diff --git a/interfaces/admin/static/index.html b/interfaces/admin/static/index.html
index 21046824..b0698406 100644
--- a/interfaces/admin/static/index.html
+++ b/interfaces/admin/static/index.html
@@ -5,9 +5,9 @@
     <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1" />
     <title>oliver</title>
     <!-- Avoid render-blocking external fonts (can stall first paint ~30s on blocked networks). -->
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/admin/assets/styles.css?v=20260817-wa6" />
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/admin/assets/theme-deepseek.css?v=20260817-wa6" />
-    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/admin/assets/theme-presets.css?v=20260817-wa6" />
+    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/admin/assets/styles.css?v=20260817-wa12" />
+    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/admin/assets/theme-deepseek.css?v=20260817-wa12" />
+    <link rel="stylesheet" href="/admin/assets/theme-presets.css?v=20260817-wa12" />
     <style>
       /* First paint before app.js runs: keep admin from showing a blank dark screen. */
       .admin-boot-splash {
@@ -129,33 +129,33 @@
     <script type="importmap">
       {
         "imports": {
-          "/admin/assets/app.js": "/admin/assets/app.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/asset-v.js": "/admin/assets/js/asset-v.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/core.js": "/admin/assets/js/core.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/i18n/index.js": "/admin/assets/js/i18n/index.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-en.js": "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-en.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-zh.js": "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-zh.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/main.js": "/admin/assets/js/main.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/attachments.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/attachments.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/audit.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/audit.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/authz.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/authz.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy-admin.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy-admin.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/login.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/login.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/memory.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/memory.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/models.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/models.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/plugins.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/plugins.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/profile.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/profile.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/scheduled-jobs.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/scheduled-jobs.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/skills.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/skills.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/stack.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/stack.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/users.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/users.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/pages/workspace-paths.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/workspace-paths.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/router.js": "/admin/assets/js/router.js?v=20260817-wa6",
-          "/admin/assets/js/state.js": "/admin/assets/js/state.js?v=20260817-wa6"
+          "/admin/assets/app.js": "/admin/assets/app.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/asset-v.js": "/admin/assets/js/asset-v.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/core.js": "/admin/assets/js/core.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/i18n/index.js": "/admin/assets/js/i18n/index.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-en.js": "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-en.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-zh.js": "/admin/assets/js/i18n/messages-zh.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/main.js": "/admin/assets/js/main.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/attachments.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/attachments.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/audit.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/audit.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/authz.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/authz.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy-admin.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy-admin.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/legacy.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/login.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/login.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/memory.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/memory.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/models.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/models.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/plugins.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/plugins.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/profile.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/profile.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/scheduled-jobs.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/scheduled-jobs.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/skills.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/skills.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/stack.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/stack.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/users.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/users.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/pages/workspace-paths.js": "/admin/assets/js/pages/workspace-paths.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/router.js": "/admin/assets/js/router.js?v=20260817-wa12",
+          "/admin/assets/js/state.js": "/admin/assets/js/state.js?v=20260817-wa12"
         }
       }
     </script>
-    <script type="module" src="/admin/assets/app.js?v=20260817-wa6" onerror="(function(){var lang='zh';try{lang=String(localStorage.getItem('ops_admin_lang')||'zh').toLowerCase();}catch(e){}if(lang!=='en')lang='zh';var msg=lang==='en'?{t:'Failed to load admin scripts',h:'Confirm /admin/assets/app.js and /admin/assets/js/ are reachable.'}:{t:'无法加载管理台脚本',h:'请确认 /admin/assets/app.js 与 /admin/assets/js/ 可访问。'};var s=document.getElementById('admin-boot-splash');if(s){var a=s.querySelector('.admin-boot-splash__title span:last-child');var b=s.querySelector('.admin-boot-splash__muted');if(a)a.textContent=msg.t;if(b)b.textContent=msg.h;}})()"></script>
+    <script type="module" src="/admin/assets/app.js?v=20260817-wa12" onerror="(function(){var lang='zh';try{lang=String(localStorage.getItem('ops_admin_lang')||'zh').toLowerCase();}catch(e){}if(lang!=='en')lang='zh';var msg=lang==='en'?{t:'Failed to load admin scripts',h:'Confirm /admin/assets/app.js and /admin/assets/js/ are reachable.'}:{t:'无法加载管理台脚本',h:'请确认 /admin/assets/app.js 与 /admin/assets/js/ 可访问。'};var s=document.getElementById('admin-boot-splash');if(s){var a=s.querySelector('.admin-boot-splash__title span:last-child');var b=s.querySelector('.admin-boot-splash__muted');if(a)a.textContent=msg.t;if(b)b.textContent=msg.h;}})()"></script>
   </body>
 </html>
diff --git a/interfaces/admin/static/js/asset-v.js b/interfaces/admin/static/js/asset-v.js
index b1e4be0f..26ce2a27 100644
--- a/interfaces/admin/static/js/asset-v.js
+++ b/interfaces/admin/static/js/asset-v.js
@@ -3,4 +3,4 @@
  * - interfaces/admin/static/index.html importmap + CSS/JS ?v=
  * - interfaces/admin/static/app.js entry query (optional if importmap covers it)
  */
-export const ADMIN_ASSET_V = "20260812-22";
+export const ADMIN_ASSET_V = "20260817-wa12";
diff --git a/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-en.js b/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-en.js
index bdfe5830..8dbaf029 100644
--- a/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-en.js
+++ b/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-en.js
@@ -793,9 +793,9 @@ export default {
   "wa.sessionUnbindConfirm": "Stop sidecar and delete local WhatsApp auth (state/auth). You must scan again to rebind. Continue?",
   "wa.sessionRebindConfirm": "Clear the old session and show a new QR code. Continue?",
   "wa.sessionNotInstalled": "Sidecar not installed. Run whatsapp_install.ps1 first.",
-  "wa.sessionScanHint": "On your phone: WhatsApp → Linked devices → Link a device, then scan the QR below.",
+  "wa.sessionScanHint": "On your phone: WhatsApp → Linked devices → Link a device, then scan the QR below. Codes expire in about 20s; this page auto-refreshes to the latest one.",
   "wa.sessionQrWaiting": "Waiting for QR…",
-  "wa.sessionQrStale": "QR may be expired. Click Scan to bind again.",
+  "wa.sessionQrStale": "This QR may have expired. Waiting for a new one…",
   "wa.lifecycle.unbound": "Not bound",
   "wa.lifecycle.bound_stopped": "Bound (sidecar stopped)",
   "wa.lifecycle.bound_offline": "Bound (offline / reconnecting)",
@@ -806,6 +806,9 @@ export default {
   "wa.lifecycle.needs_rebind": "Session invalid (re-scan required)",
   "wa.sessionPolling": "Refreshing status…",
   "wa.sessionNeedsRebind": "WhatsApp rejected the stored session (e.g. disconnect=405). Click Re-scan bind, or remove the old oclaw linked device on your phone first.",
+  "wa.sessionPairingFail": "WhatsApp rejected pairing before a QR (often 405). Retrying with fresh keys; if it keeps failing, check proxy/DNS then click Scan to bind.",
+  "wa.sessionNetworkFail": "Cannot reach WhatsApp Web (certificate/timeout/ECONNRESET). Clash fake-ip is a common cause. Set HTTPS_PROXY or AIA_WHATSAPP_PROXY_URL to your local mixed-port proxy, then start the sidecar again.",
+  "wa.sessionRunnerWaiting": "Sidecar process is up, but Baileys has not written status yet (npx hang or missing proxy). Wait a bit, or check data/logs/whatsapp_sidecar.log.",
   "wecom.autoBind": "Auto bind on first message",
   "wecom.autoBindRole": "Auto bind role",
   "wecom.autoBindTenant": "Auto bind team",
diff --git a/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-zh.js b/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-zh.js
index 2469cae3..85350ad8 100644
--- a/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-zh.js
+++ b/interfaces/admin/static/js/i18n/messages-zh.js
@@ -793,9 +793,9 @@ export default {
   "wa.sessionUnbindConfirm": "将停止 sidecar 并删除本机 WhatsApp 登录态（state/auth）。之后需重新扫码绑定，确认继续？",
   "wa.sessionRebindConfirm": "将清除旧登录态并重新出二维码，确认继续？",
   "wa.sessionNotInstalled": "sidecar 未安装，请先运行 whatsapp_install.ps1",
-  "wa.sessionScanHint": "请用手机 WhatsApp → 已关联的设备 → 关联设备，扫描下方二维码。",
+  "wa.sessionScanHint": "请用手机 WhatsApp → 已关联的设备 → 关联设备，扫描下方二维码。码大约 20 秒过期，页面会自动换成新码，请扫最新一张。",
   "wa.sessionQrWaiting": "等待二维码…",
-  "wa.sessionQrStale": "二维码可能已过期，请点「扫码绑定」刷新。",
+  "wa.sessionQrStale": "当前码可能已过期，正在自动刷新新码…",
   "wa.lifecycle.unbound": "未绑定",
   "wa.lifecycle.bound_stopped": "已绑定（sidecar 已停）",
   "wa.lifecycle.bound_offline": "已绑定（离线重连中）",
@@ -806,6 +806,9 @@ export default {
   "wa.lifecycle.needs_rebind": "登录态失效（需重新扫码）",
   "wa.sessionPolling": "正在刷新状态…",
   "wa.sessionNeedsRebind": "WhatsApp 拒绝了当前登录态（disconnect=405 等）。请点「重新扫码绑定」，或在手机端删除旧的 oclaw 关联设备后再扫。",
+  "wa.sessionPairingFail": "WhatsApp 在出码前拒绝了配对（常见 405）。正在换新密钥重试；若持续失败，请检查代理/DNS 后点「扫码绑定」。",
+  "wa.sessionNetworkFail": "连不上 WhatsApp Web（证书/超时/ECONNRESET）。常见原因是 Clash fake-ip。请给 sidecar 设置 HTTPS_PROXY 或 AIA_WHATSAPP_PROXY_URL 指向本机混合端口后再启动。",
+  "wa.sessionRunnerWaiting": "sidecar 进程已起来，但 Baileys 还没写出状态（常见于 npx 卡住或无代理）。请稍候，或看 data/logs/whatsapp_sidecar.log。",
   "wecom.autoBind": "首条消息自动绑定",
   "wecom.autoBindRole": "自动绑定角色",
   "wecom.autoBindTenant": "自动绑定团队",
diff --git a/interfaces/admin/static/js/pages/stack.js b/interfaces/admin/static/js/pages/stack.js
index 863cdfb3..982b2c65 100644
