+                        return
+                    }
+
                     if let result = results.first(where: { if case .service = $0.endpoint { true } else { false } }) {
                         state.finish(result.endpoint)
                     }
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodePairingApprovalPrompter.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodePairingApprovalPrompter.swift
index 6ec06468e..d9f44752b 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodePairingApprovalPrompter.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/NodePairingApprovalPrompter.swift
@@ -517,20 +517,22 @@ final class NodePairingApprovalPrompter {
             return SSHTarget(host: host, port: port)
         }
 
-        let model = MasterDiscoveryModel()
+        let model = GatewayDiscoveryModel()
         model.start()
         defer { model.stop() }
 
         let deadline = Date().addingTimeInterval(5.0)
-        while model.masters.isEmpty, Date() < deadline {
+        while model.gateways.isEmpty, Date() < deadline {
             try? await Task.sleep(nanoseconds: 200_000_000)
         }
 
-        guard let master = model.masters.first else { return nil }
-        let host = (master.tailnetDns?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).nonEmpty ??
-            master.lanHost?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).nonEmpty)
+        let preferred = BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.preferredStableID()
+        let gateway = model.gateways.first { $0.stableID == preferred } ?? model.gateways.first
+        guard let gateway else { return nil }
+        let host = (gateway.tailnetDns?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).nonEmpty ??
+            gateway.lanHost?.trimmingCharacters(in: .whitespacesAndNewlines).nonEmpty)
         guard let host, !host.isEmpty else { return nil }
-        let port = master.sshPort > 0 ? master.sshPort : 22
+        let port = gateway.sshPort > 0 ? gateway.sshPort : 22
         return SSHTarget(host: host, port: port)
     }
 
diff --git a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/Onboarding.swift b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/Onboarding.swift
index bf7ca6780..ead25547f 100644
--- a/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/Onboarding.swift
+++ b/apps/macos/Sources/Clawdis/Onboarding.swift
@@ -75,8 +75,10 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
     @State private var gatewayStatus: GatewayEnvironmentStatus = .checking
     @State private var gatewayInstalling = false
     @State private var gatewayInstallMessage: String?
+    @State private var showAdvancedConnection = false
+    @State private var preferredGatewayID: String?
     // swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-    @State private var masterDiscovery: MasterDiscoveryModel
+    @State private var gatewayDiscovery: GatewayDiscoveryModel
     @Bindable private var state: AppState
     private var permissionMonitor: PermissionMonitor
 
@@ -107,11 +109,11 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
     init(
         state: AppState = AppStateStore.shared,
         permissionMonitor: PermissionMonitor = .shared,
-        discoveryModel: MasterDiscoveryModel = MasterDiscoveryModel())
+        discoveryModel: GatewayDiscoveryModel = GatewayDiscoveryModel())
     {
         self.state = state
         self.permissionMonitor = permissionMonitor
-        self._masterDiscovery = State(initialValue: discoveryModel)
+        self._gatewayDiscovery = State(initialValue: discoveryModel)
     }
 
     var body: some View {
@@ -165,6 +167,7 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
             self.loadWorkspaceDefaults()
             self.refreshAnthropicOAuthStatus()
             self.loadIdentityDefaults()
+            self.preferredGatewayID = BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.preferredStableID()
         }
     }
 
@@ -260,11 +263,11 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
 
     private func connectionPage() -> some View {
         self.onboardingPage {
-            Text("Where Clawdis runs")
+            Text("Choose your Gateway")
                 .font(.largeTitle.weight(.semibold))
             Text(
-                "Clawdis uses a single Gateway (“master”) that stays running. Run it on this Mac, " +
-                    "or connect to one on another Mac over SSH/Tailscale.")
+                "Clawdis uses a single Gateway that stays running. Pick this Mac, " +
+                    "or connect to a discovered Gateway nearby.")
                 .font(.body)
                 .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
                 .multilineTextAlignment(.center)
@@ -273,64 +276,184 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
                 .fixedSize(horizontal: false, vertical: true)
 
