feat(pairing): seamless no-PIN delegated approval (host parks the knock, clients add "Request access")

Web-console "Approve" (delegated pairing, roadmap §8b-1) was unreachable: every
client routed a fresh pair=required host straight to the SPAKE2 PIN ceremony, so
no "knock" was ever recorded; and an unpaired connect was rejected+closed with no
way to resume after approval. The backend + console were complete but had no
client-side trigger and no post-approval admit path.

Host (native_pairing.rs, punktfunk1.rs): an unpaired identified knock is now
PARKED instead of rejected — it releases its NVENC session permit, awaits an
operator decision (NativePairing::wait_for_decision, woken by a Notify on
approve/deny), and on approval re-acquires a slot and admits the SAME connection
with no reconnect. QUIC keep-alive (4s/8s) holds the parked connection warm. The
pairing gate moves out of the HANDSHAKE_TIMEOUT-bounded handshake future;
approve_pending is reordered read-then-add and wait_for_decision double-checks
is_paired to close a "neither pending nor paired" race. New PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT
(180s). Tests: delegated_approval_admits_after_knock now approves mid-park (no
reconnect) + new wait_for_decision_approve_deny_timeout unit test (108 host tests
green).

Clients (Linux/Apple/Windows/Android): a fresh pair=required host now offers
"Request access" alongside the PIN ceremony — a plain identified connect with a
~185s handshake budget and a cancelable "waiting for approval" UI; on success the
host is saved as paired, and cancel returns the UI immediately while a late-
resolving connect is torn down silently via a per-attempt flag. Apple reuses the
existing C-ABI timeout_ms (no ABI change); Windows adds SessionParams.connect_timeout
+ a RequestAccess screen; Android adds a timeoutMs arg to the nativeConnect JNI
seam (both sides + both callers). Linux built + clippy + fmt clean; Apple/Windows/
Android pending their CI/on-device compiles.

SPAKE2 ceremony reviewed end-to-end against the spake2 0.4 contract — correct, no
changes needed.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

clients/android/app/src/main/kotlin/io/unom/punktfunk/ConnectScreen.kt

@@ -74,10 +74,31 @@ import io.unom.punktfunk.kit.security.KnownHostStore
 import io.unom.punktfunk.kit.security.obtainIdentity
 import io.unom.punktfunk.models.HostStatus
 import io.unom.punktfunk.models.PendingTrust
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicBoolean
 import kotlinx.coroutines.Dispatchers
 import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
 import kotlinx.coroutines.withContext
 
+/** Handshake budget for a normal connect (the prior hardcoded value, now passed explicitly). */
+private const val CONNECT_TIMEOUT_MS = 10_000
+
+/**
+ * Handshake budget for the no-PIN "request access" connect. Must exceed the host's approval-park
+ * window (~180 s) so a slow operator approval still lands on this same parked connection rather than
+ * timing the client out first. Mirrors the Linux client's 185 s.
+ */
+private const val REQUEST_ACCESS_TIMEOUT_MS = 185_000
+
+/**
+ * A no-PIN "request access" connect in flight — the host being requested (drives the cancelable
+ * "Waiting for approval…" dialog) and a per-attempt flag the Cancel button trips. The connect is a
+ * blocking call with no abort, so Cancel returns the UI immediately and a late result checks
+ * [cancelled] and tears the (possibly just-approved) session down silently rather than navigating.
+ */
+private class RequestAccessState(val target: PendingTrust) {
+    val cancelled = AtomicBoolean(false)
+}
+
 @OptIn(ExperimentalMaterial3Api::class)
 @Composable
 fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
@@ -128,8 +149,11 @@ fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
             .onSuccess { identity = it }
             .onFailure { status = "Identity unavailable: ${it.message} — re-pair may be required" }
     }
-    // A trust decision awaiting the user (first-connect TOFU / fp changed / PIN pairing).
+    // A trust decision awaiting the user (first-connect TOFU / fp changed / PIN pairing / the
+    // request-access-or-PIN choice).
     var pendingTrust by remember { mutableStateOf<PendingTrust?>(null) }
+    // A no-PIN "request access" connect in flight (the cancelable "Waiting for approval…" dialog).
+    var awaiting by remember { mutableStateOf<RequestAccessState?>(null) }
     // A saved host whose label is being edited (the Rename dialog).
     var renameTarget by remember { mutableStateOf<KnownHost?>(null) }
 
@@ -163,7 +187,7 @@ fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
                     targetHost, targetPort, w, h, hz,
                     id.certPem, id.privateKeyPem, pinHex ?: "",
                     settings.bitrateKbps, settings.compositor, gamepadPref,
-                    hdrEnabled, settings.audioChannels,
+                    hdrEnabled, settings.audioChannels, CONNECT_TIMEOUT_MS,
                 )
             }
             connecting = false
@@ -182,10 +206,66 @@ fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
         }
     }
 
-    // Decide pinned-reconnect vs fp-changed vs TOFU vs PIN pairing before connecting. Trust state is
+    // The no-PIN "request access" path (delegated approval): open a normal identified connect that
+    // the host PARKS until the operator clicks Approve in its console/web UI, showing a cancelable
+    // "Waiting for approval…" dialog meanwhile. The SAME connection is admitted on approval (no
+    // reconnect), so on success we record the host as PAIRED — the operator's approval IS the pairing.
+    // The connect can't be aborted, so Cancel returns the UI immediately and a late result is torn
+    // down silently via the per-attempt flag (mirrors the Linux client's request-access flow).
+    fun requestAccess(target: PendingTrust) {
+        val id = identity
+        if (id == null) {
+            status = "Identity not ready yet — try again in a moment"
+            return
+        }
+        val req = RequestAccessState(target)
+        awaiting = req
+        connecting = true
+        status = null
+        discovery.stop() // free the Wi-Fi radio before the (parked) stream session
+        scope.launch {
+            val hdrEnabled = displaySupportsHdr(context)
+            val gamepadPref = Gamepad.resolvePref(settings.gamepad)
+            // Pin the advertised fingerprint for a discovered host (defence against an impostor while
+            // we wait); a manually-typed host has none, so trust-on-first-use.
+            val pinHex = target.advertisedFp ?: ""
+            val handle = withContext(Dispatchers.IO) {
+                NativeBridge.nativeConnect(
+                    target.host, target.port, w, h, hz,
+                    id.certPem, id.privateKeyPem, pinHex,
+                    settings.bitrateKbps, settings.compositor, gamepadPref,
+                    hdrEnabled, settings.audioChannels, REQUEST_ACCESS_TIMEOUT_MS,
+                )
+            }
+            // Cancelled while we were parked: tear the (possibly just-approved) session down and
+            // don't touch UI a fresh action may now own.
+            if (req.cancelled.get()) {
+                if (handle != 0L) withContext(Dispatchers.IO) { NativeBridge.nativeClose(handle) }
+                return@launch
+            }
+            awaiting = null
+            connecting = false
+            if (handle != 0L) {
+                // Approved — save the host as PAIRED, pinning the fingerprint it presented, so
+                // future connects are silent (exactly like after a PIN ceremony).
+                val fp = NativeBridge.nativeHostFingerprint(handle)
+                if (fp.isNotEmpty()) {
+                    knownHostStore.save(KnownHost(target.host, target.port, target.name, fp, paired = true))
+                    savedHosts = knownHostStore.all()
+                }
+                onConnected(handle)
+            } else {
+                status = "Request timed out — approve this device in the host's console, then retry."
+                discovery.start()
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Decide pinned-reconnect vs fp-changed vs TOFU vs pairing before connecting. Trust state is
     // keyed by address:port, so a discovered and a manually-typed connection to the same host share
     // one record. Trust-on-first-use is permitted ONLY when the host advertised pair=optional; a
-    // pair=required host, or a manual/unknown-policy host, must pair by PIN.
+    // pair=required host, or a manual/unknown-policy host, must pair — either by no-PIN request
+    // access (approve in the console) or by the SPAKE2 PIN ceremony.
     fun connect(
         targetHost: String,
         targetPort: Int,
@@ -208,9 +288,10 @@ fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
             // clearly labeled, alongside PIN pairing). Smart-cast: this branch ⇒ dh != null.
             dh?.pairingRequired == false -> pendingTrust =
                 PendingTrust(targetHost, targetPort, name, dh.fingerprint, PendingTrust.Kind.TRUST_NEW)
-            // pair=required, or a manual/unknown-policy host → PIN pairing is mandatory.
+            // pair=required, or a manual/unknown-policy host → offer the two ways in: a no-PIN
+            // "request access" (approve in the console) or the SPAKE2 PIN ceremony.
             else -> pendingTrust =
-                PendingTrust(targetHost, targetPort, name, adv, PendingTrust.Kind.PAIR)
+                PendingTrust(targetHost, targetPort, name, adv, PendingTrust.Kind.REQUEST_ACCESS)
         }
     }
 
@@ -471,6 +552,33 @@ fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
                     TextButton({ pendingTrust = null }) { Text("Cancel") }
                 },
             )
+            // A fresh pair=required (or manual/unknown-policy) host: offer the two ways in. "Request
+            // access" is the no-PIN path — connect and wait for the operator to click Approve in the
+            // host's console; "Use a PIN…" switches to the SPAKE2 ceremony.
+            PendingTrust.Kind.REQUEST_ACCESS -> AlertDialog(
+                onDismissRequest = { pendingTrust = null },
+                title = { Text("Pairing required") },
+                text = {
+                    Column {
+                        Text("${pt.host}:${pt.port} requires pairing before it will stream.")
+                        Text(
+                            "Request access and approve this device in the host's console (or web " +
+                                "UI) — no PIN needed. Or pair with the 4-digit PIN the host displays.",
+                        )
+                    }
+                },
+                confirmButton = {
+                    TextButton({ pendingTrust = null; requestAccess(pt) }) { Text("Request access") }
+                },
+                dismissButton = {
+                    Row {
+                        TextButton({ pendingTrust = pt.copy(kind = PendingTrust.Kind.PAIR) }) {
+                            Text("Use a PIN…")
+                        }
+                        TextButton({ pendingTrust = null }) { Text("Cancel") }
+                    }
+                },
+            )
             PendingTrust.Kind.PAIR -> {
                 var pin by remember(pt) { mutableStateOf("") }
                 var name by remember(pt) { mutableStateOf(Build.MODEL ?: "Android") }
@@ -537,6 +645,44 @@ fun ConnectScreen(settings: Settings, onConnected: (Long) -> Unit) {
         }
     }
 