--- a/interfaces/admin/static/js/pages/stack.js
+++ b/interfaces/admin/static/js/pages/stack.js
@@ -95,6 +95,9 @@ async function renderStack() {
   const whatsappDispatchCard = createChannelDispatchCard("whatsapp", "WhatsApp dispatch", whatsappDispatchResp || {});
   let waSessionLatest = whatsappSessionResp && typeof whatsappSessionResp === "object" ? whatsappSessionResp : {};
   let waSessionBindInProgress = false;
+  let waSessionBindRequested = false;
+  let waSessionWatchGen = 0;
+  let waLastQrKey = "";
   const waSessionHintAlert = el("div", { class: "alert alert--warning u-hidden", text: "" });
   const paintWaSession = (st) => {
     const s = st && typeof st === "object" ? st : {};
@@ -109,46 +112,74 @@ async function renderStack() {
       reconnect: Number(s.reconnect_attempt || 0),
     });
     waSessionStatus.replaceChildren(...Array.from(chips.childNodes));
+    const showDisconnect = lifecycle !== "unbound" && lifecycle !== "awaiting_scan";
+    const errText = String(s.last_error || "");
+    const discStatus = Number(s.last_disconnect_status || 0);
+    const pairingFail =
+      lifecycle === "connecting" &&
+      (errText.includes("pairing_rejected") || discStatus === 405 || /connection failure/i.test(errText));
+    const networkFail =
+      lifecycle === "connecting" &&
+      /certificate|econnreset|timedOut|408|fake-ip|198\.18/i.test(`${errText} ${String(s.last_disconnect_reason || "")}`);
+    const runnerWaiting =
+      lifecycle === "connecting" &&
+      /runner_waiting|runner_starting/i.test(errText);
     const detailBits = [
       s.display_name ? `name=${s.display_name}` : "",
       s.me ? `me=${s.me}` : "",
-      s.last_error ? `err=${String(s.last_error).slice(0, 120)}` : "",
-      s.last_disconnect_reason ? `disconnect=${s.last_disconnect_reason}` : "",
+      showDisconnect && errText ? `err=${errText.slice(0, 120)}` : "",
+      showDisconnect && s.last_disconnect_reason ? `disconnect=${s.last_disconnect_reason}` : "",
+      s.log_path ? `log=${s.log_path}` : "",
       s.bridge_updated_at ? `updated=${s.bridge_updated_at}` : "",
     ].filter(Boolean);
     waSessionDetail.textContent = detailBits.join(" | ") || (s.installed ? "" : t("wa.sessionNotInstalled"));
     if (lifecycle === "needs_rebind" || lifecycle === "logged_out") {
       waSessionHintAlert.textContent = t("wa.sessionNeedsRebind");
       waSessionHintAlert.classList.remove("u-hidden");
+    } else if (waSessionBindRequested && runnerWaiting) {
+      waSessionHintAlert.textContent = t("wa.sessionRunnerWaiting");
+      waSessionHintAlert.classList.remove("u-hidden");
+    } else if (waSessionBindRequested && pairingFail) {
+      waSessionHintAlert.textContent = t("wa.sessionPairingFail");
+      waSessionHintAlert.classList.remove("u-hidden");
+    } else if (waSessionBindRequested && networkFail) {
+      waSessionHintAlert.textContent = t("wa.sessionNetworkFail");
+      waSessionHintAlert.classList.remove("u-hidden");
     } else {
       waSessionHintAlert.textContent = "";
       waSessionHintAlert.classList.add("u-hidden");
     }
     const qrUrl = String(s.qr_data_url || "").trim();
-    const awaiting = lifecycle === "awaiting_scan" || waSessionBindInProgress;
+    const awaiting = Boolean(waSessionBindRequested) && (lifecycle === "awaiting_scan" || waSessionBindInProgress);
     waSessionQrWrap.style.display = awaiting ? "" : "none";
     waSessionQrHint.textContent = awaiting
       ? (s.qr_stale ? t("wa.sessionQrStale") : t("wa.sessionScanHint"))
       : "";
+    const qrKey = `${String(s.qr || "").slice(0, 48)}|${s.bridge_updated_at || ""}|${qrUrl.length}`;
     if (awaiting && qrUrl) {
-      waSessionQrImg.src = qrUrl;
+      if (qrKey !== waLastQrKey) {
+        waLastQrKey = qrKey;
+        waSessionQrImg.src = qrUrl;
+      }
       waSessionQrImg.style.display = "";
       waSessionQrWaiting.style.display = "none";
     } else if (awaiting) {
+      waLastQrKey = "";
       waSessionQrImg.removeAttribute("src");
       waSessionQrImg.style.display = "none";
       waSessionQrWaiting.style.display = "";
       waSessionQrWaiting.textContent = t("wa.sessionQrWaiting");
     } else {
+      waLastQrKey = "";
       waSessionQrImg.removeAttribute("src");
       waSessionQrImg.style.display = "none";
       waSessionQrWaiting.style.display = "none";
     }
-    const bindModes = new Set(["unbound", "logged_out", "awaiting_scan", "needs_rebind"]);
+    const rebindModes = new Set(["needs_rebind", "logged_out", "bound_stopped", "bound_offline", "online"]);
     if (waSessionBindBtn) {
-      waSessionBindBtn.textContent = bindModes.has(lifecycle)
-        ? t("wa.sessionBind")
-        : t("wa.sessionRebind");
+      waSessionBindBtn.textContent = rebindModes.has(lifecycle)
+        ? t("wa.sessionRebind")
+        : t("wa.sessionBind");
       waSessionBindBtn.disabled = Boolean(waSessionBindInProgress);
     }
   };
@@ -175,12 +206,14 @@ async function renderStack() {
     const stepMs = Number(opts.stepMs || 2000);
     const stopWhen = opts.stopWhen || ((st) => {
       const life = String((st && st.lifecycle) || "");
-      return ["online", "awaiting_scan", "needs_rebind", "logged_out", "bound_stopped", "unbound"].includes(life);
+      return ["online", "needs_rebind", "logged_out", "bound_stopped", "unbound"].includes(life);
     });
     waSessionActionStatus.textContent = t("wa.sessionPolling");
     let waited = 0;
     let latest = waSessionLatest;
+    const watchGen = Number(opts.gen || 0);
     while (waited < maxMs) {
+      if (watchGen && watchGen !== waSessionWatchGen) return latest;
       const st = await apiGet("/admin/api/whatsapp/session");
       paintWaSession(st);
       latest = st;
@@ -229,32 +262,59 @@ async function renderStack() {
     class: "btn",
     text: t("wa.sessionStop"),
     onclick: async () => {
+      waSessionBindRequested = false;
       await withWaSessionAction(async () => apiPost("/admin/api/whatsapp/session/stop", { force: true }), { poll: false });
     },
   });
-  const waSessionBindBtnClick = async () => {
-    const curLife = String((waSessionLatest && waSessionLatest.lifecycle) || "").trim();
-    const autoClear = ["needs_rebind", "logged_out"].includes(curLife);
-    const needClear = autoClear || (curLife && !["unbound", "awaiting_scan"].includes(curLife));
-    if (needClear && !autoClear && !window.confirm(t("wa.sessionRebindConfirm"))) return;
+  const watchWaBindUntilOnline = async () => {
+    const gen = ++waSessionWatchGen;
+    waSessionBindRequested = true;
     waSessionBindInProgress = true;
     paintWaSession(waSessionLatest);
     try {
-      await withWaSessionAction(async () => apiPost("/admin/api/whatsapp/session/bind", {
-        clear_auth: Boolean(needClear),
-      }), {
-        poll: {
-          maxMs: 120000,
-          stopWhen: (st) => {
-            const life = String((st && st.lifecycle) || "");
-            if (life === "online") return true;
-            return life === "awaiting_scan" && Boolean(st && (st.qr_data_url || st.qr));
-          },
+      await pollWaSession({
+        maxMs: 10 * 60 * 1000,
+        stepMs: 1500,
+        gen,
+        stopWhen: (st) => {
+          const life = String((st && st.lifecycle) || "");
+          if (life === "online") return true;
+          if (life === "bound_stopped") return true;
+          return false;
         },
       });
     } finally {
+      if (gen === waSessionWatchGen) {
+        waSessionBindInProgress = false;
+        const life = String((waSessionLatest && waSessionLatest.lifecycle) || "");
+        if (life === "online" || life === "unbound" || life === "bound_stopped") {
+          waSessionBindRequested = false;
+        }
+        paintWaSession(waSessionLatest);
+      }
+    }
+  };
+  const waSessionBindBtnClick = async () => {
+    const curLife = String((waSessionLatest && waSessionLatest.lifecycle) || "").trim();
+    const autoClear = ["needs_rebind", "logged_out"].includes(curLife);
+    const needClear = autoClear || ["bound_stopped", "bound_offline", "online"].includes(curLife);
+    if (needClear && !autoClear && !window.confirm(t("wa.sessionRebindConfirm"))) return;
+    waSessionBindRequested = true;
+    waSessionBindInProgress = true;
+    waLastQrKey = "";
+    paintWaSession(waSessionLatest);
+    const watch = watchWaBindUntilOnline();
+    try {
+      await withWaSessionAction(async () => apiPost("/admin/api/whatsapp/session/bind", {
+        clear_auth: Boolean(needClear),
+      }), { poll: false });
+      await watch;
+    } catch (err) {
+      waSessionWatchGen += 1;
       waSessionBindInProgress = false;
+      waSessionBindRequested = false;
       paintWaSession(waSessionLatest);
+      throw err;
     }
   };
   waSessionBindBtn.onclick = waSessionBindBtnClick;
@@ -263,6 +323,7 @@ async function renderStack() {
     text: t("wa.sessionUnbind"),
     onclick: async () => {
       if (!window.confirm(t("wa.sessionUnbindConfirm"))) return;
+      waSessionBindRequested = false;
       await withWaSessionAction(async () => apiPost("/admin/api/whatsapp/session/unbind", {}), { poll: false });
     },
   });
@@ -289,7 +350,7 @@ async function renderStack() {
   paintWaSession(whatsappSessionResp || {});
   if (whatsappSessionResp && whatsappSessionResp.sidecar_running) {
     const initLife = String(whatsappSessionResp.lifecycle || "");
-    if (["connecting", "bound_offline"].includes(initLife)) {
+    if (initLife === "bound_offline" || initLife === "online") {
       void pollWaSession({ maxMs: 30000 });
     }
   }
diff --git a/runtime/operations/scripts/lib/ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1 b/runtime/operations/scripts/lib/ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ef329a9e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/runtime/operations/scripts/lib/ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+# Resolve a proxy URL for the WhatsApp sidecar without hardcoding a port.
+# Order: process env -> state\proxy.url -> Windows user Internet Settings.
+function Get-OclawWhatsAppProxyUrl {
+  param(
+    [Parameter(Mandatory = $true)][string]$StateDir,
+    [switch]$Persist
+  )
+  $found = ""
+  foreach ($name in @("AIA_WHATSAPP_PROXY_URL", "HTTPS_PROXY", "HTTP_PROXY", "https_proxy", "http_proxy")) {
+    $val = [Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable($name, "Process")
+    if ($val -and $val.Trim()) {
+      $found = $val.Trim()
+      break
+    }
+  }
+  if (-not $found) {
+    $proxyFile = Join-Path $StateDir "proxy.url"
+    if (Test-Path $proxyFile) {
+      $line = @(Get-Content -Path $proxyFile -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) | Select-Object -First 1
+      if ($line -and $line.Trim()) { $found = $line.Trim() }
+    }
+  }
+  if (-not $found) {
+    try {
+      $reg = Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings" -ErrorAction Stop
+      $raw = [string]$reg.ProxyServer
+      # Clash TUN often sets ProxyEnable=0 but leaves the last mixed-port address.
+      if ($raw -and (($reg.ProxyEnable -eq 1) -or ($raw -match '(?i)127\.0\.0\.1|localhost|::1'))) {
+        $hostport = ""
+        if ($raw -match '(?i)https?=([^;]+)') {
+          $hostport = $Matches[1].Trim()
+        } elseif ($raw -match '^[^\s;]+$') {
+          $hostport = $raw.Trim()
+        }
+        if ($hostport) {
+          if ($hostport -notmatch '^[a-zA-Z][a-zA-Z0-9+.-]*://') {
+            $hostport = "http://$hostport"
+          }
+          $found = $hostport
+        }
+      }
+    } catch {}
+  }
+  if ($found -and $found.StartsWith('"') -and $found.EndsWith('"')) {
+    $found = $found.Substring(1, $found.Length - 2)
+  }
+  if ($Persist -and $found) {
+    New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $StateDir | Out-Null
+    Set-Content -Path (Join-Path $StateDir "proxy.url") -Value $found -Encoding ascii
+  }
+  return $found
+}
diff --git a/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_login.ps1 b/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_login.ps1
index 662d38c3..9cb84e3b 100644
--- a/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_login.ps1
+++ b/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_login.ps1
@@ -23,16 +23,53 @@ if (-not (Test-Path (Join-Path $sidecarRoot "baileys_runner.ts"))) {
   throw "whatsapp sidecar not installed. Run whatsapp_install.ps1 first."
 }
 
