Merge remote-tracking branch 'upstream/main'

app/build.gradle.kts

@@ -13,8 +13,8 @@ android {
         applicationId = "com.bitchat.droid"
         minSdk = libs.versions.minSdk.get().toInt()
         targetSdk = libs.versions.targetSdk.get().toInt()
-        versionCode = 26
-        versionName = "1.5.1"
+        versionCode = 27
+        versionName = "1.6.0"
 
         testInstrumentationRunner = "androidx.test.runner.AndroidJUnitRunner"
         vectorDrawables {
@@ -30,6 +30,12 @@ android {
     }
 
     buildTypes {
+        debug {
+            ndk {
+                // Include x86_64 for emulator support during development
+                abiFilters += listOf("arm64-v8a", "x86_64")
+            }
+        }
         release {
             isMinifyEnabled = true
             isShrinkResources = true
@@ -37,6 +43,11 @@ android {
                 getDefaultProguardFile("proguard-android-optimize.txt"),
                 "proguard-rules.pro"
             )
+            ndk {
+                // ARM64-only to minimize APK size (~5.8MB savings)
+                // Excludes x86_64 as emulator not needed for production builds
+                abiFilters += listOf("arm64-v8a")
+            }
         }
     }
     compileOptions {
@@ -95,8 +106,11 @@ dependencies {
     // WebSocket
     implementation(libs.okhttp)
 
-    // Arti (Tor in Rust) Android bridge - use published AAR with native libs
-    implementation("info.guardianproject:arti-mobile-ex:1.2.3")
+    // Arti (Tor in Rust) Android bridge - custom build from latest source
+    // Built with rustls, 16KB page size support, and onio//un service client
+    // Native libraries are in src/tor/jniLibs/ (extracted from arti-custom.aar)
+    // Only included in tor flavor to reduce APK size for standard builds
+    // Note: AAR is kept in libs/ for reference, but libraries loaded from jniLibs/
 
     // Google Play Services Location
     implementation(libs.gms.location)

app/proguard-rules.pro

@@ -17,9 +17,12 @@
 -keep class com.bitchat.android.nostr.** { *; }
 -keep class com.bitchat.android.identity.** { *; }
 
-# Arti (Tor) ProGuard rules
+# Keep Tor implementation (always included)
+-keep class com.bitchat.android.net.RealTorProvider { *; }
+
+# Arti (Custom Tor implementation in Rust) ProGuard rules
 -keep class info.guardianproject.arti.** { *; }
--keep class org.torproject.jni.** { *; }
--keepnames class org.torproject.jni.**
+-keep class org.torproject.arti.** { *; }
+-keepnames class org.torproject.arti.**
 -dontwarn info.guardianproject.arti.**
--dontwarn org.torproject.jni.**
+-dontwarn org.torproject.arti.**

app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml

@@ -19,6 +19,13 @@
     
     <!-- Notification permissions -->
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS" />
+    <!-- Foreground service and boot permissions for long-running background mesh -->
+    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE" />
+    <!-- Connected device foreground service type for BLE operations (API 34+) -->
+    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE" />
+    <!-- Data sync foreground service type (required when declaring dataSync) -->
+    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC" />
+    <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED" />
     
     <!-- Microphone for voice notes -->
     <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO" />
@@ -77,5 +84,34 @@
                 <category android:name="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
             </intent-filter>
         </activity>
+
+        <!-- Persistent foreground service to run the mesh in background -->
+        <service
+            android:name=".service.MeshForegroundService"
+            android:exported="false"
+            android:foregroundServiceType="connectedDevice|dataSync"
+            tools:ignore="DataExtractionRules">
+        </service>
+
+        <!-- Listen for in-app broadcast when POST_NOTIFICATIONS is granted -->
+        <receiver
+            android:name=".service.NotificationPermissionChangedReceiver"
+            android:enabled="true"
+            android:exported="false">
+            <intent-filter>
+                <action android:name="com.bitchat.android.action.NOTIFICATION_PERMISSION_GRANTED" />
+            </intent-filter>
+        </receiver>
+
+        <!-- Auto-start mesh service after boot if enabled -->
+        <receiver
+            android:name=".service.BootCompletedReceiver"
+            android:enabled="true"
+            android:exported="false">
+            <intent-filter>
+                <action android:name="android.intent.action.BOOT_COMPLETED" />
+                <action android:name="android.intent.action.LOCKED_BOOT_COMPLETED" />
+            </intent-filter>
+        </receiver>
     </application>
 </manifest>

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/BitchatApplication.kt

@@ -3,18 +3,21 @@ package com.bitchat.android
 import android.app.Application
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.RelayDirectory
 import com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager
-import com.bitchat.android.net.TorManager
+import com.bitchat.android.net.ArtiTorManager
 
 /**
  * Main application class for bitchat Android
  */
 class BitchatApplication : Application() {
-    
+
     override fun onCreate() {
         super.onCreate()
-        
+
         // Initialize Tor first so any early network goes over Tor
-        try { TorManager.init(this) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        try {
+            val torProvider = ArtiTorManager.getInstance()
+            torProvider.init(this)
+        } catch (_: Exception){}
 
         // Initialize relay directory (loads assets/nostr_relays.csv)
         RelayDirectory.initialize(this)
@@ -38,6 +41,12 @@ class BitchatApplication : Application() {
         // Initialize debug preference manager (persists debug toggles)
         try { com.bitchat.android.ui.debug.DebugPreferenceManager.init(this) } catch (_: Exception) { }
 
+        // Initialize mesh service preferences
+        try { com.bitchat.android.service.MeshServicePreferences.init(this) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
+        // Proactively start the foreground service to keep mesh alive
+        try { com.bitchat.android.service.MeshForegroundService.start(this) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
         // TorManager already initialized above
     }
 }

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/MainActivity.kt

@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
     private lateinit var locationStatusManager: LocationStatusManager
     private lateinit var batteryOptimizationManager: BatteryOptimizationManager
     
-    // Core mesh service - managed at app level
+    // Core mesh service - provided by the foreground service holder
     private lateinit var meshService: BluetoothMeshService
     private val mainViewModel: MainViewModel by viewModels()
     private val chatViewModel: ChatViewModel by viewModels { 
@@ -66,13 +66,21 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
     override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
         
+        // Check if this is a quit request from the notification
+        if (intent.getBooleanExtra("ACTION_QUIT_APP", false)) {
+            android.util.Log.d("MainActivity", "Quit request received in onCreate, finishing activity")
+            finish()
+            return
+        }
+        
         // Enable edge-to-edge display for modern Android look
         enableEdgeToEdge()
 
         // Initialize permission management
         permissionManager = PermissionManager(this)
-        // Initialize core mesh service first
-        meshService = BluetoothMeshService(this)
+        // Ensure foreground service is running and get mesh instance from holder
+        try { com.bitchat.android.service.MeshForegroundService.start(applicationContext) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        meshService = com.bitchat.android.service.MeshServiceHolder.getOrCreate(applicationContext)
         bluetoothStatusManager = BluetoothStatusManager(
             activity = this,
             context = this,
@@ -630,6 +638,15 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
     
     override fun onNewIntent(intent: Intent) {
         super.onNewIntent(intent)
+        setIntent(intent)
+        
+        // Check if this is a quit request from the notification
+        if (intent.getBooleanExtra("ACTION_QUIT_APP", false)) {
+            android.util.Log.d("MainActivity", "Quit request received, finishing activity")
+            finish()
+            return
+        }
+        
         // Handle notification intents when app is already running
         if (mainViewModel.onboardingState.value == OnboardingState.COMPLETE) {
             handleNotificationIntent(intent)
@@ -640,6 +657,8 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
         super.onResume()
         // Check Bluetooth and Location status on resume and handle accordingly
         if (mainViewModel.onboardingState.value == OnboardingState.COMPLETE) {
+            // Reattach mesh delegate to new ChatViewModel instance after Activity recreation
+            try { meshService.delegate = chatViewModel } catch (_: Exception) { }
             // Set app foreground state
             meshService.connectionManager.setAppBackgroundState(false)
             chatViewModel.setAppBackgroundState(false)
@@ -665,13 +684,15 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
         }
     }
     
-     override fun onPause() {
+    override fun onPause() {
         super.onPause()
         // Only set background state if app is fully initialized
         if (mainViewModel.onboardingState.value == OnboardingState.COMPLETE) {
             // Set app background state
             meshService.connectionManager.setAppBackgroundState(true)
             chatViewModel.setAppBackgroundState(true)
+            // Detach UI delegate so the foreground service can own DM notifications while UI is closed
+            try { meshService.delegate = null } catch (_: Exception) { }
         }
     }
     
@@ -746,14 +767,6 @@ class MainActivity : OrientationAwareActivity() {
             Log.w("MainActivity", "Error cleaning up location status manager: ${e.message}")
         }
         