             self.onboardingCard(spacing: 12, padding: 14) {
-                Picker("Gateway runs", selection: self.$state.connectionMode) {
-                    Text("This Mac").tag(AppState.ConnectionMode.local)
-                    Text("Remote (SSH)").tag(AppState.ConnectionMode.remote)
-                }
-                .pickerStyle(.segmented)
-                .frame(width: 360)
+                VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 10) {
+                    self.connectionChoiceButton(
+                        title: "This Mac",
+                        subtitle: "Run the Gateway locally.",
+                        selected: self.state.connectionMode == .local)
+                    {
+                        self.selectLocalGateway()
+                    }
 
-                if self.state.connectionMode == .remote {
-                    let labelWidth: CGFloat = 90
-                    let fieldWidth: CGFloat = 300
-                    let contentLeading: CGFloat = labelWidth + 12
+                    Divider().padding(.vertical, 4)
 
-                    VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) {
-                        HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 12) {
-                            Text("SSH target")
-                                .font(.callout.weight(.semibold))
-                                .frame(width: labelWidth, alignment: .leading)
-                            TextField("user@host[:port]", text: self.$state.remoteTarget)
-                                .textFieldStyle(.roundedBorder)
-                                .frame(width: fieldWidth)
+                    HStack(spacing: 8) {
+                        Image(systemName: "dot.radiowaves.left.and.right")
+                            .font(.caption)
+                            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                        Text(self.gatewayDiscovery.statusText)
+                            .font(.caption)
+                            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                        if self.gatewayDiscovery.gateways.isEmpty {
+                            ProgressView().controlSize(.small)
                         }
+                        Spacer(minLength: 0)
+                    }
 
-                        MasterDiscoveryInlineList(
-                            discovery: self.masterDiscovery,
-                            currentTarget: self.state.remoteTarget)
-                        { master in
-                            self.applyDiscoveredMaster(master)
-                        }
-                        .frame(width: fieldWidth, alignment: .leading)
-                        .padding(.leading, contentLeading)
-
-                        DisclosureGroup("Advanced") {
-                            VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) {
-                                LabeledContent("Identity file") {
-                                    TextField("/Users/you/.ssh/id_ed25519", text: self.$state.remoteIdentity)
-                                        .textFieldStyle(.roundedBorder)
-                                        .frame(width: fieldWidth)
-                                }
-                                LabeledContent("Project root") {
-                                    TextField("/home/you/Projects/clawdis", text: self.$state.remoteProjectRoot)
-                                        .textFieldStyle(.roundedBorder)
-                                        .frame(width: fieldWidth)
+                    if self.gatewayDiscovery.gateways.isEmpty {
+                        Text("Searching for nearby gateways…")
+                            .font(.caption)
+                            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                            .padding(.leading, 4)
+                    } else {
+                        VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 6) {
+                            ForEach(self.gatewayDiscovery.gateways.prefix(6)) { gateway in
+                                self.connectionChoiceButton(
+                                    title: gateway.displayName,
+                                    subtitle: self.gatewaySubtitle(for: gateway),
+                                    selected: self.isSelectedGateway(gateway))
+                                {
+                                    self.selectRemoteGateway(gateway)
                                 }
                             }
-                            .padding(.top, 4)
                         }
-
-                        Text("Tip: keep Tailscale enabled so your gateway stays reachable.")
-                            .font(.footnote)
-                            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
-                            .lineLimit(1)
+                        .padding(8)
+                        .background(
+                            RoundedRectangle(cornerRadius: 10, style: .continuous)
+                                .fill(Color(NSColor.controlBackgroundColor)))
+                    }
+
+                    Button(self.showAdvancedConnection ? "Hide Advanced" : "Advanced…") {
+                        withAnimation(.spring(response: 0.25, dampingFraction: 0.9)) {
+                            self.showAdvancedConnection.toggle()
+                        }
+                    }
+                    .buttonStyle(.link)
+
+                    if self.showAdvancedConnection {
+                        let labelWidth: CGFloat = 90
+                        let fieldWidth: CGFloat = 320
+
+                        VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 8) {
+                            HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 12) {
+                                Text("SSH target")
+                                    .font(.callout.weight(.semibold))
+                                    .frame(width: labelWidth, alignment: .leading)
+                                TextField("user@host[:port]", text: self.$state.remoteTarget)
+                                    .textFieldStyle(.roundedBorder)
+                                    .frame(width: fieldWidth)
+                            }
+
+                            LabeledContent("Identity file") {
+                                TextField("/Users/you/.ssh/id_ed25519", text: self.$state.remoteIdentity)
+                                    .textFieldStyle(.roundedBorder)
+                                    .frame(width: fieldWidth)
+                            }
+
+                            LabeledContent("Project root") {
+                                TextField("/home/you/Projects/clawdis", text: self.$state.remoteProjectRoot)
+                                    .textFieldStyle(.roundedBorder)
+                                    .frame(width: fieldWidth)
+                            }
+
+                            Text("Tip: keep Tailscale enabled so your gateway stays reachable.")
+                                .font(.footnote)
+                                .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                                .lineLimit(1)
+                        }
+                        .transition(.opacity.combined(with: .move(edge: .top)))
                     }
-                    .transition(.opacity.combined(with: .move(edge: .top)))
                 }
             }
         }
     }
 