+    // The no-PIN "request access" wait: the connect is parked on the host until the operator
+    // approves this device. Cancel returns the UI immediately — it trips the per-attempt flag so a
+    // late approval is torn down silently (see requestAccess) and resumes discovery.
+    awaiting?.let { req ->
+        fun cancel() {
+            req.cancelled.set(true)
+            awaiting = null
+            connecting = false
+            discovery.start() // the request may still be pending on the host; keep scanning
+        }
+        AlertDialog(
+            onDismissRequest = { cancel() },
+            title = { Text("Waiting for approval") },
+            text = {
+                val deviceName = Build.MODEL ?: "this device"
+                Column(verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)) {
+                    Row(
+                        verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
+                        horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp),
+                    ) {
+                        CircularProgressIndicator(modifier = Modifier.size(20.dp), strokeWidth = 2.dp)
+                        Text("Approve this device on ${req.target.name}.")
+                    }
+                    Text(
+                        "Open the host's console (or web UI) and approve “$deviceName”. It connects " +
+                            "automatically once you approve — no PIN needed.",
+                        style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium,
+                        color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onSurfaceVariant,
+                    )
+                }
+            },
+            confirmButton = {},
+            dismissButton = {
+                TextButton(onClick = { cancel() }) { Text("Cancel") }
+            },
+        )
+    }
+
     // Rename a saved host's label (discovered hosts are named by mDNS; this is how you give one a
     // friendly name like "Living Room" after pairing). Keyed by the host so reopening resets the field.
     renameTarget?.let { kh ->

clients/android/app/src/main/kotlin/io/unom/punktfunk/models/UiModels.kt

@@ -14,8 +14,10 @@ enum class Tab(val label: String, val icon: ImageVector) {
 /**
  * A trust decision awaiting the user before a connect proceeds. [name] is the label to save the
  * host under. Trust-on-first-use ([Kind.TRUST_NEW]) is only ever offered when the host ADVERTISED
- * pair=optional; a pair=required host or a manually-typed/unknown-policy host goes straight to PIN
+ * pair=optional; a pair=required host or a manually-typed/unknown-policy host is offered the
- * pairing ([Kind.PAIR]), and a changed fingerprint forces re-pairing — never a silent re-trust.
+ * two ways in ([Kind.REQUEST_ACCESS]): a no-PIN "request access" connect the operator approves in
+ * the host's console, or the SPAKE2 PIN ceremony ([Kind.PAIR]). A changed fingerprint forces
+ * re-pairing by PIN ([Kind.FP_CHANGED]) — never a silent re-trust.
  */
 data class PendingTrust(
     val host: String,
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ data class PendingTrust(
     val advertisedFp: String?,
     val kind: Kind,
 ) {
-    enum class Kind { TRUST_NEW, FP_CHANGED, PAIR }
+    enum class Kind { TRUST_NEW, FP_CHANGED, PAIR, REQUEST_ACCESS }
 }
 
 /** Trust state of a host, shown as a colored pill on its card. */

clients/android/kit/src/main/kotlin/io/unom/punktfunk/kit/NativeBridge.kt

@@ -29,8 +29,10 @@ object NativeBridge {
      * trust-on-first-use — read [nativeHostFingerprint] after; else 64-hex host SHA-256, mismatch →
      * `0`). [width]/[height]/[refreshHz] are the requested virtual-output mode (the host streams at
      * exactly this); [bitrateKbps] 0 = host default; [compositorPref]/[gamepadPref] are the
-     * `CompositorPref`/`GamepadPref` wire bytes (0 = Auto). Returns an opaque session handle, or `0`
+     * `CompositorPref`/`GamepadPref` wire bytes (0 = Auto). [timeoutMs] is the handshake budget — the
-     * on failure. Pair with exactly one [nativeClose].
+     * normal path passes a short value, the no-PIN "request access" path a long one (≥ the host's
+     * approval-park window) so a slow operator approval lands on this same parked connection. Returns
+     * an opaque session handle, or `0` on failure. Pair with exactly one [nativeClose].
      */
     external fun nativeConnect(
         host: String,
@@ -46,6 +48,7 @@ object NativeBridge {
         gamepadPref: Int,
         hdrEnabled: Boolean,
         audioChannels: Int,
+        timeoutMs: Int,
     ): Long
 
     /** 64-hex SHA-256 of the cert the host presented on [handle]; valid after a successful connect. */

clients/android/native/src/session.rs

@@ -140,13 +140,15 @@ pub extern "system" fn Java_io_unom_punktfunk_kit_NativeBridge_nativeGenerateIde
 }
 
 /// `NativeBridge.nativeConnect(host, port, w, h, hz, certPem, keyPem, pinHex, bitrateKbps,
-/// compositorPref, gamepadPref, hdrEnabled, audioChannels): Long`. `certPem`/`keyPem` empty =
+/// compositorPref, gamepadPref, hdrEnabled, audioChannels, timeoutMs): Long`. `certPem`/`keyPem`
-/// anonymous, else presented as the persistent identity. `pinHex` empty = TOFU (read
+/// empty = anonymous, else presented as the persistent identity. `pinHex` empty = TOFU (read
 /// `nativeHostFingerprint` after), else 64-hex SHA-256 to pin the host (mismatch → 0). `bitrateKbps`
 /// 0 = host default. `compositorPref`/`gamepadPref` are `CompositorPref`/`GamepadPref` wire bytes
 /// (0 = Auto; unknown → Auto). `audioChannels` is the requested surround layout (2/6/8; normalized,
-/// anything else → stereo) — the host clamps it and the resolved count drives playback.
+/// anything else → stereo) — the host clamps it and the resolved count drives playback. `timeoutMs`
-/// Returns an opaque handle, or 0 on failure (logged).
+/// is the handshake budget: the normal path passes a short value, the no-PIN "request access" path a
+/// long one (≥ the host's approval-park window) so a slow operator approval lands on this same parked
+/// connection rather than timing the client out first. Returns an opaque handle, or 0 on failure.
 #[no_mangle]
 #[allow(clippy::too_many_arguments)]
 pub extern "system" fn Java_io_unom_punktfunk_kit_NativeBridge_nativeConnect<'local>(
@@ -165,6 +167,7 @@ pub extern "system" fn Java_io_unom_punktfunk_kit_NativeBridge_nativeConnect<'lo
     gamepad_pref: jint,
     hdr_enabled: jboolean,
     audio_channels: jint,
+    timeout_ms: jint,
 ) -> jlong {
     let host: String = match env.get_string(&host) {
         Ok(s) => s.into(),
@@ -224,7 +227,9 @@ pub extern "system" fn Java_io_unom_punktfunk_kit_NativeBridge_nativeConnect<'lo
         None,     // launch: default app
         pin,      // Some → Crypto on host-fp mismatch
         identity, // owned (cert, key) PEM, or None (anonymous)
-        Duration::from_secs(10),
+        // Handshake budget from Kotlin: ~10 s for a normal connect, ~185 s for "request access"
+        // (the host parks the connection until the operator approves the device — see ConnectScreen).
+        Duration::from_millis(timeout_ms.max(0) as u64),
     ) {
         Ok(client) => {
             let handle = SessionHandle {

clients/apple/Sources/PunktfunkClient/ContentView.swift

@@ -4,10 +4,12 @@
 // (HomeView/HostCards), the trust prompt (TrustCardView), and the HUD (StreamHUDView) live in
 // their own files.
 //
-// Two ways to establish trust on first contact: the TOFU prompt (host fingerprint over the
+// Ways to establish trust on first contact: the TOFU prompt (host fingerprint over the
-// live-but-blurred stream, compared with the host's log) or the PIN pairing ceremony — pairing
+// live-but-blurred stream, compared with the host's log; only for a host advertising pair=optional),
-// verifies both sides at once and is the only way into hosts running --require-pairing. Once
+// the PIN pairing ceremony (verifies both sides at once), or — for a host that requires pairing —
-// pinned, reconnects are silent and a changed host identity refuses to connect.
+// delegated approval ("Request Access": a plain identified connect the host parks until the operator
+// approves this device in its console, no PIN). Once pinned, reconnects are silent and a changed
+// host identity refuses to connect.
 
 #if os(macOS)
 import AppKit
@@ -31,6 +33,12 @@ struct ContentView: View {
     @AppStorage(DefaultsKey.hudPlacement) private var hudPlacement = HUDPlacement.topTrailing.rawValue
     @State private var showAddHost = false
     @State private var pairingTarget: StoredHost?
+    /// A fresh `pair=required`/unknown host the user tapped: drives the choice between no-PIN
+    /// delegated approval ("Request Access") and the SPAKE2 PIN ceremony (rule 3b).
+    @State private var approvalChoice: ApprovalRequest?
+    /// A delegated-approval connect is in flight (host parks it until the operator approves):
+    /// drives the cancelable "Waiting for approval" prompt and the pin-as-paired on success.
+    @State private var awaitingApproval: ApprovalRequest?
     @State private var speedTestTarget: StoredHost?
     @State private var libraryTarget: StoredHost?
     #if !os(macOS)
@@ -55,10 +63,27 @@ struct ContentView: View {
             autoConnectIfAsked()
         }
         .onChange(of: model.phase) { _, phase in
+            switch phase {
+            case .streaming:
                 // A session actually started — remember it on the card ("Connected … ago"
                 // plus the accent ring on the most recent host).
-            if case .streaming = phase, let host = model.activeHost {
+                guard let host = model.activeHost else { break }
                 store.markConnected(host.id)
+                // Delegated approval just succeeded: the operator let this device in, so pin the
+                // host's observed fingerprint and remember it as paired — future connects are then
+                // silent (rule 1), exactly like after a PIN/TOFU success. Dismisses the wait prompt.
+                if awaitingApproval?.host.id == host.id {
+                    if let fp = model.connection?.hostFingerprint {
+                        store.pin(host.id, fingerprint: fp)
+                    }
+                    awaitingApproval = nil
+                }
+            case .idle:
+                // The delegated-approval connect failed, timed out, or was cancelled — drop the
+                // wait prompt (SessionModel surfaces any error via `errorMessage`).
+                if awaitingApproval != nil { awaitingApproval = nil }
+            default:
+                break
             }
         }
         .onDisappear { model.disconnect() } // window closed mid-session (Cmd+N spawns more)
@@ -90,6 +115,47 @@ struct ContentView: View {
             }
         }
         #endif
+        // Fresh pair=required / unknown host: offer the two ways in. An action sheet (not an
+        // alert) so it never collides with the wait alert below. "Request Access" is the no-PIN
+        // delegated-approval path; "Pair with PIN…" runs the SPAKE2 ceremony. The follow-on
+        // presentation is deferred a tick so this dialog is fully dismissed first.
+        .confirmationDialog(
+            "Pairing required",
+            isPresented: Binding(
+                get: { approvalChoice != nil },
+                set: { if !$0 { approvalChoice = nil } }),
+            titleVisibility: .visible,
+            presenting: approvalChoice
+        ) { req in
+            Button("Request Access") {
+                DispatchQueue.main.async { requestAccess(req) }
+            }
+            Button("Pair with PIN…") {
+                DispatchQueue.main.async { pairingTarget = req.host }
+            }
+            Button("Cancel", role: .cancel) {}
+        } message: { req in
+            Text("\(req.host.displayName) requires pairing. Request access and approve this "
+                + "device in the host's web console (port 3000 → Pairing) — no PIN needed. Or "
+                + "pair with the 4-digit PIN it can display.")
+        }
+        // The delegated-approval wait: the host holds the connection open until the operator
+        // approves it. Cancel returns the UI at once; the in-flight connect is left to time out
+        // and its late result is discarded by SessionModel's connect guard (disconnect resets the
+        // phase/host it checks).
+        .alert(
+            "Waiting for approval",
+            isPresented: Binding(
+                get: { awaitingApproval != nil },
+                set: { if !$0 { awaitingApproval = nil } }),
+            presenting: awaitingApproval
+        ) { _ in
+            Button("Cancel", role: .cancel) { model.disconnect() }
+        } message: { req in
+            Text("Approve \u{201C}\(localDeviceName)\u{201D} in \(req.host.displayName)'s web "
+                + "console (port 3000 → Pairing). This device connects automatically once you "
+                + "approve it — no need to reconnect.")
+        }
     }
 