-        // Stop mesh services if app was fully initialized
-        if (mainViewModel.onboardingState.value == OnboardingState.COMPLETE) {
-            try {
-                meshService.stopServices()
-                Log.d("MainActivity", "Mesh services stopped successfully")
-            } catch (e: Exception) {
-                Log.w("MainActivity", "Error stopping mesh services in onDestroy: ${e.message}")
-            }
-        }
+        // Do not stop mesh here; ForegroundService owns lifecycle for background reliability
     }
 }

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/core/ui/component/button/CloseButton.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.core.ui.component.button
+
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.size
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.Icons
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Close
+import androidx.compose.material3.Icon
+import androidx.compose.material3.IconButton
+import androidx.compose.material3.IconButtonDefaults
+import androidx.compose.material3.MaterialTheme
+import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
+import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
+import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
+
+@Composable
+fun CloseButton(
+    onClick: () -> Unit,
+    modifier: Modifier = Modifier.Companion
+) {
+    IconButton(
+        onClick = onClick,
+        modifier = modifier
+            .size(32.dp),
+        colors = IconButtonDefaults.iconButtonColors(
+            contentColor = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.6f),
+            containerColor = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.1f)
+        )
+    ) {
+        Icon(
+            imageVector = Icons.Default.Close,
+            contentDescription = "Close",
+            modifier = Modifier.Companion.size(18.dp)
+        )
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/geohash/GeohashBookmarksStore.kt

@@ -5,13 +5,14 @@ import android.location.Geocoder
 import android.location.Location
 import android.location.LocationManager
 import android.util.Log
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MutableLiveData
 import com.google.gson.Gson
 import com.google.gson.reflect.TypeToken
 import kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineScope
 import kotlinx.coroutines.Dispatchers
 import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
 import java.util.Locale
 
 /**
@@ -46,11 +47,11 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
 
     private val membership = mutableSetOf<String>()
 
-    private val _bookmarks = MutableLiveData<List<String>>(emptyList())
-    val bookmarks: LiveData<List<String>> = _bookmarks
+    private val _bookmarks = MutableStateFlow<List<String>>(emptyList())
+    val bookmarks: StateFlow<List<String>> = _bookmarks.asStateFlow()
 
-    private val _bookmarkNames = MutableLiveData<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
-    val bookmarkNames: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = _bookmarkNames
+    private val _bookmarkNames = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
+    val bookmarkNames: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = _bookmarkNames.asStateFlow()
 
     // For throttling / preventing duplicate geocode lookups
     private val resolving = mutableSetOf<String>()
@@ -68,8 +69,8 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
         val gh = normalize(geohash)
         if (gh.isEmpty() || membership.contains(gh)) return
         membership.add(gh)
-        val updated = listOf(gh) + (_bookmarks.value ?: emptyList())
-        _bookmarks.postValue(updated)
+        val updated = listOf(gh) + (_bookmarks.value)
+        _bookmarks.value = updated
         persist(updated)
         // Resolve friendly name asynchronously
         resolveNameIfNeeded(gh)
@@ -79,12 +80,12 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
         val gh = normalize(geohash)
         if (!membership.contains(gh)) return
         membership.remove(gh)
-        val updated = (_bookmarks.value ?: emptyList()).filterNot { it == gh }
-        _bookmarks.postValue(updated)
+        val updated = (_bookmarks.value).filterNot { it == gh }
+        _bookmarks.value = updated
         // Remove stored name to avoid stale cache growth
-        val names = _bookmarkNames.value?.toMutableMap() ?: mutableMapOf()
+        val names = _bookmarkNames.value.toMutableMap()
         if (names.remove(gh) != null) {
-            _bookmarkNames.postValue(names)
+            _bookmarkNames.value = names
             persistNames(names)
         }
         persist(updated)
@@ -108,7 +109,7 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                     }
                 }
                 membership.clear(); membership.addAll(seen)
-                _bookmarks.postValue(ordered)
+                _bookmarks.value = ordered
             }
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to load bookmarks: ${e.message}")
@@ -118,7 +119,7 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
             if (!namesJson.isNullOrEmpty()) {
                 val mapType = object : TypeToken<Map<String, String>>() {}.type
                 val dict = gson.fromJson<Map<String, String>>(namesJson, mapType)
-                _bookmarkNames.postValue(dict)
+                _bookmarkNames.value = dict
             }
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to load bookmark names: ${e.message}")
@@ -127,14 +128,14 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
 
     private fun persist() {
         try {
-            val json = gson.toJson(_bookmarks.value ?: emptyList<String>())
+            val json = gson.toJson(_bookmarks.value)
             prefs.edit().putString(STORE_KEY, json).apply()
         } catch (_: Exception) {}
     }
 
     private fun persistNames() {
         try {
-            val json = gson.toJson(_bookmarkNames.value ?: emptyMap<String, String>())
+            val json = gson.toJson(_bookmarkNames.value)
             prefs.edit().putString(NAMES_STORE_KEY, json).apply()
         } catch (_: Exception) {}
     }
@@ -144,8 +145,8 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     fun clearAll() {
         try {
             membership.clear()
-            _bookmarks.postValue(emptyList())
-            _bookmarkNames.postValue(emptyMap())
+            _bookmarks.value = emptyList()
+            _bookmarkNames.value = emptyMap()
             prefs.edit()
                 .remove(STORE_KEY)
                 .remove(NAMES_STORE_KEY)
@@ -209,9 +210,9 @@ class GeohashBookmarksStore private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                 }
 
                 if (!name.isNullOrEmpty()) {
-                    val current = _bookmarkNames.value?.toMutableMap() ?: mutableMapOf()
+                    val current = _bookmarkNames.value.toMutableMap()
                     current[gh] = name
-                    _bookmarkNames.postValue(current)
+                    _bookmarkNames.value = current
                     persistNames(current)
                 }
             } catch (e: Exception) {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/geohash/LocationChannelManager.kt

@@ -10,12 +10,12 @@ import android.location.LocationManager
 import android.os.Bundle
 import android.util.Log
 import androidx.core.app.ActivityCompat
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MutableLiveData
 import kotlinx.coroutines.*
 import java.util.*
 import com.google.gson.Gson
 import com.google.gson.JsonSyntaxException
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
 
 /**
  * Manages location permissions, one-shot location retrieval, and computing geohash channels.
@@ -53,28 +53,26 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     private var dataManager: com.bitchat.android.ui.DataManager? = null
 
     // Published state for UI bindings (matching iOS @Published properties)
-    private val _permissionState = MutableLiveData(PermissionState.NOT_DETERMINED)
-    val permissionState: LiveData<PermissionState> = _permissionState
+    private val _permissionState = MutableStateFlow(PermissionState.NOT_DETERMINED)
+    val permissionState: StateFlow<PermissionState> = _permissionState
 
-    private val _availableChannels = MutableLiveData<List<GeohashChannel>>(emptyList())
-    val availableChannels: LiveData<List<GeohashChannel>> = _availableChannels
+    private val _availableChannels = MutableStateFlow<List<GeohashChannel>>(emptyList())
+    val availableChannels: StateFlow<List<GeohashChannel>> = _availableChannels
 
-    private val _selectedChannel = MutableLiveData<ChannelID>(ChannelID.Mesh)
-    val selectedChannel: LiveData<ChannelID> = _selectedChannel
+    private val _selectedChannel = MutableStateFlow<ChannelID>(ChannelID.Mesh)
+    val selectedChannel: StateFlow<ChannelID> = _selectedChannel
 
-    private val _teleported = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val teleported: LiveData<Boolean> = _teleported
+    private val _teleported = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val teleported: StateFlow<Boolean> = _teleported
 
-    private val _locationNames = MutableLiveData<Map<GeohashChannelLevel, String>>(emptyMap())
-    val locationNames: LiveData<Map<GeohashChannelLevel, String>> = _locationNames
+    private val _locationNames = MutableStateFlow<Map<GeohashChannelLevel, String>>(emptyMap())
+    val locationNames: StateFlow<Map<GeohashChannelLevel, String>> = _locationNames
     
-    // Add a new LiveData property to indicate when location is being fetched
-    private val _isLoadingLocation = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val isLoadingLocation: LiveData<Boolean> = _isLoadingLocation
+    private val _isLoadingLocation = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val isLoadingLocation: StateFlow<Boolean> = _isLoadingLocation
     