+    private func selectLocalGateway() {
+        self.state.connectionMode = .local
+        self.preferredGatewayID = nil
+        BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.setPreferredStableID(nil)
+    }
+
+    private func selectRemoteGateway(_ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) {
+        self.preferredGatewayID = gateway.stableID
+        BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.setPreferredStableID(gateway.stableID)
+
+        if let host = gateway.tailnetDns ?? gateway.lanHost {
+            let user = NSUserName()
+            var target = "\(user)@\(host)"
+            if gateway.sshPort != 22 {
+                target += ":\(gateway.sshPort)"
+            }
+            self.state.remoteTarget = target
+        }
+
+        self.state.connectionMode = .remote
+        MacNodeModeCoordinator.shared.setPreferredBridgeStableID(gateway.stableID)
+    }
+
+    private func gatewaySubtitle(for gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> String? {
+        if let host = gateway.tailnetDns ?? gateway.lanHost {
+            let portSuffix = gateway.sshPort != 22 ? " · ssh \(gateway.sshPort)" : ""
+            return "\(host)\(portSuffix)"
+        }
+        return "Bridge pairing only"
+    }
+
+    private func isSelectedGateway(_ gateway: GatewayDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredGateway) -> Bool {
+        guard self.state.connectionMode == .remote else { return false }
+        let preferred = self.preferredGatewayID ?? BridgeDiscoveryPreferences.preferredStableID()
+        return preferred == gateway.stableID
+    }
+
+    private func connectionChoiceButton(
+        title: String,
+        subtitle: String?,
+        selected: Bool,
+        action: @escaping () -> Void) -> some View
+    {
+        Button {
+            withAnimation(.spring(response: 0.25, dampingFraction: 0.9)) {
+                action()
+            }
+        } label: {
+            HStack(alignment: .center, spacing: 10) {
+                VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 2) {
+                    Text(title)
+                        .font(.callout.weight(.semibold))
+                        .lineLimit(1)
+                        .truncationMode(.tail)
+                    if let subtitle {
+                        Text(subtitle)
+                            .font(.caption.monospaced())
+                            .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                            .lineLimit(1)
+                            .truncationMode(.middle)
+                    }
+                }
+                Spacer(minLength: 0)
+                if selected {
+                    Image(systemName: "checkmark.circle.fill")
+                        .foregroundStyle(Color.accentColor)
+                } else {
+                    Image(systemName: "arrow.right.circle")
+                        .foregroundStyle(.secondary)
+                }
+            }
+            .padding(.horizontal, 10)
+            .padding(.vertical, 8)
+            .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, alignment: .leading)
+            .background(
+                RoundedRectangle(cornerRadius: 10, style: .continuous)
+                    .fill(selected ? Color.accentColor.opacity(0.12) : Color.clear))
+            .overlay(
+                RoundedRectangle(cornerRadius: 10, style: .continuous)
+                    .strokeBorder(
+                        selected ? Color.accentColor.opacity(0.45) : Color.clear,
+                        lineWidth: 1))
+        }
+        .buttonStyle(.plain)
+    }
+
     private func anthropicAuthPage() -> some View {
         self.onboardingPage {
             Text("Connect Claude")
@@ -705,18 +828,6 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
         }
     }
 