+$bridgeSrc = Join-Path $oclawRoot "runtime\\operations\\whatsapp_bridge"
+if (Test-Path $bridgeSrc) {
+  foreach ($name in @("baileys_runner.ts", "auth.ts", "qr.ts", "status.ts")) {
+    $srcPath = Join-Path $bridgeSrc $name
+    if (Test-Path $srcPath) {
+      Copy-Item -Path $srcPath -Destination (Join-Path $sidecarRoot $name) -Force
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+$stopScript = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "whatsapp_stop.ps1"
+if (Test-Path $stopScript) {
+  Write-Host "[info] stopping existing sidecar so this console can print QR."
+  & $stopScript -ChannelId $ChannelId -Force
+}
+
+. (Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "lib\ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1")
+$proxyUrl = Get-OclawWhatsAppProxyUrl -StateDir $stateDir -Persist
+if ($proxyUrl) {
+  $env:AIA_WHATSAPP_PROXY_URL = $proxyUrl
+  $env:HTTPS_PROXY = $proxyUrl
+  $env:HTTP_PROXY = $proxyUrl
+  Write-Host "[info] whatsapp login proxy=$proxyUrl"
+}
+
+Set-Content -Path (Join-Path $sidecarRoot "pid.txt") -Value $PID
+
+$nodeExe = Join-Path $systemNodeDir "node.exe"
+if (-not (Test-Path $nodeExe)) { $nodeExe = "node.exe" }
+$tsxCli = Join-Path $sidecarRoot "node_modules\tsx\dist\cli.mjs"
+
 Push-Location $sidecarRoot
 try {
   $env:OCLAW_STATE_DIR = $stateDir
   Write-Host "[info] whatsapp login started (foreground)."
+  Write-Host "[info] QR prints here if WhatsApp issues one. Background sidecar logs: data\\logs\\whatsapp_sidecar.log"
   Write-Host "[info] If QR appears, scan it in WhatsApp -> Linked devices."
-  $runnerArgs = @("-y", "tsx", "baileys_runner.ts", "--login")
-  if ($VerboseRunner) {
-    $runnerArgs += "--verbose"
+  $runnerArgs = @()
+  if (Test-Path $tsxCli) {
+    $runnerArgs = @($tsxCli, "baileys_runner.ts", "--login")
+    if ($VerboseRunner) { $runnerArgs += "--verbose" }
+    & $nodeExe @runnerArgs
+  } else {
+    $runnerArgs = @("-y", "tsx", "baileys_runner.ts", "--login")
+    if ($VerboseRunner) { $runnerArgs += "--verbose" }
+    & npx.cmd @runnerArgs
   }
-  & npx.cmd @runnerArgs
   if ($LASTEXITCODE -ne 0) {
     throw "whatsapp login runner exited with code $LASTEXITCODE"
   }
diff --git a/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_start.ps1 b/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_start.ps1
index 3582a622..e1872b9b 100644
--- a/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_start.ps1
+++ b/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_start.ps1
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ $sidecarPidFile = Join-Path $sidecarRoot "pid.txt"
 