-    // Add a new LiveData property to track if location services are enabled by user
-    private val _locationServicesEnabled = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val locationServicesEnabled: LiveData<Boolean> = _locationServicesEnabled
+    private val _locationServicesEnabled = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val locationServicesEnabled: StateFlow<Boolean> = _locationServicesEnabled
 
     init {
         updatePermissionState()
@@ -102,15 +100,15 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
         when (getCurrentPermissionStatus()) {
             PermissionState.NOT_DETERMINED -> {
                 Log.d(TAG, "Permission not determined - user needs to grant in app settings")
-                _permissionState.postValue(PermissionState.NOT_DETERMINED)
+                _permissionState.value = PermissionState.NOT_DETERMINED
             }
             PermissionState.DENIED, PermissionState.RESTRICTED -> {
                 Log.d(TAG, "Permission denied or restricted")
-                _permissionState.postValue(PermissionState.DENIED)
+                _permissionState.value = PermissionState.DENIED
             }
             PermissionState.AUTHORIZED -> {
                 Log.d(TAG, "Permission authorized - requesting location")
-                _permissionState.postValue(PermissionState.AUTHORIZED)
+                _permissionState.value = PermissionState.AUTHORIZED
                 requestOneShotLocation()
             }
         }
@@ -180,7 +178,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
         lastLocation?.let { location ->
             when (channel) {
                 is ChannelID.Mesh -> {
-                    _teleported.postValue(false)
+                    _teleported.value = false
                 }
                 is ChannelID.Location -> {
                     val currentGeohash = Geohash.encode(
@@ -189,7 +187,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                         precision = channel.channel.level.precision
                     )
                     val isTeleportedNow = currentGeohash != channel.channel.geohash
-                    _teleported.postValue(isTeleportedNow)
+                    _teleported.value = isTeleportedNow
                     Log.d(TAG, "Teleported (immediate recompute): $isTeleportedNow (current: $currentGeohash, selected: ${channel.channel.geohash})")
                 }
             }
@@ -201,7 +199,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
      */
     fun setTeleported(teleported: Boolean) {
         Log.d(TAG, "Setting teleported status: $teleported")
-        _teleported.postValue(teleported)
+        _teleported.value = teleported
     }
 
     /**
@@ -209,7 +207,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
      */
     fun enableLocationServices() {
         Log.d(TAG, "enableLocationServices() called by user")
-        _locationServicesEnabled.postValue(true)
+        _locationServicesEnabled.value = true
         saveLocationServicesState(true)
         
         // If we have permission, start location operations
@@ -223,15 +221,15 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
      */
     fun disableLocationServices() {
         Log.d(TAG, "disableLocationServices() called by user")
-        _locationServicesEnabled.postValue(false)
+        _locationServicesEnabled.value = false
         saveLocationServicesState(false)
         
         // Stop any ongoing location operations
         endLiveRefresh()
         
         // Clear available channels when location is disabled
-        _availableChannels.postValue(emptyList())
-        _locationNames.postValue(emptyMap())
+        _availableChannels.value = emptyList()
+        _locationNames.value = emptyMap()
         
         // If user had a location channel selected, switch back to mesh
         if (_selectedChannel.value is ChannelID.Location) {
@@ -243,7 +241,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
      * Check if location services are enabled by the user
      */
     fun isLocationServicesEnabled(): Boolean {
-        return _locationServicesEnabled.value ?: false
+        return _locationServicesEnabled.value
     }
 
     // MARK: - Location Operations
@@ -280,13 +278,13 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
             if (lastKnownLocation != null) {
                 Log.d(TAG, "Using last known location: ${lastKnownLocation.latitude}, ${lastKnownLocation.longitude}")
                 lastLocation = lastKnownLocation
-                _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false) // Make sure loading state is off
+                _isLoadingLocation.value = false // Make sure loading state is off
                 computeChannels(lastKnownLocation)
                 reverseGeocodeIfNeeded(lastKnownLocation)
             } else {
                 Log.d(TAG, "No last known location available")
                 // Set loading state to true so UI can show a spinner
-                _isLoadingLocation.postValue(true)
+                _isLoadingLocation.value = true
                 
                 // Request a fresh location only when we don't have a last known location
                 Log.d(TAG, "Requesting fresh location...")
@@ -294,7 +292,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
             }
         } catch (e: SecurityException) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Security exception requesting location: ${e.message}")
-            _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false) // Turn off loading state on error
+            _isLoadingLocation.value = false // Turn off loading state on error
             updatePermissionState()
         }
     }
@@ -308,7 +306,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
             reverseGeocodeIfNeeded(location)
             
             // Update loading state to indicate we have a location now
-            _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false)
+            _isLoadingLocation.value = false
             
             // Remove this listener after getting the update
             try {
@@ -322,13 +320,13 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     // Request a fresh location update using getCurrentLocation instead of continuous updates
     private fun requestFreshLocation() {
         if (!hasLocationPermission()) {
-            _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false) // Turn off loading state if no permission
+            _isLoadingLocation.value = false // Turn off loading state if no permission
             return
         }
         
         try {
             // Set loading state to true to indicate we're actively trying to get a location
-            _isLoadingLocation.postValue(true)
+            _isLoadingLocation.value = true
             
             // Try common providers in order of preference
             val providers = listOf(
@@ -358,7 +356,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                                     Log.w(TAG, "Received null location from getCurrentLocation")
                                 }
                                 // Update loading state to indicate we have a location now
-                                _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false)
+                                _isLoadingLocation.value = false
                             }
                         )
                     } else {
@@ -378,14 +376,14 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
             // If no provider was available, turn off loading state
             if (!providerFound) {
                 Log.w(TAG, "No location providers available")
-                _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false)
+                _isLoadingLocation.value = false
             }
         } catch (e: SecurityException) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Security exception requesting location: ${e.message}")
-            _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false) // Turn off loading state on error
+            _isLoadingLocation.value = false // Turn off loading state on error
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Error requesting location: ${e.message}")
-            _isLoadingLocation.postValue(false) // Turn off loading state on error
+            _isLoadingLocation.value = false // Turn off loading state on error
         }
     }
 
@@ -408,7 +406,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     private fun updatePermissionState() {
         val newState = getCurrentPermissionStatus()
         Log.d(TAG, "Permission state updated to: $newState")
-        _permissionState.postValue(newState)
+        _permissionState.value = newState
     }
 
     private fun hasLocationPermission(): Boolean {
@@ -433,13 +431,13 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
             Log.v(TAG, "Generated ${level.displayName}: $geohash")
         }
         
-        _availableChannels.postValue(result)
+        _availableChannels.value = result
         
         // Recompute teleported status based on current location vs selected channel
         val selectedChannelValue = _selectedChannel.value
         when (selectedChannelValue) {
             is ChannelID.Mesh -> {
-                _teleported.postValue(false)
+                _teleported.value = false
             }
             is ChannelID.Location -> {
                 val currentGeohash = Geohash.encode(
@@ -448,12 +446,9 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                     precision = selectedChannelValue.channel.level.precision
                 )
                 val isTeleported = currentGeohash != selectedChannelValue.channel.geohash
-                _teleported.postValue(isTeleported)
+                _teleported.value = isTeleported
                 Log.d(TAG, "Teleported status: $isTeleported (current: $currentGeohash, selected: ${selectedChannelValue.channel.geohash})")
             }
-            null -> {
-                _teleported.postValue(false)
-            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -482,7 +477,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                     val names = namesByLevel(address)
                     
                     Log.d(TAG, "Reverse geocoding result: $names")
-                    _locationNames.postValue(names)
+                    _locationNames.value = names
                 } else {
                     Log.w(TAG, "No reverse geocoding results")
                 }
@@ -601,26 +596,26 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                     }
                     
                     if (channel != null) {
-                        _selectedChannel.postValue(channel)
+                        _selectedChannel.value = channel
                         Log.d(TAG, "Restored persisted channel: ${channel.displayName}")
                     } else {
                         Log.d(TAG, "Could not restore persisted channel, defaulting to Mesh")
-                        _selectedChannel.postValue(ChannelID.Mesh)
+                        _selectedChannel.value = ChannelID.Mesh
                     }
                 } else {
                     Log.w(TAG, "Invalid channel data format in persistence")
-                    _selectedChannel.postValue(ChannelID.Mesh)
+                    _selectedChannel.value = ChannelID.Mesh
                 }
             } else {
                 Log.d(TAG, "No persisted channel found, defaulting to Mesh")
-                _selectedChannel.postValue(ChannelID.Mesh)
+                _selectedChannel.value = ChannelID.Mesh
             }
         } catch (e: JsonSyntaxException) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to parse persisted channel data: ${e.message}")
-            _selectedChannel.postValue(ChannelID.Mesh)
+            _selectedChannel.value = ChannelID.Mesh
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to load persisted channel: ${e.message}")
-            _selectedChannel.postValue(ChannelID.Mesh)
+            _selectedChannel.value = ChannelID.Mesh
         }
     }
     
@@ -629,7 +624,7 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
      */
     fun clearPersistedChannel() {
         dataManager?.clearLastGeohashChannel()
-        _selectedChannel.postValue(ChannelID.Mesh)
+        _selectedChannel.value = ChannelID.Mesh
         Log.d(TAG, "Cleared persisted channel selection")
     }
 
@@ -653,11 +648,11 @@ class LocationChannelManager private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     private fun loadLocationServicesState() {
         try {
             val enabled = dataManager?.isLocationServicesEnabled() ?: false
-            _locationServicesEnabled.postValue(enabled)
+            _locationServicesEnabled.value = enabled
             Log.d(TAG, "Loaded location services state: $enabled")
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to load location services state: ${e.message}")
-            _locationServicesEnabled.postValue(false)
+            _locationServicesEnabled.value = false
         }
     }
 

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/mesh/BluetoothConnectionManager.kt

@@ -149,6 +149,7 @@ class BluetoothConnectionManager(
         
         try {
             isActive = true
+            Log.d(TAG, "ConnectionManager activated (permissions and adapter OK)")
 