-    // swiftlint:disable:next inclusive_language
-    private func applyDiscoveredMaster(_ master: MasterDiscoveryModel.DiscoveredMaster) {
-        let host = master.tailnetDns ?? master.lanHost
-        guard let host else { return }
-        let user = NSUserName()
-        var target = "\(user)@\(host)"
-        if master.sshPort != 22 {
-            target += ":\(master.sshPort)"
-        }
-        self.state.remoteTarget = target
-    }
-
     private func permissionsPage() -> some View {
         self.onboardingPage {
             Text("Grant permissions")
@@ -1165,13 +1276,13 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
 
     private func updateDiscoveryMonitoring(for pageIndex: Int) {
         let isConnectionPage = pageIndex == self.connectionPageIndex
-        let shouldMonitor = isConnectionPage && self.state.connectionMode == .remote
+        let shouldMonitor = isConnectionPage
         if shouldMonitor, !self.monitoringDiscovery {
             self.monitoringDiscovery = true
-            self.masterDiscovery.start()
+            self.gatewayDiscovery.start()
         } else if !shouldMonitor, self.monitoringDiscovery {
             self.monitoringDiscovery = false
-            self.masterDiscovery.stop()
+            self.gatewayDiscovery.stop()
         }
     }
 
@@ -1190,7 +1301,7 @@ struct OnboardingView: View {
     private func stopDiscovery() {
         guard self.monitoringDiscovery else { return }
         self.monitoringDiscovery = false
-        self.masterDiscovery.stop()
+        self.gatewayDiscovery.stop()
     }
 
     private func updateAuthMonitoring(for pageIndex: Int) {
diff --git a/docs/bonjour.md b/docs/bonjour.md
index ca64a61d1..43b458c97 100644
--- a/docs/bonjour.md
+++ b/docs/bonjour.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ read_when:
 ---
 # Bonjour / mDNS discovery
 
-Clawdis uses Bonjour (mDNS / DNS-SD) as a **LAN-only convenience** to discover a running Gateway and (optionally) its bridge transport. It is best-effort and does **not** replace SSH or Tailnet-based connectivity.
+Clawdis uses Bonjour (mDNS / DNS-SD) as a **LAN-only convenience** to discover a running Gateway bridge transport. It is best-effort and does **not** replace SSH or Tailnet-based connectivity.
 
 ## Wide-Area Bonjour (Unicast DNS-SD) over Tailscale
 
@@ -81,14 +81,13 @@ Only the **Node Gateway** (`clawd` / `clawdis gateway`) advertises Bonjour beaco
 
 ## Service types
 
-- `_clawdis-master._tcp` — “master gateway” discovery beacon (primarily for macOS remote-control UX).
-- `_clawdis-bridge._tcp` — bridge transport beacon (used by iOS/Android nodes).
+- `_clawdis-bridge._tcp` — bridge transport beacon (used by macOS/iOS/Android nodes).
 
 ## TXT keys (non-secret hints)
 
 The Gateway advertises small non-secret hints to make UI flows convenient:
 
-- `role=master`
+- `role=gateway`
 - `lanHost=<hostname>.local`
 - `sshPort=<port>` (defaults to 22 when not overridden)
 - `gatewayPort=<port>` (informational; the Gateway WS is typically loopback-only)
@@ -101,10 +100,8 @@ The Gateway advertises small non-secret hints to make UI flows convenient:
 Useful built-in tools:
 