 $env:PYTHONPATH = $oclawRoot
 . (Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "lib\ResolveRuntimeLogDir.ps1")
+. (Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "lib\ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1")
 $runtimeLogDir = Get-OclawRuntimeLogDir -RepoRoot $oclawRoot
 
 New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force -Path $sidecarRoot | Out-Null
@@ -61,10 +62,23 @@ if (-not $resp -or $resp.StatusCode -ne 200) {
   throw "oclaw gateway is not reachable at $healthUrl. Start it first: powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File .\\scripts\\start_gateway.ps1 -SkipInstall -Background"
 }
 
-$args = @(
-  "/c",
-  "cd /d $sidecarRoot && set OCLAW_STATE_DIR=$stateDir&& set AIA_GATEWAY_BASE_URL=$GatewayBaseUrl&& npx.cmd -y tsx baileys_runner.ts"
-)
-$p = Start-Process -FilePath "cmd.exe" -ArgumentList $args -WorkingDirectory $sidecarRoot -PassThru -WindowStyle Hidden -RedirectStandardOutput $logPath -RedirectStandardError $errPath
+$proxyUrl = Get-OclawWhatsAppProxyUrl -StateDir $stateDir -Persist
+if ($proxyUrl) {
+  $env:AIA_WHATSAPP_PROXY_URL = $proxyUrl
+  $env:HTTPS_PROXY = $proxyUrl
+  $env:HTTP_PROXY = $proxyUrl
+  Write-Host "[info] whatsapp sidecar proxy=$proxyUrl"
+}
+
+$nodeExe = Join-Path $systemNodeDir "node.exe"
+if (-not (Test-Path $nodeExe)) { $nodeExe = "node.exe" }
+$tsxCli = Join-Path $sidecarRoot "node_modules\tsx\dist\cli.mjs"
+if (-not (Test-Path $tsxCli)) {
+  throw "tsx not installed under $sidecarRoot. Run whatsapp_install.ps1 first."
+}
+
+$env:OCLAW_STATE_DIR = $stateDir
+$env:AIA_GATEWAY_BASE_URL = $GatewayBaseUrl
+$p = Start-Process -FilePath $nodeExe -ArgumentList @($tsxCli, "baileys_runner.ts") -WorkingDirectory $sidecarRoot -PassThru -WindowStyle Hidden -RedirectStandardOutput $logPath -RedirectStandardError $errPath
 Set-Content -Path $sidecarPidFile -Value $p.Id
 Write-Host "[ok] started whatsapp sidecar pid=$($p.Id) mode=baileys out=$logPath err=$errPath"
diff --git a/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_stop.ps1 b/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_stop.ps1
index 79822ee2..ce465dcd 100644
--- a/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_stop.ps1
+++ b/runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_stop.ps1
@@ -46,4 +46,14 @@ if (Test-Path $sidecarPidFile) {
   Remove-Item -Force $sidecarPidFile -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
 }
 