         // set the adapter's name to our 8-character peerID for iOS privacy, TODO: Make this configurable
         // try {
@@ -179,6 +180,7 @@ class BluetoothConnectionManager(
                         this@BluetoothConnectionManager.isActive = false
                         return@launch
                     }
+                    Log.d(TAG, "GATT Server started")
                 } else {
                     Log.i(TAG, "GATT Server disabled by debug settings; not starting")
                 }
@@ -189,6 +191,7 @@ class BluetoothConnectionManager(
                         this@BluetoothConnectionManager.isActive = false
                         return@launch
                     }
+                    Log.d(TAG, "GATT Client started")
                 } else {
                     Log.i(TAG, "GATT Client disabled by debug settings; not starting")
                 }
@@ -214,6 +217,7 @@ class BluetoothConnectionManager(
         isActive = false
         
         connectionScope.launch {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Stopping client/server and power components...")
             // Stop component managers
             clientManager.stop()
             serverManager.stop()
@@ -230,6 +234,18 @@ class BluetoothConnectionManager(
             Log.i(TAG, "All Bluetooth services stopped")
         }
     }
+
+    /**
+     * Indicates whether this instance can be safely reused for a future start.
+     * Returns false if its coroutine scope has been cancelled.
+     */
+    fun isReusable(): Boolean {
+        val active = connectionScope.isActive
+        if (!active) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "BluetoothConnectionManager isReusable=false (scope cancelled)")
+        }
+        return active
+    }
     
     /**
      * Set app background state for power optimization

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/mesh/BluetoothMeshService.kt

@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
     internal val connectionManager = BluetoothConnectionManager(context, myPeerID, fragmentManager) // Made internal for access
     private val packetProcessor = PacketProcessor(myPeerID)
     private lateinit var gossipSyncManager: GossipSyncManager
+    // Service-level notification manager for background (no-UI) DMs
+    private val serviceNotificationManager = com.bitchat.android.ui.NotificationManager(
+        context.applicationContext,
+        androidx.core.app.NotificationManagerCompat.from(context.applicationContext),
+        com.bitchat.android.util.NotificationIntervalManager()
+    )
     
     // Service state management
     private var isActive = false
@@ -61,8 +67,11 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
     
     // Coroutines
     private val serviceScope = CoroutineScope(Dispatchers.IO + SupervisorJob())
+    // Tracks whether this instance has been terminated via stopServices()
+    private var terminated = false
     
     init {
+        Log.i(TAG, "Initializing BluetoothMeshService for peer=$myPeerID")
         setupDelegates()
         messageHandler.packetProcessor = packetProcessor
         //startPeriodicDebugLogging()
@@ -98,6 +107,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
                 return signPacketBeforeBroadcast(packet)
             }
         }
+        Log.d(TAG, "Delegates set up; GossipSyncManager initialized")
     }
     
     /**
@@ -105,6 +115,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
      */
     private fun startPeriodicDebugLogging() {
         serviceScope.launch {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Starting periodic debug logging loop")
             while (isActive) {
                 try {
                     delay(10000) // 10 seconds
@@ -116,6 +127,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
                     Log.e(TAG, "Error in periodic debug logging: ${e.message}")
                 }
             }
+            Log.d(TAG, "Periodic debug logging loop ended (isActive=$isActive)")
         }
     }
 
@@ -124,6 +136,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
      */
     private fun sendPeriodicBroadcastAnnounce() {
         serviceScope.launch {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Starting periodic announce loop")
             while (isActive) {
                 try {
                     delay(30000) // 30 seconds
@@ -132,6 +145,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
                     Log.e(TAG, "Error in periodic broadcast announce: ${e.message}")
                 }
             }
+            Log.d(TAG, "Periodic announce loop ended (isActive=$isActive)")
         }
     }
     
@@ -139,6 +153,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
      * Setup delegate connections between components
      */
     private fun setupDelegates() {
+        Log.d(TAG, "Setting up component delegates")
         // Provide nickname resolver to BLE broadcaster for detailed logs
         try {
             connectionManager.setNicknameResolver { pid -> peerManager.getPeerNickname(pid) }
@@ -146,6 +161,9 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
         // PeerManager delegates to main mesh service delegate
         peerManager.delegate = object : PeerManagerDelegate {
             override fun onPeerListUpdated(peerIDs: List<String>) {
+                // Update process-wide state first
+                try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.setPeers(peerIDs) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                // Then notify UI delegate if attached
                 delegate?.didUpdatePeerList(peerIDs)
             }
             override fun onPeerRemoved(peerID: String) {
@@ -165,6 +183,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
             override fun onKeyExchangeCompleted(peerID: String, peerPublicKeyData: ByteArray) {
                 // Send announcement and cached messages after key exchange
                 serviceScope.launch {
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Key exchange completed with $peerID; sending follow-ups")
                     delay(100)
                     sendAnnouncementToPeer(peerID)
                     
@@ -352,7 +371,36 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
             
             // Callbacks
             override fun onMessageReceived(message: BitchatMessage) {
+                // Always reflect into process-wide store so UI can hydrate after recreation
+                try {
+                    when {
+                        message.isPrivate -> {
+                            val peer = message.senderPeerID ?: ""
+                            if (peer.isNotEmpty()) com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addPrivateMessage(peer, message)
+                        }
+                        message.channel != null -> {
+                            com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addChannelMessage(message.channel!!, message)
+                        }
+                        else -> {
+                            com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addPublicMessage(message)
+                        }
+                    }
+                } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                // And forward to UI delegate if attached
                 delegate?.didReceiveMessage(message)
+
+                // If no UI delegate attached (app closed), show DM notification via service manager
+                if (delegate == null && message.isPrivate) {
+                    try {
+                        val senderPeerID = message.senderPeerID
+                        if (senderPeerID != null) {
+                            val nick = try { peerManager.getPeerNickname(senderPeerID) } catch (_: Exception) { null } ?: senderPeerID
+                            val preview = com.bitchat.android.ui.NotificationTextUtils.buildPrivateMessagePreview(message)
+                            serviceNotificationManager.setAppBackgroundState(true)
+                            serviceNotificationManager.showPrivateMessageNotification(senderPeerID, nick, preview)
+                        }
+                    } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                }
             }
             
             override fun onChannelLeave(channel: String, fromPeer: String) {
@@ -477,12 +525,23 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
         // BluetoothConnectionManager delegates
         connectionManager.delegate = object : BluetoothConnectionManagerDelegate {
             override fun onPacketReceived(packet: BitchatPacket, peerID: String, device: android.bluetooth.BluetoothDevice?) {
+                // Log incoming for debug graphs (do not double-count anywhere else)
+                try {
+                    val nick = getPeerNicknames()[peerID]
+                    com.bitchat.android.ui.debug.DebugSettingsManager.getInstance().logIncoming(
+                        packetType = packet.type.toString(),
+                        fromPeerID = peerID,
+                        fromNickname = nick,
+                        fromDeviceAddress = device?.address
+                    )
+                } catch (_: Exception) { }
                 packetProcessor.processPacket(RoutedPacket(packet, peerID, device?.address))
             }
             
             override fun onDeviceConnected(device: android.bluetooth.BluetoothDevice) {
                 // Send initial announcements after services are ready
                 serviceScope.launch {
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Device connected: ${device.address}; scheduling announce")
                     delay(200)
                     sendBroadcastAnnounce()
                 }
@@ -497,6 +556,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
             }
 
             override fun onDeviceDisconnected(device: android.bluetooth.BluetoothDevice) {
+                Log.d(TAG, "Device disconnected: ${device.address}")
                 val addr = device.address
                 // Remove mapping and, if that was the last direct path for the peer, clear direct flag
                 val peer = connectionManager.addressPeerMap[addr]
@@ -535,6 +595,11 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
             Log.w(TAG, "Mesh service already active, ignoring duplicate start request")
             return
         }
+        if (terminated) {
+            // This instance's scope was cancelled previously; refuse to start to avoid using dead scopes.
+            Log.e(TAG, "Mesh service instance was terminated; create a new instance instead of restarting")
+            return
+        }
         
         Log.i(TAG, "Starting Bluetooth mesh service with peer ID: $myPeerID")
         
@@ -546,6 +611,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
             Log.d(TAG, "Started periodic broadcast announcements (every 30 seconds)")
             // Start periodic syncs
             gossipSyncManager.start()
+            Log.d(TAG, "GossipSyncManager started")
         } else {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to start Bluetooth services")
         }
@@ -567,11 +633,14 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
         sendLeaveAnnouncement()
         
         serviceScope.launch {
+            Log.d(TAG, "Stopping subcomponents and cancelling scope...")
             delay(200) // Give leave message time to send
             
             // Stop all components
             gossipSyncManager.stop()
+            Log.d(TAG, "GossipSyncManager stopped")
             connectionManager.stopServices()
+            Log.d(TAG, "BluetoothConnectionManager stop requested")
             peerManager.shutdown()
             fragmentManager.shutdown()
             securityManager.shutdown()
@@ -579,9 +648,24 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
             messageHandler.shutdown()
             packetProcessor.shutdown()
             