     private var home: some View {
@@ -230,19 +296,32 @@ struct ContentView: View {
         // A pinned host connects on its stored fingerprint; an unpinned host may only TOFU when
         // the host's LIVE advert says `pair=optional` (rule 3a). When the caller doesn't already
         // know the policy (a saved-card tap / manual entry), resolve it from the current mDNS set:
-        // an unpinned host with no matching `pair=optional` advert routes to PIN pairing instead
+        // an unpinned host with no matching `pair=optional` advert routes to the approval choice
-        // of silently entering the trust prompt (rules 3b + 4). A pinned host ignores all of this.
+        // (request access / pair with PIN) instead of silently entering the trust prompt (rules
+        // 3b + 4). A pinned host ignores all of this.
         if host.pinnedSHA256 == nil {
             let tofuOK = allowTofu ?? discovery.hosts.contains {
                 host.matches($0) && $0.allowsTofu
             }
             if !tofuOK {
-                pairingTarget = host
+                // pair=required / unknown policy / manual entry (rule 3b): never a silent
+                // connect — offer no-PIN delegated approval or the PIN ceremony.
+                approvalChoice = ApprovalRequest(
+                    host: host, advertisedFingerprint: advertisedFingerprint(for: host))
                 return
             }
         }
-        // The gamepad-type setting resolves NOW (Automatic → match the active physical
+        startSession(host, launchID: launchID, allowTofu: host.pinnedSHA256 == nil)
-        // controller): the host's virtual pad backend is fixed per session.
+    }
+
+    /// Resolve the @AppStorage stream mode + input prefs and hand off to the session model. The
+    /// gamepad-type setting resolves NOW (Automatic → match the active physical controller): the
+    /// host's virtual pad backend is fixed per session. `requestAccess` opens the no-PIN
+    /// delegated-approval connect (host parks it until the operator approves).
+    private func startSession(
+        _ host: StoredHost, launchID: String? = nil,
+        allowTofu: Bool, requestAccess: Bool = false
+    ) {
         model.connect(
             to: host,
             width: UInt32(clamping: width), height: UInt32(clamping: height),
@@ -255,7 +334,22 @@ struct ContentView: View {
             bitrateKbps: UInt32(clamping: bitrateKbps),
             audioChannels: UInt8(clamping: audioChannels),
             launchID: launchID,
-            allowTofu: host.pinnedSHA256 == nil)
+            allowTofu: allowTofu,
+            requestAccess: requestAccess)
+    }
+
+    /// The no-PIN delegated-approval flow: open an identified connect the host parks until the
+    /// operator approves it in the console, showing the cancelable "Waiting for approval" prompt
+    /// meanwhile. On success the SAME connection is admitted (no reconnect) and the host is pinned
+    /// as paired (see the `.streaming` branch of `onChange`).
+    private func requestAccess(_ req: ApprovalRequest) {
+        guard !model.isBusy else { return }
+        awaitingApproval = req
+        // Pin the advertised certificate for a discovered host (impostor defence during the long
+        // wait); a manually-typed host has no advertised fingerprint, so trust-on-first-use.
+        var host = req.host
+        host.pinnedSHA256 = req.advertisedFingerprint
+        startSession(host, allowTofu: false, requestAccess: true)
     }
 
     /// Picked a title in the (experimental) library: dismiss the browser and start a session that
@@ -268,8 +362,9 @@ struct ContentView: View {
     /// Tap a discovered host: save it (so the session has a stored identity and the trust pin
     /// persists), then connect or pair per the host's advertised policy. The host is the policy
     /// authority — TOFU is offered ONLY when it explicitly advertised `pair=optional` (rule 3a);
-    /// a `pair=required` host, or one with no/unknown `pair` field, goes straight to the PIN
+    /// a `pair=required` host, or one with no/unknown `pair` field, gets the approval choice
-    /// pairing ceremony (rule 3b). (A pinned discovered host connects silently inside `connect`.)
+    /// (request access / pair with PIN) (rule 3b). (A pinned discovered host connects silently
+    /// inside `connect`.)
     private func connectDiscovered(_ d: DiscoveredHost) {
         guard !model.isBusy else { return }
         let host = StoredHost(name: d.name, address: d.host, port: d.port)
@@ -277,7 +372,9 @@ struct ContentView: View {
         if d.allowsTofu {
             connect(host, allowTofu: true)
         } else {
-            pairingTarget = host
+            // pair=required / unknown policy (rule 3b): offer no-PIN delegated approval or PIN.
+            approvalChoice = ApprovalRequest(
+                host: host, advertisedFingerprint: pinFingerprint(d.fingerprintHex))
         }
     }
 
@@ -291,6 +388,30 @@ struct ContentView: View {
         connect(pinned)
     }
 
+    /// The certificate fingerprint a live mDNS advert carries for this saved host (advisory — see
+    /// `HostDiscovery`), to pin during a delegated-approval wait. nil if the host isn't currently
+    /// advertising or advertised no/invalid `fp`.
+    private func advertisedFingerprint(for host: StoredHost) -> Data? {
+        pinFingerprint(discovery.hosts.first { host.matches($0) }?.fingerprintHex)
+    }
+
+    /// Parse an advertised cert fingerprint (lowercase hex) into the 32-byte pin the connect
+    /// expects; nil unless it's exactly a 32-byte (SHA-256) value, so a malformed advert falls
+    /// back to trust-on-first-use rather than failing the connect closed.
+    private func pinFingerprint(_ hex: String?) -> Data? {
+        guard let hex, let data = Data(hexString: hex), data.count == 32 else { return nil }
+        return data
+    }
+
+    /// How the host lists this device in its approval prompt (matches PairSheet's client name).
+    private var localDeviceName: String {
+        #if os(macOS)
+        Host.current().localizedName ?? "Mac"
+        #else
+        UIDevice.current.name
+        #endif
+    }
+
     // MARK: - First-run + dev hooks
 
     /// First run on iOS: default the stream mode to this device's native screen so the
@@ -378,3 +499,31 @@ private struct FullscreenController: NSViewRepresentable {
     }
 }
 #endif
+
+/// A fresh `pair=required`/unknown host pending a trust decision: drives both the "request access
+/// vs. pair with PIN" choice and the subsequent approval wait. `advertisedFingerprint` is the
+/// discovered host's advertised cert (nil for a manually-typed host → trust-on-first-use).
+private struct ApprovalRequest {
+    let host: StoredHost
+    let advertisedFingerprint: Data?
+}
+
+private extension Data {
+    /// Parse an even-length hex string into bytes; nil on any non-hex character or odd length.
+    /// Used to turn an mDNS-advertised cert fingerprint into a connect pin.
+    init?(hexString: String) {
+        let chars = Array(hexString)
+        guard chars.count.isMultiple(of: 2) else { return nil }
+        var bytes = [UInt8]()
+        bytes.reserveCapacity(chars.count / 2)
+        var i = 0
+        while i < chars.count {
+            guard let hi = chars[i].hexDigitValue, let lo = chars[i + 1].hexDigitValue else {
+                return nil
+            }
+            bytes.append(UInt8(hi << 4 | lo))
+            i += 2
+        }
+        self = Data(bytes)
+    }
+}

clients/apple/Sources/PunktfunkClient/SessionModel.swift

@@ -95,6 +95,13 @@ final class SessionModel: ObservableObject {
     /// field — TOFU is forbidden (rule 3b): the connect refuses rather than offering trust, and
     /// the user is routed to PIN pairing by the caller. (A pinned host connects regardless: its
     /// stored fingerprint is the trust decision.)
+    ///
+    /// `requestAccess` is the no-PIN delegated-approval path: open an identified connect the host
+    /// PARKS until the operator clicks Approve in its console, then admits the SAME connection (no
+    /// reconnect). The handshake budget is widened to exceed the host's park window, and a
+    /// successful connect streams directly (the approval IS the trust decision) — the caller pins
+    /// the observed fingerprint as paired. `host.pinnedSHA256`, when set, pins the advertised cert
+    /// for the wait; nil = trust-on-first-use.
     func connect(to host: StoredHost, width: UInt32, height: UInt32, hz: UInt32,
                  compositor: PunktfunkConnection.Compositor = .auto,
                  gamepad: PunktfunkConnection.GamepadType = .auto,
@@ -103,7 +110,8 @@ final class SessionModel: ObservableObject {
                  hdrEnabled: Bool = true,
                  launchID: String? = nil,
                  allowTofu: Bool = false,
-                 autoTrust: Bool = false) {
+                 autoTrust: Bool = false,
+                 requestAccess: Bool = false) {
         guard phase == .idle else { return }
         phase = .connecting
         activeHost = host
@@ -138,7 +146,11 @@ final class SessionModel: ObservableObject {
                 width: width, height: height, refreshHz: hz,
                 pinSHA256: pin, identity: identity, compositor: compositor,
                 gamepad: gamepad, bitrateKbps: bitrateKbps, videoCaps: videoCaps,
-                audioChannels: audioChannels, launchID: launchID) }
+                audioChannels: audioChannels, launchID: launchID,
+                // Delegated approval: the host holds this connect open until the operator approves
+                // it (~180 s) — outwait that window so a slow approval still lands here. Normal
+                // connects keep the snappy default.
+                timeoutMs: requestAccess ? 185_000 : 10_000) }
             await MainActor.run { [weak self] in
                 guard let self else { return }
                 // The user may have abandoned this attempt (window closed, another host
@@ -152,7 +164,9 @@ final class SessionModel: ObservableObject {
                 }
                 switch result {
                 case .success(let conn):
-                    if pin != nil || autoTrust {
+                    if pin != nil || autoTrust || requestAccess {
+                        // requestAccess: the operator approved this device on the host, so the
+                        // session is trusted — stream directly (the caller pins it as paired).
                         self.connection = conn
                         self.startStatsTimer()
                         self.beginStreaming()
@@ -174,6 +188,14 @@ final class SessionModel: ObservableObject {
                 case .failure:
                     self.phase = .idle
                     self.activeHost = nil
+                    if requestAccess {
+                        // The delegated-approval connect ended without being admitted: the
+                        // operator didn't approve it before the host's park window elapsed (or
+                        // the host was unreachable).
+                        self.errorMessage = "\(host.displayName) didn't let this device in. "
+                            + "Approve it in the host's web console (port 3000 → Pairing), then "
+                            + "request access again — the request expires after a few minutes."
+                    } else {
                         self.errorMessage = pin != nil
                             ? "Could not connect to \(host.displayName) — host unreachable, "
                                 + "not running, its identity no longer matches the pinned "
@@ -188,6 +210,7 @@ final class SessionModel: ObservableObject {
                 }
             }
         }
+    }
 
