# autoconnect() Automates the process of connecting or disconnecting from this connectable publisher. ``` func autoconnect() -> Publishers.Autoconnect ``` ## Return Value A publisher which automatically connects to its upstream connectable publisher. ## Discussion Use [`autoconnect()`](/documentation/Combine/ConnectablePublisher/autoconnect()) to simplify working with [`ConnectablePublisher`](/documentation/Combine/ConnectablePublisher) instances, such as in the Foundation framework. In the following example, the operator creates a , which is a [`ConnectablePublisher`](/documentation/Combine/ConnectablePublisher). As a result, subscribers don’t receive any values until after a call to [`connect()`](/documentation/Combine/ConnectablePublisher/connect()). For convenience when working with a single subscriber, the [`autoconnect()`](/documentation/Combine/ConnectablePublisher/autoconnect()) operator performs the [`connect()`](/documentation/Combine/ConnectablePublisher/connect()) call when attached to by the subscriber. ``` cancellable = Timer.publish(every: 1, on: .main, in: .default) .autoconnect() .sink { date in print ("Date now: \(date)") } ``` --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)