 - Browse instances:
-  - `dns-sd -B _clawdis-master._tcp local.`
   - `dns-sd -B _clawdis-bridge._tcp local.`
 - Resolve one instance (replace `<instance>`):
-  - `dns-sd -L "<instance>" _clawdis-master._tcp local.`
   - `dns-sd -L "<instance>" _clawdis-bridge._tcp local.`
 
 If browsing shows instances but resolving fails, you’re usually hitting a LAN policy / multicast issue.
@@ -151,8 +148,8 @@ Bonjour/DNS-SD often escapes bytes in service instance names as decimal `\\DDD`
 - `CLAWDIS_BRIDGE_ENABLED=0` disables the bridge listener (and therefore the bridge beacon).
 - `bridge.bind` / `bridge.port` in `~/.clawdis/clawdis.json` control bridge bind/port (preferred).
 - `CLAWDIS_BRIDGE_HOST` / `CLAWDIS_BRIDGE_PORT` still work as a back-compat override when `bridge.bind` / `bridge.port` are not set.
-- `CLAWDIS_SSH_PORT` overrides the SSH port advertised in `_clawdis-master._tcp`.
-- `CLAWDIS_TAILNET_DNS` publishes a `tailnetDns` hint (MagicDNS) in `_clawdis-master._tcp` (wide-area discovery uses `clawdis.internal.` automatically when enabled).
+- `CLAWDIS_SSH_PORT` overrides the SSH port advertised in `_clawdis-bridge._tcp`.
+- `CLAWDIS_TAILNET_DNS` publishes a `tailnetDns` hint (MagicDNS) in `_clawdis-bridge._tcp` (wide-area discovery uses `clawdis.internal.` automatically when enabled).
 
 ## Related docs
 
diff --git a/docs/discovery.md b/docs/discovery.md
index 6cf192fda..b1c00a872 100644
--- a/docs/discovery.md
+++ b/docs/discovery.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 ---
-summary: "Node discovery and transports (Bonjour, Tailscale, SSH) for finding the master gateway"
+summary: "Node discovery and transports (Bonjour, Tailscale, SSH) for finding the gateway"
 read_when:
   - Implementing or changing Bonjour discovery/advertising
   - Adjusting remote connection modes (direct vs SSH)
@@ -9,14 +9,14 @@ read_when:
 
 Clawdis has two distinct problems that look similar on the surface:
 
-1) **Operator remote control**: the macOS menu bar app controlling a “master” gateway running elsewhere.
+1) **Operator remote control**: the macOS menu bar app controlling a gateway running elsewhere.
 2) **Node pairing**: iOS/Android (and future nodes) finding a gateway and pairing securely.
 
 The design goal is to keep all network discovery/advertising in the **Node Gateway** (`clawd` / `clawdis gateway`) and keep clients (mac app, iOS) as consumers.
 
 ## Terms
 
-- **Master gateway**: the single, long-running gateway process that owns state (sessions, pairing, node registry) and runs providers.
+- **Gateway**: the single, long-running gateway process that owns state (sessions, pairing, node registry) and runs providers.
 - **Gateway WS (loopback)**: the existing gateway WebSocket control endpoint on `127.0.0.1:18789`.
 - **Bridge (direct transport)**: a LAN/tailnet-facing endpoint owned by the gateway that allows authenticated clients/nodes to call a scoped subset of gateway methods. The bridge exists so the gateway can remain loopback-only.
 - **SSH transport (fallback)**: remote control by forwarding `127.0.0.1:18789` over SSH.
@@ -32,25 +32,24 @@ The design goal is to keep all network discovery/advertising in the **Node Gatew
   - survives multicast/mDNS issues
   - requires no new inbound ports besides SSH
 
-## Discovery inputs (how clients learn where the master is)
+## Discovery inputs (how clients learn where the gateway is)
 
 ### 1) Bonjour / mDNS (LAN only)
 
 Bonjour is best-effort and does not cross networks. It is only used for “same LAN” convenience.
 
 Target direction:
-- The **gateway** advertises itself (and/or its bridge) via Bonjour.
-- Clients browse and show a “pick a master” list, then store the chosen endpoint.
+- The **gateway** advertises its bridge via Bonjour.
+- Clients browse and show a “pick a gateway” list, then store the chosen endpoint.
 