     /// The user confirmed the fingerprint: returns it for pinning and enters streaming.
     func confirmTrust() -> Data? {

clients/linux/src/app.rs

@@ -295,19 +295,21 @@ fn initiate_connect(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest) {
                 // Rule 3a: the host opted into reduced-security TOFU; offer it alongside PIN.
                 tofu_dialog(app, req);
             } else {
-                // Rule 3b: pair=required or unknown policy — PIN pairing is mandatory.
+                // Rule 3b: pair=required or unknown policy — offer no-PIN delegated approval
-                pin_dialog(app, req);
+                // (request access → approve in the console) or the PIN ceremony.
+                approval_dialog(app, req);
             }
         }
         None => {
             // Manual entry (no advertised fingerprint). A known address connects silently
-            // on its stored pin (rule 1); an unknown one must pair — never silent TOFU.
+            // on its stored pin (rule 1); an unknown one must pair — request access (approve in
+            // the console) or use a PIN; never silent TOFU.
             match known
                 .find_by_addr(&req.addr, req.port)
                 .and_then(|k| crate::trust::parse_hex32(&k.fp_hex))
             {
                 Some(pin) => start_session(app, req, Some(pin)),
-                None => pin_dialog(app, req), // rule 3b
+                None => approval_dialog(app, req), // rule 3b
             }
         }
     }
@@ -418,6 +420,83 @@ fn pin_dialog(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest) {
     dialog.present(Some(&parent));
 }
 
+/// A fresh host that requires pairing: offer the two ways in. "Request access" is the no-PIN
+/// path — connect and wait for the operator to click Approve in the host's console/web UI
+/// (delegated approval); "Use a PIN instead…" runs the SPAKE2 ceremony.
+fn approval_dialog(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest) {
+    let dialog = adw::AlertDialog::new(
+        Some("Pairing Required"),
+        Some(&format!(
+            "{} requires pairing.\n\nRequest access and approve this device in the host's console \
+             (or web UI) — no PIN needed. Or pair with the 4-digit PIN it can display.",
+            req.name
+        )),
+    );
+    dialog.add_responses(&[
+        ("cancel", "Cancel"),
+        ("pin", "Use a PIN instead…"),
+        ("request", "Request Access"),
+    ]);
+    dialog.set_response_appearance("request", adw::ResponseAppearance::Suggested);
+    dialog.set_default_response(Some("request"));
+    dialog.set_close_response("cancel");
+    let parent = app.window.clone();
+    dialog.connect_response(None, move |_, response| match response {
+        "request" => request_access(app.clone(), req.clone()),
+        "pin" => pin_dialog(app.clone(), req.clone()),
+        _ => {}
+    });
+    dialog.present(Some(&parent));
+}
+
+/// The no-PIN "request access" flow: open an identified connect that the host PARKS until the
+/// operator approves it in the console, showing a cancelable "waiting" dialog meanwhile. On
+/// approval the same connection is admitted (no reconnect) and the host is saved as paired.
+fn request_access(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest) {
+    // Pin the advertised certificate for a discovered host (defence against a host impostor while
+    // we wait); a manually-typed host has no advertised fingerprint, so trust-on-first-use.
+    let pin = req.fp_hex.as_deref().and_then(crate::trust::parse_hex32);
+    let cancel = Rc::new(std::cell::Cell::new(false));
+
+    let waiting = adw::AlertDialog::new(
+        Some("Waiting for Approval"),
+        Some(&format!(
+            "Approve “{}” in {}’s console or web UI.\n\nThis device is waiting to be let in — it \
+             connects automatically once you approve it.",
+            glib::host_name(),
+            req.name
+        )),
+    );
+    waiting.add_responses(&[("cancel", "Cancel")]);
+    waiting.set_close_response("cancel");
+    {
+        let app = app.clone();
+        let cancel = cancel.clone();
+        waiting.connect_response(Some("cancel"), move |_, _| {
+            // Return the UI immediately; the in-flight connect is left to time out and is torn
+            // down silently by the event loop (see StartOpts::cancel).
+            cancel.set(true);
+            app.busy.set(false);
+            app.toast("Cancelled — the request may still be pending on the host.");
+        });
+    }
+    waiting.present(Some(&app.window));
+
+    start_session_with(
+        app,
+        req,
+        pin,
+        StartOpts {
+            // Must exceed the host's approval window (PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT) so a slow operator
+            // approval still lands on this connection rather than timing the client out first.
+            connect_timeout: std::time::Duration::from_secs(185),
+            persist_paired: true,
+            waiting: Some(waiting),
+            cancel: Some(cancel),
+        },
+    );
+}
+
 /// Measure the path to a host over the real data plane (Swift's "Test Network Speed…"):
 /// connect, have the host burst probe filler for 2 s up to its 3 Gbps ceiling, report
 /// goodput · loss · a recommended bitrate (≈70 % of measured), and apply it in one tap.
@@ -556,7 +635,42 @@ fn resolve_mode(app: &App) -> punktfunk_core::config::Mode {
     mode
 }
 
+/// Tunables for a session start that differ between the normal connect and the "request access"
+/// (delegated-approval) flow. `Default` is the normal connect.
+struct StartOpts {
+    /// Handshake budget. The request-access flow uses a long one because the host PARKS the
+    /// connection until the operator clicks Approve (see the host's `PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT`).
+    connect_timeout: std::time::Duration,
+    /// Persist the host as *paired* on a successful connect. Set for request-access, where the
+    /// operator's approval IS the pairing, so future connects are silent (rule 1). Normal TOFU
+    /// persists the host *unpaired* (pinned, but not PIN/approval-verified).
+    persist_paired: bool,
+    /// A "waiting for approval" dialog to dismiss on the first session event (request-access only).
+    waiting: Option<adw::AlertDialog>,
+    /// Set by the waiting dialog's Cancel button. `NativeClient::connect` is a blocking call with
+    /// no abort, so Cancel returns the UI immediately (clears busy, closes the dialog) and leaves
+    /// the in-flight connect to time out; when it finally resolves, the event loop sees this flag
+    /// and tears down silently (drops the connector → closes the connection) without touching the
+    /// UI a new session may already own.
+    cancel: Option<Rc<std::cell::Cell<bool>>>,
+}
+
+impl Default for StartOpts {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            connect_timeout: std::time::Duration::from_secs(15),
+            persist_paired: false,
+            waiting: None,
+            cancel: None,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 fn start_session(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest, pin: Option<[u8; 32]>) {
+    start_session_with(app, req, pin, StartOpts::default());
+}
+
+fn start_session_with(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest, pin: Option<[u8; 32]>, opts: StartOpts) {
     if app.busy.replace(true) {
         return;
     }
@@ -577,10 +691,14 @@ fn start_session(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest, pin: Option<[u8; 32]>) {
         audio_channels: s.audio_channels,
         pin,
         identity: app.identity.clone(),
+        connect_timeout: opts.connect_timeout,
     };
     let inhibit = s.inhibit_shortcuts;
     drop(s);
     let tofu = pin.is_none();
+    let persist_paired = opts.persist_paired;
+    let mut waiting = opts.waiting;
+    let cancel = opts.cancel;
 
     let mut handle = crate::session::start(params);
     let frames = std::mem::replace(&mut handle.frames, async_channel::bounded(1).1);
@@ -588,14 +706,41 @@ fn start_session(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest, pin: Option<[u8; 32]>) {
         let mut frames = Some(frames);
         let mut page: Option<crate::ui_stream::StreamPage> = None;
         while let Ok(event) = handle.events.recv().await {
+            // A cancelled request-access connect resolved late: tear down silently. Don't touch
+            // app.busy — Cancel already cleared it, and a fresh session may now own it.
+            if cancel.as_ref().is_some_and(|c| c.get()) {
+                if let Some(w) = waiting.take() {
+                    w.close();
+                }
+                break;
+            }
             match event {
                 SessionEvent::Connected {
                     connector,
                     mode,
                     fingerprint,
                 } => {
+                    // Dismiss the "waiting for approval" dialog (request-access flow), if any.
+                    if let Some(w) = waiting.take() {
+                        w.close();
+                    }
+                    if persist_paired {
+                        // Request-access: the operator approved this device, so record the host as
+                        // a trusted PAIRED host (pinning the fingerprint we observed) — future
+                        // connects are then silent (rule 1), exactly like after a PIN ceremony.
+                        let fp_hex = crate::trust::hex(&fingerprint);
+                        let mut known = KnownHosts::load();
+                        known.upsert(KnownHost {
+                            name: req.name.clone(),
+                            addr: req.addr.clone(),
+                            port: req.port,
+                            fp_hex,
+                            paired: true,
+                        });
+                        let _ = known.save();
+                        app.toast("Approved — connecting…");
+                    } else if tofu {
                         // A TOFU connect just observed the real fingerprint — pin it from now on.
-                    if tofu {
                         let fp_hex = crate::trust::hex(&fingerprint);
                         let mut known = KnownHosts::load();
                         known.upsert(KnownHost {
@@ -644,6 +789,9 @@ fn start_session(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest, pin: Option<[u8; 32]>) {
                     msg,
                     trust_rejected,
                 } => {
+                    if let Some(w) = waiting.take() {
+                        w.close();
+                    }
                     tracing::warn!(%msg, trust_rejected, "connect failed");
                     app.busy.set(false);
                     // A pinned connect rejected on trust grounds means the host's cert no
@@ -658,6 +806,9 @@ fn start_session(app: Rc<App>, req: ConnectRequest, pin: Option<[u8; 32]>) {
                     break;
                 }
                 SessionEvent::Ended(err) => {
+                    if let Some(w) = waiting.take() {
+                        w.close();
+                    }
                     app.gamepad.detach();
                     app.nav.pop_to_tag("hosts");
                     if let Some(e) = err {

clients/linux/src/session.rs

@@ -27,6 +27,11 @@ pub struct SessionParams {
     /// Pinned host fingerprint; `None` = trust on first use (caller persists the observed one).
     pub pin: Option<[u8; 32]>,
     pub identity: (String, String),
+    /// How long to wait for the handshake. The normal path uses a short budget; the
+    /// "request access" (delegated-approval) path uses a long one, because the host PARKS the
+    /// connection until the operator clicks Approve in its console (so this must exceed the
+    /// host's approval window — see `PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT`).
+    pub connect_timeout: Duration,
 }
 