+            // Mark this instance as terminated and cancel its scope so it won't be reused
+            terminated = true
             serviceScope.cancel()
+            Log.i(TAG, "BluetoothMeshService terminated and scope cancelled")
         }
     }
+
+    /**
+     * Whether this instance can be safely reused. Returns false after stopServices() or if
+     * any critical internal scope has been cancelled.
+     */
+    fun isReusable(): Boolean {
+        val reusable = !terminated && serviceScope.isActive && connectionManager.isReusable()
+        if (!reusable) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "isReusable=false (terminated=$terminated, scopeActive=${serviceScope.isActive}, connReusable=${connectionManager.isReusable()})")
+        }
+        return reusable
+    }
     
     /**
      * Send public message
@@ -801,7 +885,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
     fun sendReadReceipt(messageID: String, recipientPeerID: String, readerNickname: String) {
         serviceScope.launch {
             Log.d(TAG, "📖 Sending read receipt for message $messageID to $recipientPeerID")
-            
+
             // Route geohash read receipts via MessageRouter instead of here
             val geo = runCatching { com.bitchat.android.services.MessageRouter.tryGetInstance() }.getOrNull()
             val isGeoAlias = try {
@@ -812,8 +896,15 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
                 geo.sendReadReceipt(com.bitchat.android.model.ReadReceipt(messageID), recipientPeerID)
                 return@launch
             }
-            
+
             try {
+                // Avoid duplicate read receipts: check persistent store first
+                val seenStore = try { com.bitchat.android.services.SeenMessageStore.getInstance(context.applicationContext) } catch (_: Exception) { null }
+                if (seenStore?.hasRead(messageID) == true) {
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Skipping read receipt for $messageID - already marked read")
+                    return@launch
+                }
+
                 // Create read receipt payload using NoisePayloadType exactly like iOS
                 val readReceiptPayload = com.bitchat.android.model.NoisePayload(
                     type = com.bitchat.android.model.NoisePayloadType.READ_RECEIPT,
@@ -839,7 +930,10 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
                 val signedPacket = signPacketBeforeBroadcast(packet)
                 connectionManager.broadcastPacket(RoutedPacket(signedPacket))
                 Log.d(TAG, "📤 Sent read receipt to $recipientPeerID for message $messageID")
-                
+
+                // Persist as read after successful send
+                try { seenStore?.markRead(messageID) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
             } catch (e: Exception) {
                 Log.e(TAG, "Failed to send read receipt to $recipientPeerID: ${e.message}")
             }
@@ -852,7 +946,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
     fun sendBroadcastAnnounce() {
         Log.d(TAG, "Sending broadcast announce")
         serviceScope.launch {
-            val nickname = delegate?.getNickname() ?: myPeerID
+            val nickname = try { com.bitchat.android.services.NicknameProvider.getNickname(context, myPeerID) } catch (_: Exception) { myPeerID }
             
             // Get the static public key for the announcement
             val staticKey = encryptionService.getStaticPublicKey()
@@ -901,7 +995,7 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
     fun sendAnnouncementToPeer(peerID: String) {
         if (peerManager.hasAnnouncedToPeer(peerID)) return
         
-        val nickname = delegate?.getNickname() ?: myPeerID
+        val nickname = try { com.bitchat.android.services.NicknameProvider.getNickname(context, myPeerID) } catch (_: Exception) { myPeerID }
         
         // Get the static public key for the announcement
         val staticKey = encryptionService.getStaticPublicKey()
@@ -1000,6 +1094,13 @@ class BluetoothMeshService(private val context: Context) {
         return peerManager.getFingerprintForPeer(peerID)
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Get current active peer count (for status/notifications)
+     */
+    fun getActivePeerCount(): Int {
+        return try { peerManager.getActivePeerCount() } catch (_: Exception) { 0 }
+    }
+
     /**
      * Get peer info for verification purposes
      */

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/mesh/BluetoothPacketBroadcaster.kt

@@ -73,9 +73,17 @@ class BluetoothPacketBroadcaster(
         try {
             val fromNick = incomingPeer?.let { nicknameResolver?.invoke(it) }
             val toNick = toPeer?.let { nicknameResolver?.invoke(it) }
-            val isRelay = (incomingAddr != null || incomingPeer != null)
-            
-            com.bitchat.android.ui.debug.DebugSettingsManager.getInstance().logPacketRelayDetailed(
+            val manager = com.bitchat.android.ui.debug.DebugSettingsManager.getInstance()
+            // Always log outgoing for the actual transmission target
+            manager.logOutgoing(
+                packetType = typeName,
+                toPeerID = toPeer,
+                toNickname = toNick,
+                toDeviceAddress = toDeviceAddress,
+                previousHopPeerID = incomingPeer
+            )
+            // Keep the verbose relay message for human readability
+            manager.logPacketRelayDetailed(
                 packetType = typeName,
                 senderPeerID = senderPeerID,
                 senderNickname = senderNick,
@@ -86,7 +94,7 @@ class BluetoothPacketBroadcaster(
                 toNickname = toNick,
                 toDeviceAddress = toDeviceAddress,
                 ttl = ttl,
-                isRelay = isRelay
+                isRelay = true
             )
         } catch (_: Exception) { 
             // Silently ignore debug logging failures

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/mesh/PowerManager.kt

@@ -224,26 +224,29 @@ class PowerManager(private val context: Context) {
     }
     
     private fun updatePowerMode() {
-        val newMode = when {
-            // Always use performance mode when charging (unless in background too long)
+        // Determine the base mode from battery/charging state only
+        val baseMode = when {
+            // Charging in foreground may use performance
             isCharging && !isAppInBackground -> PowerMode.PERFORMANCE
-            
-            // Critical battery - use ultra low power
+
+            // Critical battery - force ultra low power regardless of foreground/background
             batteryLevel <= CRITICAL_BATTERY -> PowerMode.ULTRA_LOW_POWER
-            
-            // Low battery - use power saver
+
+            // Low battery - prefer power saver
             batteryLevel <= LOW_BATTERY -> PowerMode.POWER_SAVER
-            
-            // Background app with medium battery - use power saver
-            isAppInBackground && batteryLevel <= MEDIUM_BATTERY -> PowerMode.POWER_SAVER
-            
-            // Background app with good battery - use balanced
-            isAppInBackground -> PowerMode.BALANCED
-            
-            // Foreground with good battery - use balanced
+
+            // Otherwise balanced
             else -> PowerMode.BALANCED
         }
-        
+
+        // If app is in background (including when running as a foreground service),
+        // cap the power mode to at least POWER_SAVER. Preserve ULTRA_LOW_POWER.
+        val newMode = if (isAppInBackground) {
+            if (baseMode == PowerMode.ULTRA_LOW_POWER) PowerMode.ULTRA_LOW_POWER else PowerMode.POWER_SAVER
+        } else {
+            baseMode
+        }
+
         if (newMode != currentMode) {
             val oldMode = currentMode
             currentMode = newMode

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/net/ArtiTorManager.kt

@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package com.bitchat.android.net
 
 import android.app.Application
 import android.util.Log
+import com.bitchat.android.util.AppConstants
 import info.guardianproject.arti.ArtiLogListener
 import info.guardianproject.arti.ArtiProxy
 import kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineScope
@@ -11,6 +12,7 @@ import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
 import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
 import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
 import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.first
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.update
 import kotlinx.coroutines.sync.Mutex
 import kotlinx.coroutines.sync.withLock
 import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
@@ -24,54 +26,97 @@ import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicReference
 import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicLong
 
 /**
- * Manages embedded Tor lifecycle & provides SOCKS proxy address.
- * Uses Arti (Tor in Rust) for improved security and reliability.
+ * Tor provider implementation using custom-built Arti (Tor-in-Rust).
+ *
+ * This singleton provides Tor anonymity features using a custom Arti build
+ * compiled with 16KB page size support for Google Play compliance.
+ *
+ * Based on the original TorManager implementation.
  */
-object TorManager {
-    private const val TAG = "TorManager"
-    private const val DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT = com.bitchat.android.util.AppConstants.Tor.DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT
-    private const val RESTART_DELAY_MS = com.bitchat.android.util.AppConstants.Tor.RESTART_DELAY_MS // 2 seconds between stop/start
-    private const val INACTIVITY_TIMEOUT_MS = com.bitchat.android.util.AppConstants.Tor.INACTIVITY_TIMEOUT_MS // 5 seconds of no activity before restart
-    private const val MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS = com.bitchat.android.util.AppConstants.Tor.MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS
-    private const val STOP_TIMEOUT_MS = com.bitchat.android.util.AppConstants.Tor.STOP_TIMEOUT_MS
+class ArtiTorManager private constructor() {
+    enum class TorState {
+        OFF,
+        STARTING,
+        BOOTSTRAPPING,
+        RUNNING,
+        STOPPING,
+        ERROR
+    }
+
+    data class TorStatus(
+        val mode: TorMode = TorMode.OFF,
+        val running: Boolean = false,
+        val bootstrapPercent: Int = 0,
+        val lastLogLine: String = "",
+        val state: TorState = TorState.OFF
+    )
+
+    companion object {
+        private const val TAG = "ArtiTorManager"
+        private const val DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT = AppConstants.Tor.DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT
+        private const val RESTART_DELAY_MS = AppConstants.Tor.RESTART_DELAY_MS
+        private const val INACTIVITY_TIMEOUT_MS = AppConstants.Tor.INACTIVITY_TIMEOUT_MS
+        private const val MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS = AppConstants.Tor.MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS
+        private const val STOP_TIMEOUT_MS = AppConstants.Tor.STOP_TIMEOUT_MS
+
+        @Volatile
+        private var INSTANCE: ArtiTorManager? = null
+
+        fun getInstance(): ArtiTorManager {
+            return INSTANCE ?: synchronized(this) {
+                INSTANCE ?: ArtiTorManager().also { INSTANCE = it }
+            }
+        }
+    }
 
     private val appScope = CoroutineScope(Dispatchers.IO + SupervisorJob())
 