+# cmd.exe wrapper can leave node/tsx children; sweep leftover runners for this channel.
+$needle = "channel_sidecar\$ChannelId"
+Get-CimInstance Win32_Process -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Where-Object {
+  $_.CommandLine -and
+  $_.CommandLine -like "*$needle*" -and
+  $_.CommandLine -like "*baileys_runner*"
+} | ForEach-Object {
+  [void](Invoke-TaskKillQuiet -ProcessId ([string]$_.ProcessId) -ForceKill)
+}
+
 Write-Host "[ok] stopped whatsapp channel=$ChannelId"
diff --git a/runtime/operations/whatsapp_bridge/baileys_runner.ts b/runtime/operations/whatsapp_bridge/baileys_runner.ts
index 6cbc2683..69371ad5 100644
--- a/runtime/operations/whatsapp_bridge/baileys_runner.ts
+++ b/runtime/operations/whatsapp_bridge/baileys_runner.ts
@@ -9,13 +9,14 @@ import makeWASocket, {
   downloadMediaMessage,
   extensionForMediaMessage,
   fetchLatestBaileysVersion,
+  fetchLatestWaWebVersion,
   getContentType,
   jidNormalizedUser,
   proto,
 } from "@whiskeysockets/baileys";
 import { HttpsProxyAgent } from "https-proxy-agent";
 
-import { loadAuthState } from "./auth";
+import { loadAuthState, resolveAuthDir } from "./auth";
 import { printQrToTerminal, writeQrImage } from "./qr";
 import { writeBridgeStatus } from "./status";
 
@@ -1052,6 +1053,62 @@ function _ipLooksHijackedOrUnroutable(ip: string): boolean {
   return false;
 }
 
+const STALE_WA_BUILD = 1027934701;
+const FALLBACK_WA_VERSION: [number, number, number] = [2, 3000, 1043857760];
+
+function isUsableWaVersion(version: unknown): version is [number, number, number] {
+  if (!Array.isArray(version) || version.length < 3) return false;
+  const build = Number(version[2]);
+  return Number.isFinite(build) && build > STALE_WA_BUILD;
+}
+
+async function proxyFetchInit(): Promise<Record<string, unknown>> {
+  if (!PROXY_URL) return {};
+  try {
+    const undici = await import("node:undici");
+    return { dispatcher: new undici.ProxyAgent(PROXY_URL) };
+  } catch {
+    return {};
+  }
+}
+
+async function resolveWhatsAppVersion(): Promise<[number, number, number]> {
+  const fromEnv = String(process.env.AIA_WHATSAPP_WA_VERSION || "").trim();
+  if (fromEnv) {
+    const parts = fromEnv.split(/[.,]/).map((n) => Number(n));
+    if (isUsableWaVersion(parts)) {
+      log(`wa version from AIA_WHATSAPP_WA_VERSION=${parts.join(".")}`);
+      return [parts[0], parts[1], parts[2]];
+    }
+    log(`ignore invalid AIA_WHATSAPP_WA_VERSION=${fromEnv}`);
+  }
+  const fetchInit = await proxyFetchInit();
+  try {
+    const latest = await withTimeout(fetchLatestBaileysVersion(fetchInit as any), 8000, "fetchLatestBaileysVersion");
+    if (isUsableWaVersion(latest.version)) {
+      log(`wa version from Baileys master=${latest.version.join(".")} isLatest=${String(latest.isLatest)}`);
+      return [latest.version[0], latest.version[1], latest.version[2]];
+    }
+    log(
+      `fetchLatestBaileysVersion unusable version=${JSON.stringify(latest.version)} error=${String((latest as any).error || "")}`,
+    );
+  } catch (err) {
+    log(`fetchLatestBaileysVersion failed: ${String(err)}`);
+  }
+  try {
+    const web = await withTimeout(fetchLatestWaWebVersion(fetchInit as any), 8000, "fetchLatestWaWebVersion");
+    if (isUsableWaVersion(web.version)) {
+      log(`wa version from WhatsApp Web=${web.version.join(".")}`);
+      return [web.version[0], web.version[1], web.version[2]];
+    }
+    log(`fetchLatestWaWebVersion unusable version=${JSON.stringify(web.version)}`);
+  } catch (err) {
+    log(`fetchLatestWaWebVersion failed: ${String(err)}`);
+  }
+  log(`wa version fallback=${FALLBACK_WA_VERSION.join(".")} (rc.9 default ${STALE_WA_BUILD} is rejected with 405)`);
+  return FALLBACK_WA_VERSION;
+}
+
 async function logNetworkHints(): Promise<void> {
   try {
     const a = await dns.resolve4("web.whatsapp.com").catch(() => []);
@@ -1076,6 +1133,11 @@ async function logNetworkHints(): Promise<void> {
   }
   if (PROXY_URL) {
     log(`proxy configured for Baileys via PROXY_URL=${PROXY_URL}`);
+    try {
+      fs.writeFileSync(path.join(STATE_DIR, "proxy.url"), PROXY_URL, "utf8");
+    } catch {
+      // ignore
+    }
   }
 }
 
@@ -1109,8 +1171,22 @@ function makeDeduper(params: { ttlMs: number; max: number }) {
 
 async function main(): Promise<void> {
   ensureDir(STATE_DIR);
-  const { state, saveCreds } = await loadAuthState(STATE_DIR);
-  const { version } = await fetchLatestBaileysVersion();
+  log(
+    `runner booting local=${LOCAL_BASE_URL} stateDir=${STATE_DIR} verbose=${VERBOSE} node=${process.version} proxy=${PROXY_URL ? "set" : "unset"}`,
+  );
+  writeBridgeStatus(STATE_DIR, {
+    connection: "connecting",
+    me: "",
+    phone: "",
+    qr: "",
+    qr_data_url: "",
+    qr_png: "",
+    last_error: "runner_starting",
+    reconnect_attempt: 0,
+    login_only: LOGIN_ONLY,
+  });
+  let { state, saveCreds } = await loadAuthState(STATE_DIR);
+  const version = await resolveWhatsAppVersion();
   const dedupe = makeDeduper({ ttlMs: 10 * 60 * 1000, max: 20_000 });
 
   let reconnectAttempt = 0;
@@ -1169,6 +1245,7 @@ async function main(): Promise<void> {
 