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Default)]
@@ -139,7 +144,7 @@ fn pump(
         None, // launch: the Linux client has no library picker yet
         params.pin,
         Some(params.identity),
-        Duration::from_secs(15),
+        params.connect_timeout,
     ) {
         Ok(c) => Arc::new(c),
         Err(e) => {

clients/windows/src/app.rs

@@ -20,7 +20,9 @@ use crate::video::{DecodedFrame, DecoderPref};
 use punktfunk_core::client::NativeClient;
 use punktfunk_core::config::{CompositorPref, GamepadPref, Mode};
 use std::cell::RefCell;
+use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicBool, Ordering};
 use std::sync::{Arc, Mutex};
+use std::time::Duration;
 use windows_reactor::*;
 
 const RESOLUTIONS: &[(u32, u32)] = &[
@@ -43,12 +45,27 @@ const BITRATES_MBPS: &[u32] = &[0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 80, 150];
 /// capture; the resolved count drives the decoder + WASAPI render layout.
 const AUDIO_CHANNELS: &[(u8, &str)] = &[(2, "Stereo"), (6, "5.1 Surround"), (8, "7.1 Surround")];
 
+/// punktfunk's own license (MIT OR Apache-2.0), shown on the Licenses screen.
+const APP_LICENSE: &str = concat!(
+    include_str!("../../../LICENSE-MIT"),
+    "\n\n================================ Apache-2.0 ================================\n\n",
+    include_str!("../../../LICENSE-APACHE"),
+);
+/// Third-party software notices for the linked Rust crates (generated by
+/// scripts/gen-third-party-notices.sh; the MSIX also ships this under licenses/).
+const THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES: &str = include_str!("../../../THIRD-PARTY-NOTICES.txt");
+
 #[derive(Clone, PartialEq)]
 enum Screen {
     Hosts,
     Connecting,
+    /// The no-PIN "request access" wait: an identified connect is in flight, parked by the host
+    /// until the operator approves this device in its console. Cancelable.
+    RequestAccess,
     Stream,
     Settings,
+    /// Open-source / third-party license notices (reached from Settings).
+    Licenses,
     Pair,
 }
 
@@ -132,6 +149,11 @@ struct Shared {
     /// Latest stream stats, written by the session's event loop and mirrored into reactor state
     /// by the stream page's HUD poll thread to drive the overlay.
     stats: Mutex<Stats>,
+    /// Cancel flag for the in-flight "request access" connect. A FRESH flag is installed per
+    /// request: the waiting screen's Cancel button reads it back from here and sets it, and that
+    /// request's event loop (which captured the same `Arc` at spawn) then tears down silently when
+    /// the parked connect finally resolves. `None` outside a request-access flow.
+    cancel: Mutex<Option<Arc<AtomicBool>>>,
 }
 
 pub struct AppCtx {
@@ -376,8 +398,13 @@ fn root(cx: &mut RenderCx, ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>) -> Element {
             .vertical_alignment(VerticalAlignment::Center)
             .into()
         }
+        // request_access_page (like settings_page/Connecting) uses no hooks, so calling it inline
+        // is sound — it only wires a Cancel button to the shared cancel flag + navigation.
+        Screen::RequestAccess => request_access_page(ctx, &set_screen),
         // settings_page uses no hooks (it never touches `cx`), so calling it inline is sound.
         Screen::Settings => settings_page(ctx, &set_screen),
+        // licenses_page is a static text screen (no hooks), so inline is sound.
+        Screen::Licenses => licenses_page(&set_screen),
         Screen::Pair => component(pair_page, svc),
         Screen::Stream => component(stream_page, StreamProps { svc, stats }),
     }
@@ -569,12 +596,61 @@ fn initiate(
     }
 }
 
+/// Tunables that differ between the normal connect and the no-PIN "request access" flow.
+/// `Default` is the normal connect: short handshake budget, persist *unpaired* on TOFU, and the
+/// plain "Connecting" screen.
+struct ConnectOpts {
+    /// Handshake budget. Request-access uses a long one because the host PARKS the connection
+    /// until the operator clicks Approve in its console (see the host's `PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT`).
+    connect_timeout: Duration,
+    /// Persist the host as *paired* on a successful connect. Set for request-access, where the
+    /// operator's approval IS the pairing, so future connects are silent (rule 1). Normal TOFU
+    /// persists the host *unpaired* (pinned, but not PIN/approval-verified).
+    persist_paired: bool,
+    /// Show the cancelable "waiting for approval" screen instead of "Connecting" (request-access).
+    awaiting_approval: bool,
+    /// Set by the waiting screen's Cancel button. `NativeClient::connect` is blocking with no
+    /// abort, so Cancel returns the UI immediately and leaves the parked connect to resolve/time
+    /// out; this request's event loop then sees the flag and tears down silently (drops the
+    /// connector → closes the connection) without touching a screen a new session may already own.
+    cancel: Option<Arc<AtomicBool>>,
+}
+
+impl Default for ConnectOpts {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            connect_timeout: Duration::from_secs(15),
+            persist_paired: false,
+            awaiting_approval: false,
+            cancel: None,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 fn connect(
     ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>,
     target: &Target,
     pin: Option<[u8; 32]>,
     set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>,
     set_status: &AsyncSetState<String>,
+) {
+    connect_with(
+        ctx,
+        target,
+        pin,
+        set_screen,
+        set_status,
+        ConnectOpts::default(),
+    );
+}
+
+fn connect_with(
+    ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>,
+    target: &Target,
+    pin: Option<[u8; 32]>,
+    set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>,
+    set_status: &AsyncSetState<String>,
+    opts: ConnectOpts,
 ) {
     let s = ctx.settings.lock().unwrap().clone();
     let mode = if s.width != 0 && s.refresh_hz != 0 {
@@ -607,29 +683,54 @@ fn connect(
         decoder: DecoderPref::from_name(&s.decoder),
         pin,
         identity: ctx.identity.clone(),
+        connect_timeout: opts.connect_timeout,
     });
     set_status.call(String::new());
-    set_screen.call(Screen::Connecting);
+    set_screen.call(if opts.awaiting_approval {
+        Screen::RequestAccess
+    } else {
+        Screen::Connecting
+    });
 
     let tofu = pin.is_none();
+    let persist_paired = opts.persist_paired;
+    let cancel = opts.cancel;
     let (shared, gamepad) = (ctx.shared.clone(), ctx.gamepad.clone());
     let (ss, st) = (set_screen.clone(), set_status.clone());
     let target = target.clone();
     std::thread::spawn(move || loop {
-        match handle.events.recv_blocking() {
+        let event = match handle.events.recv_blocking() {
-            Ok(SessionEvent::Connected {
+            Ok(e) => e,
+            Err(_) => {
+                gamepad.detach();
+                ss.call(Screen::Hosts);
+                break;
+            }
+        };
+        // A cancelled request-access connect that resolved late (the host approved or the park
+        // timed out after the user walked away): tear down silently. Cancel already returned the
+        // UI to the host list; dropping `event` (and with it any connector) closes the connection
+        // without popping a stream or a stray error over the screen a new session may own.
+        if cancel.as_ref().is_some_and(|c| c.load(Ordering::SeqCst)) {
+            break;
+        }
+        match event {
+            SessionEvent::Connected {
                 connector,
                 fingerprint,
                 ..
-            }) => {
+            } => {
-                if tofu {
+                if persist_paired || tofu {
+                    // Request-access: the operator approved this device, so record the host as a
+                    // trusted PAIRED host — future connects are then silent (rule 1), exactly like
+                    // after a PIN ceremony. A plain TOFU connect persists it *unpaired* (pinned).
                     let mut k = KnownHosts::load();
                     k.upsert(KnownHost {
                         name: target.name.clone(),
                         addr: target.addr.clone(),
                         port: target.port,
                         fp_hex: trust::hex(&fingerprint),
-                        paired: false,
+                        paired: persist_paired,
                     });
                     let _ = k.save();
                 }
@@ -638,10 +739,10 @@ fn connect(
                 *shared.handoff.lock().unwrap() = Some((connector, handle.frames.clone()));
                 ss.call(Screen::Stream);
             }
-            Ok(SessionEvent::Failed {
+            SessionEvent::Failed {
                 msg,
                 trust_rejected,
-            }) => {
+            } => {
                 st.call(msg);
                 gamepad.detach();
                 if trust_rejected {
@@ -653,22 +754,100 @@ fn connect(
                 }
                 break;
             }
-            Ok(SessionEvent::Ended(err)) => {
+            SessionEvent::Ended(err) => {
                 st.call(err.unwrap_or_else(|| "Session ended".into()));
                 gamepad.detach();
                 ss.call(Screen::Hosts);
                 break;
             }
-            Ok(SessionEvent::Stats(s)) => *shared.stats.lock().unwrap() = s,
+            SessionEvent::Stats(s) => *shared.stats.lock().unwrap() = s,
-            Err(_) => {
-                gamepad.detach();
-                ss.call(Screen::Hosts);
-                break;
-            }
         }
     });
 }
 