-    @Volatile private var initialized = false
-    @Volatile private var socksAddr: InetSocketAddress? = null
-    private val artiProxyRef = AtomicReference<ArtiProxy?>(null)
-    @Volatile private var lastMode: TorMode = TorMode.OFF
+    @Volatile
+    private var initialized = false
+    @Volatile
+    private var socksAddr: InetSocketAddress? = null
+    @Volatile
+    private var artiProxy: ArtiProxy? = null
+    @Volatile
+    private var lastMode: TorMode = TorMode.OFF
     private val applyMutex = Mutex()
-    @Volatile private var desiredMode: TorMode = TorMode.OFF
-    @Volatile private var currentSocksPort: Int = DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT
-    @Volatile private var lastLogTime = AtomicLong(0L)
-    @Volatile private var retryAttempts = 0
-    @Volatile private var bindRetryAttempts = 0
+    @Volatile
+    private var desiredMode: TorMode = TorMode.OFF
+    @Volatile
+    private var currentSocksPort: Int = DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT
+    @Volatile
+    private var lastLogTime = AtomicLong(0L)
+    @Volatile
+    private var retryAttempts = 0
+    @Volatile
+    private var bindRetryAttempts = 0
     private var inactivityJob: Job? = null
     private var retryJob: Job? = null
     private var currentApplication: Application? = null
 
     private enum class LifecycleState { STOPPED, STARTING, RUNNING, STOPPING }
-    @Volatile private var lifecycleState: LifecycleState = LifecycleState.STOPPED
 
-    enum class TorState { OFF, STARTING, BOOTSTRAPPING, RUNNING, STOPPING, ERROR }
+    @Volatile
+    private var lifecycleState: LifecycleState = LifecycleState.STOPPED
 
-    data class TorStatus(
-        val mode: TorMode = TorMode.OFF,
-        val running: Boolean = false,
-        val bootstrapPercent: Int = 0, // kept for backwards compatibility with UI; 0 or 100 only
-        val lastLogLine: String = "",
-        val state: TorState = TorState.OFF
+    private val _statusFlow = MutableStateFlow(
+        TorStatus(
+            mode = TorMode.OFF,
+            running = false,
+            bootstrapPercent = 0,
+            lastLogLine = "",
+            state = TorState.OFF
+        )
     )
 
-    private val _status = MutableStateFlow(TorStatus())
-    val statusFlow: StateFlow<TorStatus> = _status.asStateFlow()
+    val statusFlow: StateFlow<TorStatus> = _statusFlow.asStateFlow()
 
     private val stateChangeDeferred = AtomicReference<CompletableDeferred<TorState>?>(null)
 
     fun isProxyEnabled(): Boolean {
-        val s = _status.value
-        return s.mode != TorMode.OFF && s.running && s.bootstrapPercent >= 100 && socksAddr != null && s.state == TorState.RUNNING
+        val s = _statusFlow.value
+        return s.mode != TorMode.OFF && s.running && s.bootstrapPercent >= 100 &&
+                socksAddr != null && s.state == TorState.RUNNING
     }
 
     fun init(application: Application) {
@@ -82,7 +127,21 @@ object TorManager {
             currentApplication = application
             TorPreferenceManager.init(application)
 
-            // Apply saved mode at startup. If ON, set planned SOCKS immediately to avoid any leak.
+            val logListener = ArtiLogListener { logLine ->
+                val text = logLine ?: return@ArtiLogListener
+                val s = text
+                Log.i(TAG, "arti: $s")
+                lastLogTime.set(System.currentTimeMillis())
+                _statusFlow.update { it.copy(lastLogLine = s) }
+                handleArtiLogLine(s)
+            }
+
+            artiProxy = ArtiProxy.Builder(application)
+                .setSocksPort(currentSocksPort)
+                .setDnsPort(currentSocksPort + 1)
+                .setLogListener(logListener)
+                .build()
+
             val savedMode = TorPreferenceManager.get(application)
             if (savedMode == TorMode.ON) {
                 if (currentSocksPort < DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT) {
@@ -90,13 +149,15 @@ object TorManager {
                 }
                 desiredMode = savedMode
                 socksAddr = InetSocketAddress("127.0.0.1", currentSocksPort)
-                try { OkHttpProvider.reset() } catch (_: Throwable) { }
+                try {
+                    OkHttpProvider.reset()
+                } catch (_: Throwable) {
+                }  // Only reset OkHttp during init
             }
             appScope.launch {
                 applyMode(application, savedMode)
             }
 
-            // Observe changes
             appScope.launch {
                 TorPreferenceManager.modeFlow.collect { mode ->
                     applyMode(application, mode)
@@ -112,53 +173,63 @@ object TorManager {
             try {
                 desiredMode = mode
                 lastMode = mode
-                val s = _status.value
-                if (mode == s.mode && mode != TorMode.OFF && (lifecycleState == LifecycleState.STARTING || lifecycleState == LifecycleState.RUNNING)) {
-                    Log.i(TAG, "applyMode: already in progress/running mode=$mode, state=$lifecycleState; skip")
+                val s = _statusFlow.value
+                if (mode == s.mode && mode != TorMode.OFF &&
+                    (lifecycleState == LifecycleState.STARTING || lifecycleState == LifecycleState.RUNNING)
+                ) {
+                    Log.i(
+                        TAG,
+                        "applyMode: already in progress/running mode=$mode, state=$lifecycleState; skip"
+                    )
                     return
                 }
                 when (mode) {
                     TorMode.OFF -> {
                         Log.i(TAG, "applyMode: OFF -> stopping tor")
                         lifecycleState = LifecycleState.STOPPING
-                        _status.value = _status.value.copy(mode = TorMode.OFF, running = false, bootstrapPercent = 0, state = TorState.STOPPING)
-                        stopArti() // non-suspending immediate request
-                        // Best-effort wait for STOPPED before we declare OFF
+                        _statusFlow.value = _statusFlow.value.copy(
+                            mode = TorMode.OFF,
+                            running = false,
+                            bootstrapPercent = 0,
+                            state = TorState.STOPPING
+                        )
+                        stopArti()
                         waitForStateTransition(target = TorState.OFF, timeoutMs = STOP_TIMEOUT_MS)
                         socksAddr = null
-                        _status.value = _status.value.copy(mode = TorMode.OFF, running = false, bootstrapPercent = 0, state = TorState.OFF)
+                        _statusFlow.value = _statusFlow.value.copy(
+                            mode = TorMode.OFF,
+                            running = false,
+                            bootstrapPercent = 0,
+                            state = TorState.OFF
+                        )
                         currentSocksPort = DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT
                         bindRetryAttempts = 0
                         lifecycleState = LifecycleState.STOPPED
-                        // Rebuild clients WITHOUT proxy and reconnect relays
-                        try {
-                            OkHttpProvider.reset()
-                            com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrRelayManager.shared.resetAllConnections()
-                        } catch (_: Throwable) { }
+                        resetNetworkConnections()
                     }
+
                     TorMode.ON -> {
                         Log.i(TAG, "applyMode: ON -> starting arti")
-                        // Reset port to default unless we're already using a higher port
                         if (currentSocksPort < DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT) {
                             currentSocksPort = DEFAULT_SOCKS_PORT
                         }
                         bindRetryAttempts = 0
                         lifecycleState = LifecycleState.STARTING
-                        _status.value = _status.value.copy(mode = TorMode.ON, running = false, bootstrapPercent = 0, state = TorState.STARTING)
-                        // Immediately set the planned SOCKS address so all traffic is forced through it,
-                        // even before Tor is fully bootstrapped. This prevents any direct connections.
+                        _statusFlow.value = _statusFlow.value.copy(
+                            mode = TorMode.ON,
+                            running = false,
+                            bootstrapPercent = 0,
+                            state = TorState.STARTING
+                        )
                         socksAddr = InetSocketAddress("127.0.0.1", currentSocksPort)
-                        try { OkHttpProvider.reset() } catch (_: Throwable) { }
-                        try { com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrRelayManager.shared.resetAllConnections() } catch (_: Throwable) { }
+                        resetNetworkConnections()
                         startArti(application, useDelay = false)
-                        // Defer enabling proxy until bootstrap completes
                         appScope.launch {
                             waitUntilBootstrapped()
-                            if (_status.value.running && desiredMode == TorMode.ON) {
+                            if (_statusFlow.value.running && desiredMode == TorMode.ON) {
                                 socksAddr = InetSocketAddress("127.0.0.1", currentSocksPort)
                                 Log.i(TAG, "Tor ON: proxy set to ${socksAddr}")
-                                OkHttpProvider.reset()
-                                try { com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrRelayManager.shared.resetAllConnections() } catch (_: Throwable) { }
+                                resetNetworkConnections()
                             }
                         }
                     }
@@ -171,84 +242,95 @@ object TorManager {
 
     private suspend fun startArti(application: Application, useDelay: Boolean = false) {
         try {
-            // Ensure any previous instance is fully stopped before starting a new one
             stopArtiAndWait()
-
             Log.i(TAG, "Starting Arti on port $currentSocksPort…")
             if (useDelay) {
                 delay(RESTART_DELAY_MS)
             }
 