 Troubleshooting and beacon details: `docs/bonjour.md`.
 
 #### Current implementation
 
 - Service types:
-  - `_clawdis-master._tcp` (gateway “master” beacon)
-  - `_clawdis-bridge._tcp` (optional; bridge transport beacon)
+  - `_clawdis-bridge._tcp` (bridge transport beacon)
 - TXT keys (non-secret):
-  - `role=master`
+  - `role=gateway`
   - `lanHost=<hostname>.local`
   - `sshPort=22` (or whatever is advertised)
   - `gatewayPort=18789` (loopback WS port; informational)
@@ -63,8 +62,8 @@ Disable/override:
 - `CLAWDIS_BRIDGE_ENABLED=0` disables the bridge listener.
 - `bridge.bind` / `bridge.port` in `~/.clawdis/clawdis.json` control bridge bind/port (preferred).
 - `CLAWDIS_BRIDGE_HOST` / `CLAWDIS_BRIDGE_PORT` still work as a back-compat override when `bridge.bind` / `bridge.port` are not set.
-- `CLAWDIS_SSH_PORT` overrides the SSH port advertised in the master beacon (defaults to 22).
-- `CLAWDIS_TAILNET_DNS` publishes a `tailnetDns` hint (MagicDNS) in the master beacon.
+- `CLAWDIS_SSH_PORT` overrides the SSH port advertised in the bridge beacon (defaults to 22).
+- `CLAWDIS_TAILNET_DNS` publishes a `tailnetDns` hint (MagicDNS) in the bridge beacon.
 
 ### 2) Tailnet (cross-network)
 
@@ -84,7 +83,7 @@ See `docs/remote.md`.
 Recommended client behavior:
 
 1) If a paired direct endpoint is configured and reachable, use it.
-2) Else, if Bonjour finds a master on LAN, offer a one-tap “Use this master” choice and save it as the direct endpoint.
+2) Else, if Bonjour finds a gateway on LAN, offer a one-tap “Use this gateway” choice and save it as the direct endpoint.
 3) Else, if a tailnet DNS/IP is configured, try direct.
 4) Else, fall back to SSH.
 
@@ -105,7 +104,7 @@ The gateway is the source of truth for node/client admission.
   - owns pairing storage + decisions
   - runs the bridge listener (direct transport)
 - macOS app:
-  - UI for picking a master, showing pairing prompts, and troubleshooting
+  - UI for picking a gateway, showing pairing prompts, and troubleshooting
   - SSH tunneling only for the fallback path
 - iOS node:
   - browses Bonjour (LAN) as a convenience only
diff --git a/src/infra/bonjour.test.ts b/src/infra/bonjour.test.ts
index 3b604c78f..cda234706 100644
--- a/src/infra/bonjour.test.ts
+++ b/src/infra/bonjour.test.ts
@@ -99,37 +99,32 @@ describe("gateway bonjour advertiser", () => {
       tailnetDns: "host.tailnet.ts.net",
     });
 
-    expect(createService).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
-    const [masterCall, bridgeCall] = createService.mock.calls as Array<
+    expect(createService).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    const [bridgeCall] = createService.mock.calls as Array<
       [Record<string, unknown>]
     >;
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.type).toBe("clawdis-master");
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.port).toBe(2222);
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.domain).toBe("local");
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.hostname).toBe("test-host");
-    expect((masterCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.lanHost).toBe(
-      "test-host.local",
-    );
-    expect((masterCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.sshPort).toBe(
-      "2222",
-    );
-
     expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.type).toBe("clawdis-bridge");
     expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.port).toBe(18790);
     expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.domain).toBe("local");
     expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.hostname).toBe("test-host");
+    expect((bridgeCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.lanHost).toBe(
+      "test-host.local",
+    );
     expect((bridgeCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.bridgePort).toBe(
       "18790",
     );
+    expect((bridgeCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.sshPort).toBe(
+      "2222",
+    );
     expect((bridgeCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.transport).toBe(
       "bridge",
     );
 