     sock.ev.on("connection.update", async (update) => {
       if (update.qr) {
+        reconnectAttempt = 0;
         log("QR received. Scan it from WhatsApp -> Linked devices.");
         printQrToTerminal(update.qr);
         const qrArt = await writeQrImage(STATE_DIR, update.qr);
@@ -1177,6 +1254,9 @@ async function main(): Promise<void> {
           qr: String(update.qr || ""),
           qr_data_url: qrArt.dataUrl,
           qr_png: qrArt.pngPath ? path.basename(qrArt.pngPath) : "",
+          last_error: "",
+          last_disconnect_reason: "",
+          last_disconnect_status: null,
           reconnect_attempt: reconnectAttempt,
           login_only: LOGIN_ONLY,
         });
@@ -1216,10 +1296,16 @@ async function main(): Promise<void> {
         const reason = statusCode ? (DisconnectReason as any)[statusCode] || String(statusCode) : "unknown";
         const errText = String(update.lastDisconnect?.error || "").slice(0, 200);
         log(`disconnected reason=${reason} statusCode=${String(statusCode || "")} err=${errText}`);
+        const hasLinkedSession = Boolean(
+          jidPhone(String((state.creds as any)?.me?.id || sock?.user?.id || "")),
+        );
         if (statusCode === DisconnectReason.loggedOut) {
           log("logged out: delete data/channel_sidecar/whatsapp/state/auth to re-link.");
           writeBridgeStatus(STATE_DIR, {
             connection: "logged_out",
+            qr: "",
+            qr_data_url: "",
+            qr_png: "",
             last_disconnect_reason: String(reason),
             last_disconnect_status: typeof statusCode === "number" ? statusCode : null,
             last_error: errText,
@@ -1233,10 +1319,13 @@ async function main(): Promise<void> {
           DisconnectReason.badSession,
           405,
         ]);
-        if (typeof statusCode === "number" && rebindCodes.has(statusCode)) {
+        if (hasLinkedSession && typeof statusCode === "number" && rebindCodes.has(statusCode)) {
           log(`session invalid statusCode=${statusCode}: clear state/auth and scan QR again.`);
           writeBridgeStatus(STATE_DIR, {
             connection: "needs_rebind",
+            qr: "",
+            qr_data_url: "",
+            qr_png: "",
             last_disconnect_reason: String(reason),
             last_disconnect_status: statusCode,
             last_error: errText,
@@ -1245,16 +1334,55 @@ async function main(): Promise<void> {
           });
           return;
         }
+        if (!hasLinkedSession && statusCode === 405) {
+          reconnectAttempt += 1;
+          log(`pairing 405: WhatsApp rejected this identity. Resetting auth keys attempt=${reconnectAttempt}`);
+          writeBridgeStatus(STATE_DIR, {
+            connection: "connecting",
+            me: "",
+            phone: "",
+            qr: "",
+            qr_data_url: "",
+            qr_png: "",
+            last_disconnect_reason: "405",
+            last_disconnect_status: 405,
+            last_error: "pairing_rejected_resetting_keys",
+            reconnect_attempt: reconnectAttempt,
+            login_only: LOGIN_ONLY,
+          });
+          try {
+            sock?.end(undefined as any);
+          } catch {
+            // ignore
+          }
+          sock = null;
+          try {
+            fs.rmSync(resolveAuthDir(STATE_DIR), { recursive: true, force: true });
+          } catch {
+            // ignore
+          }
+          const fresh = await loadAuthState(STATE_DIR);
+          state = fresh.state;
+          saveCreds = fresh.saveCreds;
+          await sleep(2000);
+          await connectOnce();
+          return;
+        }
         reconnectAttempt += 1;
         writeBridgeStatus(STATE_DIR, {
-          connection: "close",
+          connection: hasLinkedSession ? "close" : "connecting",
+          qr: "",
+          qr_data_url: "",
+          qr_png: "",
           last_disconnect_reason: String(reason),
           last_disconnect_status: typeof statusCode === "number" ? statusCode : null,
           last_error: errText,
           reconnect_attempt: reconnectAttempt,
           login_only: LOGIN_ONLY,
         });
-        const base = Math.min(30_000, 1000 * Math.pow(2, Math.min(6, reconnectAttempt)));
+        const base = hasLinkedSession
+          ? Math.min(30_000, 1000 * Math.pow(2, Math.min(6, reconnectAttempt)))
+          : 1500;
         const jitter = Math.floor(Math.random() * 500);
         const delay = base + jitter;
         log(`reconnecting in ${delay}ms attempt=${reconnectAttempt}`);
@@ -1379,7 +1507,9 @@ async function main(): Promise<void> {
     });
   };
 
-  log(`runner started local=${LOCAL_BASE_URL} stateDir=${STATE_DIR} verbose=${VERBOSE} node=${process.version}`);
+  log(
+    `runner started local=${LOCAL_BASE_URL} stateDir=${STATE_DIR} verbose=${VERBOSE} node=${process.version} waVersion=${version.join(".")}`,
+  );
   await logNetworkHints();
   startOutboundPoller(() => sock);
   await connectOnce();
diff --git a/runtime/operations/whatsapp_sidecar.py b/runtime/operations/whatsapp_sidecar.py
index cf05a84f..d1b88ac1 100644
--- a/runtime/operations/whatsapp_sidecar.py
+++ b/runtime/operations/whatsapp_sidecar.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import os
 import shutil
 import subprocess
 import time
+from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import Any
 
@@ -59,18 +60,39 @@ def _read_pid(channel_id: str = DEFAULT_CHANNEL_ID) -> int:
         return 0
 
 
-def _write_local_status(channel_id: str, patch: dict[str, Any]) -> dict[str, Any]:
+def _empty_bridge_status() -> dict[str, Any]:
+    return {
+        "connection": "stopped",
+        "me": "",
+        "phone": "",
+        "qr": "",
+        "qr_data_url": "",
+        "qr_png": "",
+        "last_disconnect_reason": "",
+        "last_disconnect_status": None,
+        "last_error": "",
+        "reconnect_attempt": 0,
+        "login_only": False,
+    }
+
+
+def _write_local_status(
+    channel_id: str,
+    patch: dict[str, Any],
+    *,
+    replace: bool = False,
+) -> dict[str, Any]:
     path = bridge_status_file(channel_id)
     path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     prev: dict[str, Any] = {}
-    if path.exists():
+    if not replace and path.exists():
         try:
             obj = json.loads(path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
             if isinstance(obj, dict):
                 prev = obj
         except Exception:
             prev = {}
-    next_obj = dict(prev)
+    next_obj = dict(_empty_bridge_status() if replace else prev)
     next_obj.update(patch or {})
     next_obj["updated_at"] = time.strftime("%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ", time.gmtime())
     path.write_text(json.dumps(next_obj, ensure_ascii=False, indent=2), encoding="utf-8")
@@ -165,6 +187,17 @@ def installed(channel_id: str = DEFAULT_CHANNEL_ID) -> bool:
     return (sidecar_root(channel_id) / "baileys_runner.ts").exists()
 