-            val logListener = ArtiLogListener { logLine ->
-                val text = logLine ?: return@ArtiLogListener
-                val s = text.toString()
-                Log.i(TAG, "arti: $s")
-                lastLogTime.set(System.currentTimeMillis())
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(lastLogLine = s)
-                handleArtiLogLine(s)
+            val proxy = artiProxy ?: run {
+                Log.e(TAG, "ArtiProxy not initialized! This should not happen.")
+                _statusFlow.update { it.copy(state = TorState.ERROR) }
+                return
             }
 
-            val proxy = ArtiProxy.Builder(application)
-                .setSocksPort(currentSocksPort)
-                .setDnsPort(currentSocksPort + 1)
-                .setLogListener(logListener)
-                .build()
-
-            artiProxyRef.set(proxy)
             proxy.start()
             lastLogTime.set(System.currentTimeMillis())
 
-            _status.value = _status.value.copy(running = true, bootstrapPercent = 0, state = TorState.STARTING)
+            _statusFlow.update {
+                it.copy(
+                    running = true,
+                    bootstrapPercent = 0,
+                    state = TorState.STARTING
+                )
+            }
             lifecycleState = LifecycleState.RUNNING
             startInactivityMonitoring()
 
-            // Removed onion service startup (BLE-only file transfer in this branch)
-
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Error starting Arti on port $currentSocksPort: ${e.message}")
-            _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.ERROR)
-            
-            // Check if this is a bind error
+            _statusFlow.update { it.copy(state = TorState.ERROR) }
+
             val isBindError = isBindError(e)
             if (isBindError && bindRetryAttempts < MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS) {
                 bindRetryAttempts++
                 currentSocksPort++
-                Log.w(TAG, "Port bind failed (attempt $bindRetryAttempts/$MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS), retrying with port $currentSocksPort")
-                // Update planned SOCKS address immediately so all new connections target the new port
+                Log.w(
+                    TAG,
+                    "Port bind failed (attempt $bindRetryAttempts/$MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS), retrying with port $currentSocksPort"
+                )
                 socksAddr = InetSocketAddress("127.0.0.1", currentSocksPort)
-                try { OkHttpProvider.reset() } catch (_: Throwable) { }
-                try { com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrRelayManager.shared.resetAllConnections() } catch (_: Throwable) { }
-                // Immediate retry with incremented port, no exponential backoff for bind errors
+                resetNetworkConnections()
                 startArti(application, useDelay = false)
             } else if (isBindError) {
                 Log.e(TAG, "Max bind retry attempts reached ($MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS), giving up")
                 lifecycleState = LifecycleState.STOPPED
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(running = false, bootstrapPercent = 0, state = TorState.ERROR)
+                _statusFlow.update {
+                    it.copy(
+                        running = false,
+                        bootstrapPercent = 0,
+                        state = TorState.ERROR
+                    )
+                }
             } else {
-                // For non-bind errors, use the existing retry mechanism
                 scheduleRetry(application)
             }
         }
     }
-    
-    /**
-     * Checks if the exception indicates a port binding failure
-     */
+
     private fun isBindError(exception: Exception): Boolean {
         val message = exception.message?.lowercase() ?: ""
         return message.contains("bind") ||
-               message.contains("address already in use") ||
-               message.contains("port") && message.contains("use") ||
-               message.contains("permission denied") && message.contains("port") ||
-               message.contains("could not bind")
+                message.contains("address already in use") ||
+                message.contains("port") && message.contains("use") ||
+                message.contains("permission denied") && message.contains("port") ||
+                message.contains("could not bind")
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Reset network connections after Tor state changes.
+     * Rebuilds OkHttp clients and reconnects Nostr relays.
+     */
+    private fun resetNetworkConnections() {
+        try {
+            OkHttpProvider.reset()
+        } catch (_: Throwable) {
+        }
+        try {
+            com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrRelayManager.shared.resetAllConnections()
+        } catch (_: Throwable) {
+        }
     }
 
     private fun stopArtiInternal() {
         try {
-            val proxy = artiProxyRef.getAndSet(null)
+            val proxy = artiProxy
             if (proxy != null) {
                 Log.i(TAG, "Stopping Arti…")
-                try { proxy.stop() } catch (_: Throwable) {}
+                try {
+                    proxy.stop()
+                } catch (_: Throwable) {
+                }
             }
             stopInactivityMonitoring()
             stopRetryMonitoring()
@@ -260,15 +342,16 @@ object TorManager {
     private fun stopArti() {
         stopArtiInternal()
         socksAddr = null
-        _status.value = _status.value.copy(running = false, bootstrapPercent = 0, state = TorState.STOPPING)
+        _statusFlow.value = _statusFlow.value.copy(
+            running = false,
+            bootstrapPercent = 0,
+            state = TorState.STOPPING
+        )
     }
 
     private suspend fun stopArtiAndWait(timeoutMs: Long = STOP_TIMEOUT_MS) {
-        // Request stop
         stopArtiInternal()
-        // Wait for confirmation via logs (Stopped) or timeout
         waitForStateTransition(target = TorState.OFF, timeoutMs = timeoutMs)
-        // Small grace period before relaunch to let file locks clear
         delay(200)
     }
 
@@ -276,7 +359,7 @@ object TorManager {
         Log.i(TAG, "Restarting Arti (keeping SOCKS proxy enabled)...")
         stopArtiAndWait()
         delay(RESTART_DELAY_MS)
-        startArti(application, useDelay = false) // Already delayed above
+        startArti(application, useDelay = false)
     }
 
     private fun startInactivityMonitoring() {
@@ -287,13 +370,16 @@ object TorManager {
                 val currentTime = System.currentTimeMillis()
                 val lastActivity = lastLogTime.get()
                 val timeSinceLastActivity = currentTime - lastActivity
-                
+
                 if (timeSinceLastActivity > INACTIVITY_TIMEOUT_MS) {
-                    val currentMode = _status.value.mode
+                    val currentMode = _statusFlow.value.mode
                     if (currentMode == TorMode.ON) {
-                        val bootstrapPercent = _status.value.bootstrapPercent
+                        val bootstrapPercent = _statusFlow.value.bootstrapPercent
                         if (bootstrapPercent < 100) {
-                            Log.w(TAG, "Inactivity detected (${timeSinceLastActivity}ms), restarting Arti")
+                            Log.w(
+                                TAG,
+                                "Inactivity detected (${timeSinceLastActivity}ms), restarting Arti"
+                            )
                             currentApplication?.let { app ->
                                 appScope.launch {
                                     restartArti(app)
@@ -316,11 +402,11 @@ object TorManager {
         retryJob?.cancel()
         if (retryAttempts < MAX_RETRY_ATTEMPTS) {
             retryAttempts++
-            val delayMs = (1000L * (1 shl retryAttempts)).coerceAtMost(30000L) // Exponential backoff, max 30s
+            val delayMs = (1000L * (1 shl retryAttempts)).coerceAtMost(30000L)
             Log.w(TAG, "Scheduling Arti retry attempt $retryAttempts in ${delayMs}ms")
             retryJob = appScope.launch {
                 delay(delayMs)
-                val currentMode = _status.value.mode
+                val currentMode = _statusFlow.value.mode
                 if (currentMode == TorMode.ON) {
                     Log.i(TAG, "Retrying Arti start (attempt $retryAttempts)")
                     restartArti(application)
@@ -337,50 +423,110 @@ object TorManager {
     }
 
     private suspend fun waitUntilBootstrapped() {
-        val current = _status.value
+        val current = _statusFlow.value
         if (!current.running) return
         if (current.bootstrapPercent >= 100 && current.state == TorState.RUNNING) return
-        // Suspend until we observe RUNNING at least once
         while (true) {
-            val s = statusFlow.first { (it.bootstrapPercent >= 100 && it.state == TorState.RUNNING) || !it.running || it.state == TorState.ERROR }
+            val s = statusFlow.first {
+                (it.bootstrapPercent >= 100 && it.state == TorState.RUNNING) ||
+                        !it.running ||
+                        it.state == TorState.ERROR
+            }
             if (!s.running || s.state == TorState.ERROR) return
             if (s.bootstrapPercent >= 100 && s.state == TorState.RUNNING) return
         }
     }
 