     // We don't await `advertise()`, but it should still be called for each service.
-    expect(advertise).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+    expect(advertise).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
 
     await started.stop();
-    expect(destroy).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+    expect(destroy).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
     expect(shutdown).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
   });
 
@@ -166,12 +161,10 @@ describe("gateway bonjour advertiser", () => {
       bridgePort: 18790,
     });
 
-    // 2 services × 2 listeners each
+    // 1 service × 2 listeners
     expect(onCalls.map((c) => c.event)).toEqual([
       "name-change",
       "hostname-change",
-      "name-change",
-      "hostname-change",
     ]);
 
     await started.stop();
@@ -207,7 +200,7 @@ describe("gateway bonjour advertiser", () => {
     const started = await startGatewayBonjourAdvertiser({
       gatewayPort: 18789,
       sshPort: 2222,
-      bridgePort: 0,
+      bridgePort: 18790,
     });
 
     // initial advertise attempt happens immediately
@@ -257,7 +250,7 @@ describe("gateway bonjour advertiser", () => {
     const started = await startGatewayBonjourAdvertiser({
       gatewayPort: 18789,
       sshPort: 2222,
-      bridgePort: 0,
+      bridgePort: 18790,
     });
 
     expect(advertise).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
@@ -296,11 +289,11 @@ describe("gateway bonjour advertiser", () => {
       bridgePort: 18790,
     });
 
-    const [masterCall] = createService.mock.calls as Array<[ServiceCall]>;
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.name).toBe("Mac (Clawdis)");
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.domain).toBe("local");
-    expect(masterCall?.[0]?.hostname).toBe("Mac");
-    expect((masterCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.lanHost).toBe(
+    const [bridgeCall] = createService.mock.calls as Array<[ServiceCall]>;
+    expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.name).toBe("Mac (Clawdis)");
+    expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.domain).toBe("local");
+    expect(bridgeCall?.[0]?.hostname).toBe("Mac");
+    expect((bridgeCall?.[0]?.txt as Record<string, string>)?.lanHost).toBe(
       "Mac.local",
     );
 
diff --git a/src/infra/bonjour.ts b/src/infra/bonjour.ts
index 822f4899c..818220695 100644
--- a/src/infra/bonjour.ts
+++ b/src/infra/bonjour.ts
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ export async function startGatewayBonjourAdvertiser(
   const displayName = prettifyInstanceName(instanceName);
 
   const txtBase: Record<string, string> = {
-    role: "master",
+    role: "gateway",
     gatewayPort: String(opts.gatewayPort),
     lanHost: `${hostname}.local`,
     displayName,
@@ -118,26 +118,7 @@ export async function startGatewayBonjourAdvertiser(
 
   const services: Array<{ label: string; svc: BonjourService }> = [];
 
-  // Master beacon: used for discovery (auto-fill SSH/direct targets).
-  // We advertise a TCP service so clients can resolve the host; the port itself is informational.
-  const master = responder.createService({
-    name: safeServiceName(instanceName),
-    type: "clawdis-master",
-    protocol: Protocol.TCP,
-    port: opts.sshPort ?? 22,
-    domain: "local",
-    hostname,
-    txt: {
-      ...txtBase,
-      sshPort: String(opts.sshPort ?? 22),
-    },
-  });
-  services.push({
-    label: "master",
-    svc: master as unknown as BonjourService,
-  });
-
-  // Optional bridge beacon (same type used by iOS/Android nodes today).
+  // Bridge beacon (used by macOS/iOS/Android nodes and the mac app onboarding flow).
   if (typeof opts.bridgePort === "number" && opts.bridgePort > 0) {
     const bridge = responder.createService({
       name: safeServiceName(instanceName),
@@ -148,6 +129,7 @@ export async function startGatewayBonjourAdvertiser(
       hostname,
       txt: {
         ...txtBase,
+        sshPort: String(opts.sshPort ?? 22),
         transport: "bridge",
       },
     });