 
+def _bridge_updated_age_s(bridge: dict[str, Any]) -> float | None:
+    updated = str(bridge.get("updated_at") or "").strip()
+    if not updated:
+        return None
+    try:
+        ts = datetime.fromisoformat(updated.replace("Z", "+00:00")).timestamp()
+        return max(0.0, time.time() - ts)
+    except Exception:
+        return None
+
+
 def _needs_rebind_disconnect(bridge: dict[str, Any]) -> bool:
     code = bridge.get("last_disconnect_status")
     try:
@@ -210,11 +243,25 @@ def session_status(
     auth_exists = auth_dir(cid).exists() and any(auth_dir(cid).glob("*.json"))
     bound = bool(bound_info.get("me") or auth_exists)
     connection = str(bridge.get("connection") or "").strip().lower()
+    last_error = str(bridge.get("last_error") or "")
+    last_disconnect_reason = str(bridge.get("last_disconnect_reason") or "")
+    last_disconnect_status = bridge.get("last_disconnect_status")
+    login_only = bool(bridge.get("login_only"))
+    qr_text = str(bridge.get("qr") or "").strip()
+    age_s = _bridge_updated_age_s(bridge)
+    # whatsapp_login.ps1 prints QR in the foreground and does not write pid.txt.
+    live_qr = connection == "qr" and bool(qr_text) and (age_s is None or age_s <= 90)
+    live_login = login_only and connection in ("qr", "connecting", "open") and (age_s is None or age_s <= 90)
+    if live_qr or live_login:
+        running = True
     if not running:
         if bound:
             lifecycle = "bound_stopped"
         else:
             lifecycle = "unbound"
+            last_error = ""
+            last_disconnect_reason = ""
+            last_disconnect_status = None
         connection = "stopped"
     else:
         if connection == "open":
@@ -223,23 +270,30 @@ def session_status(
             lifecycle = "awaiting_scan"
         elif connection == "connecting":
             lifecycle = "connecting"
-        elif connection == "logged_out":
+        elif bound and connection == "logged_out":
             lifecycle = "logged_out"
-        elif connection == "needs_rebind" or _needs_rebind_disconnect(bridge):
+        elif bound and (connection == "needs_rebind" or _needs_rebind_disconnect(bridge)):
             lifecycle = "needs_rebind"
         elif bound:
             lifecycle = "bound_offline"
             if not connection:
                 connection = "close"
         else:
+            # Auth already cleared; leftover 405/close must not keep the UI on "needs rebind".
             lifecycle = "connecting"
-            if not connection:
+            if connection not in ("connecting", "qr"):
+                if connection == "stopped" and not last_error:
+                    last_error = "runner_waiting"
                 connection = "connecting"
     me = str(bridge.get("me") or bound_info.get("me") or "").strip()
     phone = str(bridge.get("phone") or bound_info.get("phone") or "").strip()
     name = str(bound_info.get("name") or "").strip()
     qr = str(bridge.get("qr") or "").strip()
-    qr_data_url = str(bridge.get("qr_data_url") or "").strip()
+    qr_data_url = ""
+    if qr:
+        qr_data_url = _qr_to_data_url(qr)
+    if not qr_data_url:
+        qr_data_url = str(bridge.get("qr_data_url") or "").strip()
     qr_png_name = str(bridge.get("qr_png") or "").strip()
     qr_png_path = state_dir(cid) / qr_png_name if qr_png_name else state_dir(cid) / "qr.png"
     if (not qr_data_url) and qr_png_path.exists():
@@ -250,18 +304,13 @@ def session_status(
             qr_data_url = "data:image/png;base64," + base64.b64encode(raw).decode("ascii")
         except Exception:
             qr_data_url = ""
-    if (not qr_data_url) and qr:
-        qr_data_url = _qr_to_data_url(qr)
     stale_qr = False
-    if qr or qr_data_url:
+    if lifecycle == "awaiting_scan" and (qr or qr_data_url):
         try:
             updated = str(bridge.get("updated_at") or "").strip()
             if updated:
-                # QR older than 2 minutes is usually expired.
-                from datetime import datetime, timezone
-
                 ts = datetime.fromisoformat(updated.replace("Z", "+00:00")).timestamp()
-                stale_qr = (time.time() - ts) > 120
+                stale_qr = (time.time() - ts) > 20
         except Exception:
             stale_qr = False
     log_path = oclaw_log_root() / "whatsapp_sidecar.log"
@@ -282,13 +331,14 @@ def session_status(
         "qr": qr if lifecycle == "awaiting_scan" else "",
         "qr_data_url": qr_data_url if lifecycle == "awaiting_scan" else "",
         "qr_stale": bool(stale_qr) if lifecycle == "awaiting_scan" else False,
-        "last_disconnect_reason": str(bridge.get("last_disconnect_reason") or ""),
-        "last_disconnect_status": bridge.get("last_disconnect_status"),
-        "last_error": str(bridge.get("last_error") or ""),
+        "last_disconnect_reason": last_disconnect_reason,
+        "last_disconnect_status": last_disconnect_status,
+        "last_error": last_error,
         "reconnect_attempt": int(bridge.get("reconnect_attempt") or 0),
         "bridge_updated_at": str(bridge.get("updated_at") or ""),
         "auth_dir": str(auth_dir(cid)),
         "log_path": str(log_path),
+        "login_only": login_only,
         "status_hint": {
             "unbound": "not_bound",
             "bound_stopped": "bound_but_sidecar_stopped",
@@ -308,6 +358,11 @@ def stop_sidecar(channel_id: str = DEFAULT_CHANNEL_ID, *, force: bool = True) ->
     if force:
         args.append("-Force")
     result = _run_ps1("whatsapp_stop.ps1", args, timeout_s=60.0)
+    for _ in range(10):
+        pid = _read_pid(cid)
+        if not pid or not is_pid_running(pid):
+            break
+        time.sleep(0.3)
     _write_local_status(
         cid,
         {
@@ -316,8 +371,11 @@ def stop_sidecar(channel_id: str = DEFAULT_CHANNEL_ID, *, force: bool = True) ->
             "qr_data_url": "",
             "qr_png": "",
             "last_error": "",
+            "last_disconnect_reason": "",
+            "last_disconnect_status": None,
             "reconnect_attempt": 0,
         },
+        replace=True,
     )
     return {"ok": bool(result.get("ok")), "action": "stop", **result}
 
@@ -360,7 +418,7 @@ def unbind_session(
     if auth.exists():
         shutil.rmtree(auth, ignore_errors=True)
         removed_auth = not auth.exists()
-    for extra in (state_dir(cid) / "qr.png", bridge_status_file(cid)):
+    for extra in (state_dir(cid) / "qr.png",):
         try:
             if extra.exists():
                 extra.unlink()
@@ -380,6 +438,7 @@ def unbind_session(
             "last_error": "",
             "reconnect_attempt": 0,
         },
+        replace=True,
     )
     status = session_status(channel_id=cid, gateway_base_url=gateway_base_url)
     return {
@@ -400,21 +459,28 @@ def start_bind(
     """Ensure sidecar is running so a QR can appear (optionally after clearing auth)."""
     cid = str(channel_id or DEFAULT_CHANNEL_ID).strip() or DEFAULT_CHANNEL_ID
     base = str(gateway_base_url or DEFAULT_GATEWAY_BASE_URL).rstrip("/") or DEFAULT_GATEWAY_BASE_URL
+    cur = session_status(channel_id=cid, gateway_base_url=base)
+    # Keep an already-visible daemon QR. Replace login-only (cmd) so Admin can stay online after scan.
+    if (
+        not clear_auth
+        and str(cur.get("lifecycle") or "") == "awaiting_scan"
+        and (cur.get("qr") or cur.get("qr_data_url"))
+        and not bool(cur.get("login_only"))
+        and bool(cur.get("sidecar_running"))
+    ):
+        return {
+            "ok": True,
+            "action": "bind",
+            "clear_auth": False,
+            "already_awaiting_scan": True,
+            "status": cur,
+        }
     if clear_auth:
         unbind_session(cid, gateway_base_url=base)
     else:
         stop_sidecar(cid, force=True)
     started = start_sidecar(cid, gateway_base_url=base)
-    # Poll for QR / online (fresh sidecar may take 10-40s to emit QR).
     status = started.get("status") if isinstance(started.get("status"), dict) else session_status(channel_id=cid, gateway_base_url=base)
-    for _ in range(45):
-        life = str(status.get("lifecycle") or "")
-        if life == "online":
-            break
-        if life == "awaiting_scan" and (status.get("qr_data_url") or status.get("qr")):
-            break
-        time.sleep(1.0)
-        status = session_status(channel_id=cid, gateway_base_url=base)
     return {
         "ok": bool(started.get("ok")),
         "action": "bind",
diff --git a/tests/test_whatsapp_admin_session.py b/tests/test_whatsapp_admin_session.py
index cb8de7ac..45a251cd 100644
--- a/tests/test_whatsapp_admin_session.py
+++ b/tests/test_whatsapp_admin_session.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
+from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
 