+/// The no-PIN "request access" flow: open an identified connect that the host PARKS until the
+/// operator approves this device in its console (or web UI), showing a cancelable "waiting"
+/// screen meanwhile. On approval the SAME connection is admitted (no reconnect) and the host is
+/// saved as paired, so later connects are silent.
+fn request_access(
+    ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>,
+    target: &Target,
+    set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>,
+    set_status: &AsyncSetState<String>,
+) {
+    // Pin the advertised certificate for a discovered host (defence against a host impostor while
+    // we wait); a manually-typed host has no advertised fingerprint, so trust-on-first-use.
+    let pin = target.fp_hex.as_deref().and_then(trust::parse_hex32);
+    // A fresh cancel flag per request, installed where the waiting screen's Cancel button can read
+    // it back; this request's event loop captures the same `Arc` (via ConnectOpts) below.
+    let cancel = Arc::new(AtomicBool::new(false));
+    *ctx.shared.cancel.lock().unwrap() = Some(cancel.clone());
+    connect_with(
+        ctx,
+        target,
+        pin,
+        set_screen,
+        set_status,
+        ConnectOpts {
+            // Must exceed the host's approval window (PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT) so a slow operator
+            // approval still lands on this connection rather than timing the client out first.
+            connect_timeout: Duration::from_secs(185),
+            persist_paired: true,
+            awaiting_approval: true,
+            cancel: Some(cancel),
+        },
+    );
+}
+
+/// The cancelable "waiting for approval" screen (request-access flow): a spinner + guidance while
+/// the identified connect sits parked on the host, plus a Cancel that returns to the host list and
+/// trips the shared cancel flag so the parked connect tears down silently if it resolves after the
+/// user has walked away. Mirrors the inline `Connecting` screen; uses no hooks.
+fn request_access_page(ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>, set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>) -> Element {
+    let target_name = ctx.shared.target.lock().unwrap().name.clone();
+    let headline = if target_name.is_empty() {
+        "Waiting for approval\u{2026}".to_string()
+    } else {
+        format!("Waiting for {target_name} to approve\u{2026}")
+    };
+    let cancel_btn = {
+        let (ctx, ss) = (ctx.clone(), set_screen.clone());
+        button("Cancel")
+            .icon(SymbolGlyph::Cancel)
+            .on_click(move || {
+                // Return the UI immediately; the parked connect is blocking with no abort, so trip
+                // the flag this request's event loop captured — it then tears down silently when
+                // the connect finally resolves (see ConnectOpts::cancel).
+                if let Some(c) = ctx.shared.cancel.lock().unwrap().as_ref() {
+                    c.store(true, Ordering::SeqCst);
+                }
+                ss.call(Screen::Hosts);
+            })
+            .horizontal_alignment(HorizontalAlignment::Center)
+    };
+    vstack((
+        ProgressRing::indeterminate()
+            .width(48.0)
+            .height(48.0)
+            .horizontal_alignment(HorizontalAlignment::Center),
+        text_block(headline)
+            .font_size(18.0)
+            .semibold()
+            .horizontal_alignment(HorizontalAlignment::Center),
+        text_block(
+            "Approve this device in the host's console or web UI \u{2014} it connects automatically \
+             once you approve it. No PIN needed.",
+        )
+        .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText)
+        .horizontal_alignment(HorizontalAlignment::Center),
+        cancel_btn,
+    ))
+    .spacing(16.0)
+    .horizontal_alignment(HorizontalAlignment::Center)
+    .vertical_alignment(VerticalAlignment::Center)
+    .into()
+}
+
 fn pair_page(props: &Svc, cx: &mut RenderCx) -> Element {
     let ctx = &props.ctx;
     let set_screen = &props.set_screen;
@@ -728,6 +907,20 @@ fn pair_page(props: &Svc, cx: &mut RenderCx) -> Element {
             .icon(SymbolGlyph::Cancel)
             .on_click(move || ss.call(Screen::Hosts))
     };
+    // The no-PIN alternative offered alongside the PIN ceremony: open an identified connect that
+    // the host parks until the operator approves this device in its console (delegated approval).
+    let request_btn = {
+        let (ctx2, ss, st, target2) = (
+            ctx.clone(),
+            set_screen.clone(),
+            set_status.clone(),
+            target.clone(),
+        );
+        button("Request access without a PIN")
+            .icon(SymbolGlyph::Send)
+            .on_click(move || request_access(&ctx2, &target2, &ss, &st))
+            .horizontal_alignment(HorizontalAlignment::Stretch)
+    };
 
     let content = card(vstack((
         grid((
@@ -760,6 +953,13 @@ fn pair_page(props: &Svc, cx: &mut RenderCx) -> Element {
             .font_size(28.0)
             .on_changed(move |s| set_code.call(s)),
         hstack((pair_btn, cancel_btn)).spacing(8.0),
+        text_block(
+            "Don\u{2019}t have a PIN? Request access instead and approve this device on the host \
+             (its console or web UI) \u{2014} no PIN needed.",
+        )
+        .font_size(12.0)
+        .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText),
+        request_btn,
     ))
     .spacing(16.0))
     .max_width(480.0)
@@ -967,6 +1167,21 @@ fn settings_page(ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>, set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>) -> Eleme
         .spacing(10.0),
     );
 
+    let licenses_button = {
+        let ss = set_screen.clone();
+        button("Third-party licenses").on_click(move || ss.call(Screen::Licenses))
+    };
+    let about_card = card(
+        vstack((
+            text_block("About").font_size(15.0).semibold(),
+            text_block("punktfunk is licensed under MIT OR Apache-2.0.")
+                .font_size(12.0)
+                .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText),
+            licenses_button,
+        ))
+        .spacing(10.0),
+    );
+
     page(vec![
         header.into(),
         section("DISPLAY"),
@@ -975,6 +1190,77 @@ fn settings_page(ctx: &Arc<AppCtx>, set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>) -> Eleme
         video_card.into(),
         section("AUDIO"),
         audio_card.into(),
+        section("ABOUT"),
+        about_card.into(),
+    ])
+}
+
+/// Static screen: the app's own license + the third-party software notices (reached from Settings).
+fn licenses_page(set_screen: &AsyncSetState<Screen>) -> Element {
+    let header = grid((
+        text_block("Third-party licenses")
+            .font_size(30.0)
+            .bold()
+            .grid_column(0)
+            .vertical_alignment(VerticalAlignment::Center),
+        button("Back")
+            .accent()
+            .icon(SymbolGlyph::Back)
+            .on_click({
+                let ss = set_screen.clone();
+                move || ss.call(Screen::Settings)
+            })
+            .grid_column(1)
+            .vertical_alignment(VerticalAlignment::Center),
+    ))
+    .columns([GridLength::Star(1.0), GridLength::Auto])
+    .margin(edges(0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 6.0));
+
+    let app_card = card(
+        vstack((
+            text_block("punktfunk").font_size(15.0).semibold(),
+            text_block("Licensed under MIT OR Apache-2.0, at your option.")
+                .font_size(12.0)
+                .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText),
+            text_block(APP_LICENSE)
+                .font_size(11.0)
+                .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText),
+        ))
+        .spacing(8.0),
+    );
+
+    let natives_card = card(
+        vstack((
+            text_block("Bundled components").font_size(15.0).semibold(),
+            text_block(
+                "FFmpeg is bundled under the LGPL v2.1+ (dynamically linked, replaceable DLLs); its \
+                 license and notice ship in the installed licenses\\ folder. SDL 3 (Zlib) and the \
+                 Windows App SDK (Microsoft) are also linked.",
+            )
+            .font_size(12.0)
+            .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText),
+        ))
+        .spacing(8.0),
+    );
+
+    let notices_card = card(
+        vstack((
+            text_block("Rust crates").font_size(15.0).semibold(),
+            text_block(THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES)
+                .font_size(11.0)
+                .foreground(ThemeRef::SecondaryText),
+        ))
+        .spacing(8.0),
+    );
+
+    page(vec![
+        header.into(),
+        section("PUNKTFUNK"),
+        app_card.into(),
+        section("BUNDLED"),
+        natives_card.into(),
+        section("OPEN SOURCE"),
+        notices_card.into(),
     ])
 }
 

clients/windows/src/main.rs

@@ -184,6 +184,9 @@ fn run_headless_cli(args: &[String], identity: (String, String)) {
         decoder,
         pin,
         identity,
+        // Headless CLI uses the normal (short) handshake budget; the long request-access wait is a
+        // GUI-only flow.
+        connect_timeout: Duration::from_secs(15),
     });
 
     let deadline = Instant::now() + Duration::from_secs(60);

clients/windows/src/session.rs

@@ -34,6 +34,11 @@ pub struct SessionParams {
     /// Pinned host fingerprint; `None` = trust on first use (caller persists the observed one).
     pub pin: Option<[u8; 32]>,
     pub identity: (String, String),
+    /// How long to wait for the handshake. The normal path uses a short budget; the
+    /// "request access" (delegated-approval) path uses a long one, because the host PARKS the
+    /// connection until the operator clicks Approve in its console (so this must exceed the
+    /// host's approval window — see `PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT`).
+    pub connect_timeout: Duration,
 }
 
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Default, PartialEq)]
@@ -164,7 +169,7 @@ fn pump(
         None, // launch: the Windows client has no library picker yet
         params.pin,
         Some(params.identity),
-        Duration::from_secs(15),
+        params.connect_timeout,
     ) {
         Ok(c) => Arc::new(c),
         Err(e) => {

crates/punktfunk-host/src/native_pairing.rs

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ use anyhow::Result;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use std::sync::Mutex;
 use std::time::{Duration, Instant};
+use tokio::sync::Notify;
 
 /// The host's paired punktfunk/1 clients: `~/.config/punktfunk/punktfunk1-paired.json`.
 /// (Separate from GameStream pairing, which has its own store and ceremony.)
@@ -76,6 +77,18 @@ pub struct PendingRequest {
     pub age_secs: u64,
 }
 
+/// The outcome of [`NativePairing::wait_for_decision`] — what an operator did with a parked,
+/// unpaired knock (delegated approval, roadmap §8b-1).
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum PairingDecision {
+    /// The operator clicked Approve (the fingerprint is now paired) — admit the session.
+    Approved,
+    /// The operator denied, or the pending entry was otherwise dropped without pairing — reject.
+    Denied,
+    /// No decision within the wait window — reject; the device can knock again.
+    TimedOut,
+}
+
 /// Pending knocks older than this are dropped (the device retries; a stale entry shouldn't be
 /// approvable days later when the operator no longer remembers the context).
 const PENDING_TTL: Duration = Duration::from_secs(10 * 60);
@@ -88,6 +101,11 @@ pub struct NativePairing {
     arm: Mutex<Armed>,
     paired: Mutex<PairedState>,
     pending: Mutex<PendingState>,
+    /// Notified whenever the trust/pending state changes (a fingerprint paired, or a pending knock
+    /// denied/dropped), so a QUIC connection parked in [`NativePairing::wait_for_decision`] wakes
+    /// the instant an operator acts in the console — the substrate for delegated approval admitting
+    /// a session with no client reconnect.
+    changed: Notify,
 }
 
