diff --git a/docs/cli_build_matrix.md b/docs/cli_build_matrix.md
index 12fe637d3..aff20bf8c 100644
--- a/docs/cli_build_matrix.md
+++ b/docs/cli_build_matrix.md
@@ -88,6 +88,9 @@ The default `cascade` settings profile enables device and LoRa RX power saving;
 saved preferences take precedence, and active USB/network services can prevent
 device sleep. `--profile default` instead uses the upstream power-saving defaults.
 
+Cascade Companions default to **2-byte path hashes per hop** (`path.hash.mode 1`)
+on a fresh install or factory reset. Saved path settings take precedence.
+
 ## Role comes first
 
 | Role | Text administration CLI |
diff --git a/docs/cli_commands.md b/docs/cli_commands.md
index 77862d743..fbcfd5937 100644
--- a/docs/cli_commands.md
+++ b/docs/cli_commands.md
@@ -3428,7 +3428,8 @@ installed images need an updated build. See the [setting-dispatch audit](test-re
   - `2`: 3 Byte hash size (16,777,216 unique ids)[21 max flood]
   - `3`: DO NOT USE (Reserved) 
 
-**Default:** `0`
+**Default:** `0` (1 byte). Cascade Companions use `1` (2 bytes), and Cascade
+Repeaters use `2` (3 bytes). Existing saved values are preserved.
 
 **Note:** the 'path.hash.mode' sets the low-level ID/hash encoding size used when the repeater adverts. This setting has no impact on what packet ID/hash size this repeater forwards, all sizes should be forwarded on firmware >= 1.14. This feature was added in firmware 1.14
 
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
index e3fd93c8d..4e2497d72 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp
@@ -305,6 +305,14 @@ static bool save_filter(const ContactInfo& c);
 #ifndef DEFAULT_PATH_HASH_MODE
 #define DEFAULT_PATH_HASH_MODE 0
 #endif
+#ifndef DEFAULT_COMPANION_PATH_HASH_MODE
+#if defined(CASCADE_PROFILE) && CASCADE_PROFILE
+// Mode is zero-based: Cascade Companions use two bytes per path hop.
+#define DEFAULT_COMPANION_PATH_HASH_MODE 1
+#else
+#define DEFAULT_COMPANION_PATH_HASH_MODE DEFAULT_PATH_HASH_MODE
+#endif
+#endif
 #ifndef DEFAULT_MANUAL_ADD_CONTACTS
 #define DEFAULT_MANUAL_ADD_CONTACTS 0
 #endif
@@ -2909,7 +2917,7 @@ MyMesh::MyMesh(mesh::Radio &radio, mesh::RNG &rng, mesh::RTCClock &rtc, SimpleMe
   _prefs.peripherals_shared = 0; // A genuinely fresh missing image is GPS-only.
 #endif
   _prefs.autoadd_config = DEFAULT_AUTOADD_CONFIG;
-  _prefs.path_hash_mode = DEFAULT_PATH_HASH_MODE;
+  _prefs.path_hash_mode = DEFAULT_COMPANION_PATH_HASH_MODE;
 #ifdef RADIO_FEM_TXGAIN
   _prefs.radio_fem_txgain = RADIO_FEM_TXGAIN;
 #else