 from runtime.operations import whatsapp_sidecar as wa
@@ -24,6 +25,12 @@ def test_whatsapp_install_copies_status_and_qrcode_pkg() -> None:
     assert "qrcode@$qrcodeVersion" in text
     start = (REPO_ROOT / "runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_start.ps1").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
     assert "status.ts" in start
+    assert "ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1" in start
+    assert "tsx\\dist\\cli.mjs" in start or "tsx/dist/cli.mjs" in start.replace("\\\\", "/")
+    assert "npx.cmd -y tsx" not in start
+    login = (REPO_ROOT / "runtime/operations/scripts/whatsapp_login.ps1").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    assert "pid.txt" in login
+    assert "ResolveWhatsAppProxy.ps1" in login
 
 
 def test_whatsapp_session_status_unbound(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> None:
@@ -81,11 +88,48 @@ def test_whatsapp_unbind_removes_auth(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> None:
     auth.mkdir(parents=True)
     (auth / "creds.json").write_text("{}", encoding="utf-8")
     (root / "state" / "qr.png").write_bytes(b"png")
+    (root / "state" / "bridge_status.json").write_text(
+        json.dumps(
+            {
+                "connection": "needs_rebind",
+                "last_disconnect_status": 405,
+                "last_error": "Error: Connection Failure",
+            }
+        ),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
     out = wa.unbind_session(channel_id="whatsapp")
     assert out["ok"] is True
     assert out["removed_auth"] is True
     assert not auth.exists()
     assert out["status"]["lifecycle"] == "unbound"
+    assert not out["status"]["last_error"]
+    assert not out["status"]["last_disconnect_reason"]
+
+
+def test_whatsapp_session_status_ignores_stale_405_when_unbound(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> None:
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "PROJECT_ROOT", tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "is_pid_running", lambda pid: True)
+    root = tmp_path / "data" / "channel_sidecar" / "whatsapp"
+    state = root / "state"
+    state.mkdir(parents=True)
+    (root / "baileys_runner.ts").write_text("// stub\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    (root / "pid.txt").write_text("4242\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    (state / "bridge_status.json").write_text(
+        json.dumps(
+            {
+                "connection": "needs_rebind",
+                "last_disconnect_status": 405,
+                "last_error": "Error: Connection Failure",
+            }
+        ),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    st = wa.session_status(channel_id="whatsapp")
+    assert st["bound"] is False
+    assert st["lifecycle"] == "connecting"
+    assert st["last_error"] == "Error: Connection Failure"
+    assert int(st["last_disconnect_status"] or 0) == 405
 
 
 def test_whatsapp_session_status_needs_rebind_on_405(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> None:
@@ -119,11 +163,78 @@ def test_whatsapp_session_status_needs_rebind_on_405(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> N
     assert st["status_hint"] == "session_invalid_need_rebind"
 
 
+def test_whatsapp_session_status_qr_without_pid(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> None:
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "PROJECT_ROOT", tmp_path)
+    root = tmp_path / "data" / "channel_sidecar" / "whatsapp"
+    state = root / "state"
+    state.mkdir(parents=True)
+    (root / "baileys_runner.ts").write_text("// stub\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    (state / "bridge_status.json").write_text(
+        json.dumps(
+            {
+                "connection": "qr",
+                "qr": "2@testqr",
+                "login_only": True,
+                "updated_at": "2026-08-17T15:29:18.721Z",
+            }
+        ),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa.time, "time", lambda: datetime.fromisoformat("2026-08-17T15:29:21+00:00").timestamp())
+    st = wa.session_status(channel_id="whatsapp")
+    assert st["lifecycle"] == "awaiting_scan"
+    assert st["sidecar_running"] is True
+    assert st["qr"] == "2@testqr"
+    assert str(st["qr_data_url"]).startswith("data:image/png;base64,")
+    assert st["login_only"] is True
+
+
+def test_start_bind_keeps_existing_daemon_qr(tmp_path, monkeypatch) -> None:
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "PROJECT_ROOT", tmp_path)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "is_pid_running", lambda pid: True)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "stop_sidecar", lambda *a, **k: (_ for _ in ()).throw(AssertionError("should not stop")))
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa, "start_sidecar", lambda *a, **k: (_ for _ in ()).throw(AssertionError("should not start")))
+    root = tmp_path / "data" / "channel_sidecar" / "whatsapp"
+    state = root / "state"
+    state.mkdir(parents=True)
+    (root / "baileys_runner.ts").write_text("// stub\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    (root / "pid.txt").write_text("4242\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    (state / "bridge_status.json").write_text(
+        json.dumps(
+            {
+                "connection": "qr",
+                "qr": "2@keepme",
+                "login_only": False,
+                "updated_at": "2026-08-17T15:29:18.721Z",
+            }
+        ),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    monkeypatch.setattr(wa.time, "time", lambda: datetime.fromisoformat("2026-08-17T15:29:21+00:00").timestamp())
+    out = wa.start_bind(channel_id="whatsapp", clear_auth=False)
+    assert out["ok"] is True
+    assert out["already_awaiting_scan"] is True
+    assert out["status"]["qr"] == "2@keepme"
+
+
 def test_qr_to_data_url_generates_png() -> None:
     url = wa._qr_to_data_url("2@testqr")
     assert url.startswith("data:image/png;base64,")
 
 
+def test_start_bind_does_not_block_for_qr() -> None:
+    text = (REPO_ROOT / "runtime/operations/whatsapp_sidecar.py").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    fn = text[text.index("def start_bind") : text.index("def start_bind") + 1800]
+    assert "for _ in range(45)" not in fn
+    stack = (REPO_ROOT / "interfaces/admin/static/js/pages/stack.js").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    assert "watchWaBindUntilOnline" in stack
+    assert "waSessionBindRequested" in stack
+    assert 'initLife === "awaiting_scan" || initLife === "connecting"' not in stack
+    assert "10 * 60 * 1000" in stack
+    assert 'clear_auth: Boolean(needClear)' in stack
+    assert 'curLife === "unbound"' not in stack
+
+
 def test_admin_routes_expose_whatsapp_session_apis() -> None:
     text = (REPO_ROOT / "interfaces/admin/routes.py").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
     assert '/admin/api/whatsapp/session"' in text
@@ -137,3 +248,8 @@ def test_admin_routes_expose_whatsapp_session_apis() -> None:
     assert "pollWaSession" in stack
     runner = (REPO_ROOT / "runtime/operations/whatsapp_bridge/baileys_runner.ts").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
     assert "needs_rebind" in runner
+    assert "pairing 405" in runner
+    assert "Resetting auth keys" in runner
+    assert "resolveWhatsAppVersion" in runner
+    assert "1043857760" in runner
+    assert "1027934701" in runner