 /// A snapshot for the management API / web console.
@@ -199,6 +217,7 @@ impl NativePairing {
             arm: Mutex::new(arm),
             paired: Mutex::new(PairedState { path, clients }),
             pending: Mutex::new(PendingState::default()),
+            changed: Notify::new(),
         })
     }
 
@@ -276,10 +295,17 @@ impl NativePairing {
             }
         }
         // A device that knocked and is now paired shouldn't linger in the approval list.
+        {
             let mut pending = self.pending.lock().unwrap();
             pending
                 .items
                 .retain(|p| !p.fp_hex.eq_ignore_ascii_case(fp_hex));
+        }
+        // Wake any connection parked in `wait_for_decision` for this fingerprint: pairing just
+        // completed (console approve or the PIN ceremony), so it can admit the session with no
+        // reconnect. Notified AFTER the pin AND the pending-clear so a woken waiter observes the
+        // fully settled state (paired = true, no longer pending) — see `wait_for_decision`.
+        self.changed.notify_waiters();
         Ok(())
     }
 
@@ -372,6 +398,17 @@ impl NativePairing {
             .collect()
     }
 
+    /// Is a knock for this fingerprint still awaiting approval? (Expired entries are dropped
+    /// first, so this also reports whether a parked knock is still live.)
+    pub fn pending_contains(&self, fp_hex: &str) -> bool {
+        let mut pending = self.pending.lock().unwrap();
+        Self::expire_pending(&mut pending);
+        pending
+            .items
+            .iter()
+            .any(|p| p.fp_hex.eq_ignore_ascii_case(fp_hex))
+    }
+
     /// Approve a pending knock: pair its fingerprint (under `name_override` if the operator
     /// labeled it, else the knock's own name) and drop it from the queue. `Ok(None)` = no such
     /// (or expired) id.
@@ -380,29 +417,78 @@ impl NativePairing {
         id: u32,
         name_override: Option<&str>,
     ) -> Result<Option<PairedClient>> {
-        let entry = {
+        // Read (do NOT pre-remove) the entry: `add()` pins the fingerprint and THEN clears its
+        // pending entry — an order `wait_for_decision` relies on so a parked waiter never observes
+        // the device as "neither pending nor paired" (which would read as a denial). Removing here
+        // first would open exactly that window.
+        let (knock_name, fp_hex) = {
             let mut pending = self.pending.lock().unwrap();
             Self::expire_pending(&mut pending);
-            let Some(at) = pending.items.iter().position(|p| p.id == id) else {
+            match pending.items.iter().find(|p| p.id == id) {
-                return Ok(None);
+                Some(p) => (p.name.clone(), p.fp_hex.clone()),
-            };
+                None => return Ok(None),
-            pending.items.remove(at)
+            }
-        }; // pending lock released — add() takes the paired lock
+        }; // pending lock released — add() takes the paired then pending locks
-        let name = name_override.unwrap_or(&entry.name);
+        let name = name_override.unwrap_or(&knock_name).to_string();
-        self.add(name, &entry.fp_hex)?;
+        self.add(&name, &fp_hex)?; // pins, clears the pending entry, and notifies waiters
         Ok(Some(PairedClient {
-            name: name.to_string(),
+            name,
-            fingerprint: entry.fp_hex,
+            fingerprint: fp_hex,
         }))
     }
 
     /// Deny (drop) a pending knock. Returns whether one was removed. The device's next knock
     /// re-creates an entry — deny is "not now", not a blocklist.
     pub fn deny_pending(&self, id: u32) -> bool {
+        let removed = {
             let mut pending = self.pending.lock().unwrap();
             let before = pending.items.len();
             pending.items.retain(|p| p.id != id);
             pending.items.len() != before
+        };
+        if removed {
+            // Wake a parked waiter so it returns `Denied` at once instead of holding the
+            // connection open until the approval window lapses.
+            self.changed.notify_waiters();
+        }
+        removed
+    }
+
+    /// Park (async) until an operator decides on a knock identified by `fp_hex`, up to `timeout`.
+    /// Returns [`PairingDecision::Approved`] the instant the fingerprint is paired (console
+    /// approve or a concurrent PIN ceremony), [`PairingDecision::Denied`] if its pending entry is
+    /// dropped without pairing, or [`PairingDecision::TimedOut`] if the window lapses. Holds no
+    /// lock across the await. The QUIC accept path calls this right after [`Self::note_pending`]
+    /// to keep the knocking connection open until a human clicks Approve — so the device pairs and
+    /// streams with no reconnect (delegated approval, roadmap §8b-1).
+    pub async fn wait_for_decision(&self, fp_hex: &str, timeout: Duration) -> PairingDecision {
+        let deadline = tokio::time::Instant::now() + timeout;
+        loop {
+            // Arm the wakeup BEFORE re-reading state, and `enable()` it, so an approve/deny that
+            // lands between the state check and the await still wakes us (no lost notification).
+            let notified = self.changed.notified();
+            tokio::pin!(notified);
+            notified.as_mut().enable();
+
+            if self.is_paired(fp_hex) {
+                return PairingDecision::Approved;
+            }
+            if !self.pending_contains(fp_hex) {
+                // Neither pending nor paired. This is almost always a denial — but it can also be
+                // the tiny interval inside `add()` between pinning and clearing the pending entry.
+                // Re-check `is_paired` once: because `add()` pins BEFORE it clears pending, a
+                // cleared-pending observation that is really an approval will now read as paired.
+                if self.is_paired(fp_hex) {
+                    return PairingDecision::Approved;
+                }
+                return PairingDecision::Denied;
+            }
+
+            tokio::select! {
+                _ = &mut notified => {}
+                _ = tokio::time::sleep_until(deadline) => return PairingDecision::TimedOut,
+            }
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -561,4 +647,60 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(np.current_pin().is_none());
         let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&p);
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn wait_for_decision_approve_deny_timeout() {
+        use std::sync::Arc;
+        let p = temp();
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&p);
+        let np = Arc::new(NativePairing::load_with(Some(p.clone()), None, false).unwrap());
+
+        // TimedOut: a parked knock with no decision returns TimedOut; the entry survives.
+        np.note_pending("Knocker", "ab01");
+        let d = np
+            .wait_for_decision("ab01", Duration::from_millis(80))
+            .await;
+        assert_eq!(d, PairingDecision::TimedOut);
+        assert!(np.pending_contains("ab01"));
+
+        // Approved: approving WHILE parked wakes the waiter with Approved.
+        let np2 = np.clone();
+        let waiter =
+            tokio::spawn(
+                async move { np2.wait_for_decision("ab01", Duration::from_secs(5)).await },
+            );
+        tokio::time::sleep(Duration::from_millis(30)).await;
+        let id = np
+            .pending()
+            .into_iter()
+            .find(|x| x.fingerprint == "ab01")
+            .unwrap()
+            .id;
+        np.approve_pending(id, Some("Approved")).unwrap().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(waiter.await.unwrap(), PairingDecision::Approved);
+        assert!(np.is_paired("ab01"));
+
+        // Denied: denying WHILE parked wakes the waiter with Denied (not held until timeout).
+        np.note_pending("Knock2", "cd02");
+        let np3 = np.clone();
+        let waiter =
+            tokio::spawn(
+                async move { np3.wait_for_decision("cd02", Duration::from_secs(5)).await },
+            );
+        tokio::time::sleep(Duration::from_millis(30)).await;
+        let id = np
+            .pending()
+            .into_iter()
+            .find(|x| x.fingerprint == "cd02")
+            .unwrap()
+            .id;
+        assert!(np.deny_pending(id));
+        assert_eq!(waiter.await.unwrap(), PairingDecision::Denied);
+        assert!(!np.is_paired("cd02"));
+
+        // Already paired before the call → immediate Approved (no waiting).
+        let d = np.wait_for_decision("ab01", Duration::from_secs(5)).await;
+        assert_eq!(d, PairingDecision::Approved);
+        let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&p);
+    }
 }

crates/punktfunk-host/src/punktfunk1.rs

@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ pub struct Punktfunk1Options {
 }
 
 /// The native (punktfunk/1) trust store + on-demand arming PIN, shared with the management API.
-use crate::native_pairing::NativePairing;
+use crate::native_pairing::{NativePairing, PairingDecision};
 /// The shared streaming-stats recorder (web-console capture/graph), shared with the management API
 /// and the GameStream loop; threaded into each session's `SessionContext`.
 use crate::stats_recorder::StatsRecorder;
@@ -290,8 +290,11 @@ pub(crate) async fn serve(
         let stats = stats.clone();
         let inj_tx = injector.sender();
         let mic_tx = mic_service.sender();
+        // The session permit + the pool it came from are handed to serve_session, which owns the
+        // permit's lifetime: it's released while a knock is parked for delegated approval and
+        // re-acquired on approval, so the hold is no longer a simple closure-scoped binding.
+        let sem_session = sem.clone();
         sessions.spawn(async move {
-            let _permit = permit; // held for the session's lifetime; frees a slot on completion
             match serve_session(
                 conn,
                 &opts,
@@ -302,6 +305,8 @@ pub(crate) async fn serve(
                 &np,
                 &last_pairing,
                 stats,
+                permit,
+                sem_session,
             )
             .await
             {
@@ -410,6 +415,14 @@ type AudioCapSlot = Arc<std::sync::Mutex<Option<Box<dyn crate::audio::AudioCaptu
 /// client), so its budget is far larger than the machine-speed session handshake.
 const PAIRING_TIMEOUT: std::time::Duration = std::time::Duration::from_secs(60);
 
+/// How long the host keeps an unpaired knock PARKED — connection held open — waiting for the
+/// operator to click Approve in the console (delegated approval, roadmap §8b-1). The QUIC
+/// keep-alive (4 s, under the 8 s idle timeout) holds the path warm meanwhile, so on approval the
+/// device pairs and streams with NO reconnect. Bounded well under the pending entry's TTL (10 min);
+/// the client uses a comparable connect timeout, and a client that gives up first closes the
+/// connection (the host stops waiting at once).
+const PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT: std::time::Duration = std::time::Duration::from_secs(180);
+
 /// The host side of the SPAKE2 pairing ceremony (see `punktfunk_core::quic::pake`):
 /// generate + display a PIN, run SPAKE2 as B binding both cert fingerprints, verify the
 /// client's key-confirmation MAC (its single online guess), and persist the client's
@@ -502,6 +515,11 @@ async fn serve_session(
     np: &NativePairing,
     last_pairing: &std::sync::Mutex<Option<std::time::Instant>>,
     stats: Arc<StatsRecorder>,
+    // The session slot. Owned here (not just held by the spawning task) because an unpaired knock
+    // RELEASES it while parked for delegated approval, then RE-ACQUIRES one on approval — so a
+    // parked knock can't hold a streaming slot. `sem` is the pool it re-acquires from.
+    mut permit: tokio::sync::OwnedSemaphorePermit,
+    sem: Arc<tokio::sync::Semaphore>,
 ) -> Result<()> {
     let peer = conn.remote_address();
 
@@ -531,6 +549,79 @@ async fn serve_session(
         return pair_ceremony(&conn, send, recv, req, host_fp, np, &pin).await;
     }
 
+    // Pairing gate for a session Hello (a PairRequest was handled above). Lifted OUT of the
+    // `handshake` future below for two reasons: (1) the approval wait must not be bound by the
+    // short HANDSHAKE_TIMEOUT — a human reads the console and clicks Approve; (2) the NVENC session
+    // permit is released while parked, so a knock awaiting approval can't hold a streaming slot.
+    // On approval the device is now paired, so the handshake proceeds and the session starts with
+    // NO client reconnect (delegated approval, roadmap §8b-1).
+    if opts.require_pairing {
+        // Decode just enough to gate (the Hello carries the device name for the pending label);
+        // the `handshake` future re-decodes for the real session — a few dozen bytes, negligible.
+        let gate_hello = Hello::decode(&first).map_err(|e| anyhow!("Hello decode: {e:?}"))?;
+        anyhow::ensure!(
+            gate_hello.abi_version == punktfunk_core::ABI_VERSION,
+            "ABI mismatch: client {} host {}",
+            gate_hello.abi_version,
+            punktfunk_core::ABI_VERSION
+        );
+        let fp = endpoint::peer_fingerprint(&conn);
+        let known = fp
+            .as_ref()
+            .map(|fp| np.is_paired(&fingerprint_hex(fp)))
+            .unwrap_or(false);
+        if !known {
+            // An anonymous client (no certificate) has no identity to approve — reject outright
+            // (the PIN ceremony is its way in). Mirrors the prior behavior for anonymous knocks.
+            let Some(fp) = fp else {
+                anyhow::bail!(
+                    "unpaired anonymous client rejected (this host requires pairing — present a \
+                     client identity and approve it in the console, or run the PIN ceremony)"
+                );
+            };
+            let fp_hex = fingerprint_hex(&fp);
+            // Sanitize the wire-supplied name before it reaches the log / console (untrusted: an
+            // unpaired device could embed terminal escapes / bidi overrides); note_pending stores
+            // the same sanitized form and derives a fingerprint label when empty.
+            let label = crate::native_pairing::sanitize_device_name(
+                gate_hello.name.as_deref().unwrap_or(""),
+                &fp_hex,
+            );
+            tracing::info!(name = %label, fingerprint = %fp_hex,
+                "unpaired device knocked — parking connection for delegated approval in the console");
+            np.note_pending(&label, &fp_hex);
+            // Free the session slot while a human decides — a parked knock must not hold an NVENC
+            // permit (a handful of parked knocks would otherwise block every real session).
+            drop(permit);
+            let decision = tokio::select! {
+                d = np.wait_for_decision(&fp_hex, PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT) => d,
+                // The client gave up (closed the connection) before a decision — stop waiting.
+                _ = conn.closed() => anyhow::bail!("client disconnected before pairing approval"),
+            };
+            match decision {
+                PairingDecision::Approved => {
+                    tracing::info!(name = %label, fingerprint = %fp_hex,
+                        "device approved in console — admitting session (no reconnect)");
+                }
+                PairingDecision::Denied => anyhow::bail!("pairing request denied in the console"),
+                PairingDecision::TimedOut => anyhow::bail!(
+                    "pairing request not approved within {PENDING_APPROVAL_WAIT:?} \
+                     — the device can knock again"
+                ),
+            }
+            // Re-acquire a session slot for the now-approved session (waits if all slots are busy,
+            // exactly like any freshly accepted client).
+            permit = sem
+                .clone()
+                .acquire_owned()
+                .await
+                .expect("session semaphore is never closed");
+        }
+    }
+    // Held for the rest of the session (RAII frees the slot on return). For an already-paired
+    // client this is the original permit; for a just-approved knock it's the re-acquired one.
+    let _permit = permit;
+
     let source = opts.source;
     let frames = opts.frames;
     let handshake = async {
@@ -541,36 +632,8 @@ async fn serve_session(
             hello.abi_version,
             punktfunk_core::ABI_VERSION
         );
-        if opts.require_pairing {
+        // The pairing gate (require_pairing → paired? else park for delegated approval) ran above,
-            let fp = endpoint::peer_fingerprint(&conn);
+        // before this future, so a client reaching here is paired (or the host is `--open`).
-            let known = fp
-                .as_ref()
-                .map(|fp| np.is_paired(&fingerprint_hex(fp)))
-                .unwrap_or(false);
-            if !known {
-                // Delegated approval (§8b-1): an identified-but-unpaired knock becomes a pending
-                // request the operator can approve from the console — no PIN fetched out of band.
-                // The label is the client's Hello name, else fingerprint-derived. An anonymous
-                // client (no certificate) has no identity to approve, so nothing is recorded.
-                if let Some(fp) = &fp {
-                    let fp_hex = fingerprint_hex(fp);
-                    // Sanitize the wire-supplied name before it reaches the log (untrusted: an
-                    // unpaired device could embed terminal escapes / bidi overrides); note_pending
-                    // stores the same sanitized form and derives a fingerprint label when empty.
-                    let label = crate::native_pairing::sanitize_device_name(
-                        hello.name.as_deref().unwrap_or(""),
-                        &fp_hex,
-                    );
-                    tracing::info!(name = %label, fingerprint = %fp_hex,
-                        "unpaired device knocked — held for approval in the console");
-                    np.note_pending(&label, &fp_hex);
-                }
-                anyhow::bail!(
-                    "unpaired client rejected (this host requires pairing — approve the device \
-                     in the console, or run the PIN ceremony)"
-                );
-            }
-        }
         crate::encode::validate_dimensions(
             crate::encode::Codec::H265,
             hello.mode.width,
@@ -4110,10 +4173,11 @@ mod tests {
         std::env::temp_dir().join(format!("punktfunk-paired-test-{}.json", std::process::id()))
     }
 
-    /// Delegated approval (§8b-1) end to end in-process: an identified-but-unpaired client's
+    /// Delegated approval (§8b-1) end to end in-process, the SEAMLESS flow: an
-    /// knock on a pairing-required host is held as a pending request (fingerprint-derived label —
+    /// identified-but-unpaired client's knock on a pairing-required host is PARKED (connection held
-    /// the connector sends no Hello name); approving it pairs the fingerprint, and the same
+    /// open) and shows up as a pending request (fingerprint-derived label — the connector sends no
-    /// identity then gets a session with no PIN ceremony.
+    /// Hello name); the operator approves it WHILE the client waits, and the SAME connection is
+    /// admitted to a session with no PIN and no reconnect.
     #[test]
     fn delegated_approval_admits_after_knock() {
         use punktfunk_core::client::NativeClient;
@@ -4136,7 +4200,7 @@ mod tests {
                     source: Punktfunk1Source::Synthetic,
                     seconds: 0,
                     frames: 25,
-                    max_sessions: 2, // the knock + the post-approval session
+                    max_sessions: 1, // the single parked-then-approved session (no reconnect)
                     max_concurrent: 1,
                     require_pairing: true,
                     allow_pairing: false,
@@ -4150,49 +4214,47 @@ mod tests {
             ))
         });
         std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(500));
-        let timeout = std::time::Duration::from_secs(10);
         let (cert, key) = endpoint::generate_identity().unwrap();
+        let expected_fp = fingerprint_hex(&endpoint::fingerprint_of_pem(&cert).unwrap());
         let mode = punktfunk_core::Mode {
             width: 1280,
             height: 720,
             refresh_hz: 60,
         };
 
-        // 1: the knock — an identified-but-unpaired connect is rejected, but lands in pending.
+        // Approver thread: wait for the parked knock to register, assert its label, then APPROVE it
+        // WHILE the client is still parked — the console "click accept" flow.
+        let np_approve = np.clone();
+        let expect_fp = expected_fp.clone();
+        let approver = std::thread::spawn(move || {
+            let deadline = std::time::Instant::now() + std::time::Duration::from_secs(8);
+            let pend = loop {
+                if let Some(p) = np_approve
+                    .pending()
+                    .into_iter()
+                    .find(|p| p.fingerprint == expect_fp)
+                {
+                    break p;
+                }
                 assert!(
-            NativeClient::connect(
+                    std::time::Instant::now() < deadline,
-                "127.0.0.1",
+                    "the knock must register while the client is parked"
-                19779,
-                mode,
-                CompositorPref::Auto,
-                GamepadPref::Auto,
-                0,
-                0,    // video_caps
-                2,    // audio_channels (stereo)
-                None, // launch
-                None,
-                Some((cert.clone(), key.clone())),
-                timeout
-            )
-            .is_err(),
-            "unpaired knock must still be rejected"
                 );
-        let expected_fp = fingerprint_hex(&endpoint::fingerprint_of_pem(&cert).unwrap());
+                std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(40));
-        let pend = np.pending();
+            };
-        assert_eq!(pend.len(), 1, "the knock must be held for approval");
-        assert_eq!(pend[0].fingerprint, expected_fp);
             assert!(
-            pend[0].name.starts_with("device "),
+                pend.name.starts_with("device "),
                 "no Hello name → fingerprint-derived label, got {:?}",
-            pend[0].name
+                pend.name
             );
-
+            np_approve
-        // 2: approve (with an operator label) → the same identity now gets a session, no PIN.
+                .approve_pending(pend.id, Some("Approved Device"))
-        let approved = np
-            .approve_pending(pend[0].id, Some("Approved Device"))
                 .unwrap()
                 .expect("pending id must approve");
-        assert_eq!(approved.fingerprint, expected_fp);
+        });
+
+        // The knock: a SINGLE connect that parks until approved, then streams — no reconnect. The
+        // timeout is generous (it covers the park + the approver's poll latency).
         let client = NativeClient::connect(
             "127.0.0.1",
             19779,
@@ -4203,11 +4265,17 @@ mod tests {
             0,    // video_caps
             2,    // audio_channels (stereo)
             None, // launch
-            None,
+            None, // pin: TOFU — the operator's approval (not a PIN) authorizes this client
             Some((cert, key)),
-            timeout,
+            std::time::Duration::from_secs(15),
         )
-        .expect("approved identity gets a session");
+        .expect("approved mid-park → session admitted with no reconnect");
+        approver.join().unwrap();
+        assert!(
+            np.is_paired(&expected_fp),
+            "approval must pin the knocking fingerprint"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(np.list()[0].name, "Approved Device");
         drop(client);
         let _ = std::fs::remove_file(&store);
         host.join().unwrap().unwrap();