     private fun handleArtiLogLine(s: String) {
+        val currentState = _statusFlow.value.state
+        val currentLifecycle = lifecycleState
+
         when {
             s.contains("AMEx: state changed to Initialized", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.STARTING)
+                if (currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.STARTING && currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.RUNNING) {
+                    Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring stale 'Initialized' log (lifecycle: $currentLifecycle)")
+                    return
+                }
+                _statusFlow.update { it.copy(state = TorState.STARTING) }
                 completeWaitersIf(TorState.STARTING)
             }
+
             s.contains("AMEx: state changed to Starting", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.STARTING)
+                if (currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.STARTING && currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.RUNNING) {
+                    Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring stale 'Starting' log (lifecycle: $currentLifecycle)")
+                    return
+                }
+                _statusFlow.update { it.copy(state = TorState.STARTING) }
                 completeWaitersIf(TorState.STARTING)
             }
-            s.contains("Sufficiently bootstrapped; system SOCKS now functional", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(bootstrapPercent = 75, state = TorState.BOOTSTRAPPING)
+
+            s.contains(
+                "Sufficiently bootstrapped; system SOCKS now functional",
+                ignoreCase = true
+            ) -> {
+                if (currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.RUNNING) {
+                    Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring bootstrap log (lifecycle: $currentLifecycle)")
+                    return
+                }
+                _statusFlow.update {
+                    it.copy(
+                        bootstrapPercent = 75,
+                        state = TorState.BOOTSTRAPPING
+                    )
+                }
                 retryAttempts = 0
                 bindRetryAttempts = 0
                 startInactivityMonitoring()
             }
-            //s.contains("AMEx: state changed to Running", ignoreCase = true) -> {
+
             s.contains("We have found that guard [scrubbed] is usable.", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                // If we already saw Sufficiently bootstrapped, mark as RUNNING and ready.
-                val bp = if (_status.value.bootstrapPercent >= 100) 100 else 100 // treat Running as ready
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.RUNNING, bootstrapPercent = bp, running = true)
+                if (currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.RUNNING) {
+                    Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring guard discovery log (lifecycle: $currentLifecycle)")
+                    return
+                }
+                _statusFlow.update {
+                    it.copy(
+                        state = TorState.RUNNING,
+                        bootstrapPercent = 100,
+                        running = true
+                    )
+                }
                 completeWaitersIf(TorState.RUNNING)
             }
+
             s.contains("AMEx: state changed to Stopping", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.STOPPING, running = false)
+                if (currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.STOPPING) {
+                    Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring stale 'Stopping' log (lifecycle: $currentLifecycle)")
+                    return
+                }
+                _statusFlow.update {
+                    it.copy(
+                        state = TorState.STOPPING,
+                        running = false
+                    )
+                }
             }
+
             s.contains("AMEx: state changed to Stopped", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.OFF, running = false, bootstrapPercent = 0)
+                if (currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.STOPPING && currentLifecycle != LifecycleState.STOPPED) {
+                    Log.w(
+                        TAG,
+                        "Ignoring stale 'Stopped' log (lifecycle: $currentLifecycle, preventing state corruption)"
+                    )
+                    return
+                }
+                _statusFlow.update {
+                    it.copy(
+                        state = TorState.OFF,
+                        running = false,
+                        bootstrapPercent = 0
+                    )
+                }
                 completeWaitersIf(TorState.OFF)
             }
+
             s.contains("Another process has the lock on our state files", ignoreCase = true) -> {
-                // Signal error; we'll likely need to wait longer before restart
-                _status.value = _status.value.copy(state = TorState.ERROR)
+                _statusFlow.update { it.copy(state = TorState.ERROR) }
             }
         }
     }
@@ -395,13 +541,11 @@ object TorManager {
         val def = CompletableDeferred<TorState>()
         stateChangeDeferred.getAndSet(def)?.cancel()
         return withTimeoutOrNull(timeoutMs) {
-            // Fast-path: if we're already there
-            val cur = _status.value.state
+            val cur = _statusFlow.value.state
             if (cur == target) return@withTimeoutOrNull cur
             def.await()
         }
     }
 
-    // Visible for instrumentation tests to validate installation
-    fun installResourcesForTest(application: Application): Boolean { return true }
+    fun isTorAvailable(): Boolean = true
 }

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/net/OkHttpProvider.kt

@@ -42,8 +42,9 @@ object OkHttpProvider {
 
     private fun baseBuilderForCurrentProxy(): OkHttpClient.Builder {
         val builder = OkHttpClient.Builder()
-        val socks: InetSocketAddress? = TorManager.currentSocksAddress()
-        // If a SOCKS address is defined, always use it. TorManager sets this as soon as Tor mode is ON,
+        val torProvider = ArtiTorManager.getInstance()
+        val socks: InetSocketAddress? = torProvider.currentSocksAddress()
+        // If a SOCKS address is defined, always use it. TorProvider sets this as soon as Tor mode is ON,
         // even before bootstrap, to prevent any direct connections from occurring.
         if (socks != null) {
             val proxy = Proxy(Proxy.Type.SOCKS, socks)

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/GeohashRepository.kt

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ package com.bitchat.android.nostr
 
 import android.app.Application
 import android.util.Log
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
 import com.bitchat.android.ui.ChatState
 import com.bitchat.android.ui.GeoPerson
 import java.util.Date
@@ -112,7 +111,7 @@ class GeohashRepository(
         val geohash = currentGeohash
         if (geohash == null) {
             // Use postValue for thread safety - this can be called from background threads
-            state.postGeohashPeople(emptyList())
+            state.setGeohashPeople(emptyList())
             return
         }
         val cutoff = Date(System.currentTimeMillis() - 5 * 60 * 1000)
@@ -143,7 +142,7 @@ class GeohashRepository(
             )
         }.sortedByDescending { it.lastSeen }
         // Use postValue for thread safety - this can be called from background threads
-        state.postGeohashPeople(people)
+        state.setGeohashPeople(people)
     }
 
     fun updateReactiveParticipantCounts() {
@@ -155,7 +154,7 @@ class GeohashRepository(
             counts[gh] = active
         }
         // Use postValue for thread safety - this can be called from background threads  
-        state.postGeohashParticipantCounts(counts)
+        state.setGeohashParticipantCounts(counts)
     }
 
     fun putNostrKeyMapping(tempKeyOrPeer: String, pubkeyHex: String) {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/LocationNotesManager.kt

@@ -2,13 +2,14 @@ package com.bitchat.android.nostr
 
 import android.util.Log
 import androidx.annotation.MainThread
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MutableLiveData
 import kotlinx.coroutines.*
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
 
 /**
  * Manages location notes (kind=1 text notes with geohash tags)
- * iOS-compatible implementation with LiveData for Android UI binding
+ * iOS-compatible implementation with StateFlow for Android UI binding
  */
 @MainThread
 class LocationNotesManager private constructor() {
@@ -63,21 +64,21 @@ class LocationNotesManager private constructor() {
         NO_RELAYS
     }
     
-    // Published state (LiveData for Android)
-    private val _notes = MutableLiveData<List<Note>>(emptyList())
-    val notes: LiveData<List<Note>> = _notes
+    // Published state (StateFlow for Android)
+    private val _notes = MutableStateFlow<List<Note>>(emptyList())
+    val notes: StateFlow<List<Note>> = _notes.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _geohash = MutableLiveData<String?>(null)
-    val geohash: LiveData<String?> = _geohash
+    private val _geohash = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
+    val geohash: StateFlow<String?> = _geohash.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _initialLoadComplete = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val initialLoadComplete: LiveData<Boolean> = _initialLoadComplete
+    private val _initialLoadComplete = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val initialLoadComplete: StateFlow<Boolean> = _initialLoadComplete.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _state = MutableLiveData(State.IDLE)
-    val state: LiveData<State> = _state
+    private val _state = MutableStateFlow(State.IDLE)
+    val state: StateFlow<State> = _state.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _errorMessage = MutableLiveData<String?>(null)
-    val errorMessage: LiveData<String?> = _errorMessage
+    private val _errorMessage = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
+    val errorMessage: StateFlow<String?> = _errorMessage.asStateFlow()
     
     // Private state
     private var subscriptionIDs: MutableMap<String, String> = mutableMapOf()

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/NostrClient.kt

@@ -2,9 +2,10 @@ package com.bitchat.android.nostr
 
 import android.content.Context
 import android.util.Log
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MutableLiveData
 import kotlinx.coroutines.*
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
 
 /**
  * High-level Nostr client that manages identity, connections, and messaging
@@ -30,11 +31,11 @@ class NostrClient private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     private var currentIdentity: NostrIdentity? = null
     
     // Client state
-    private val _isInitialized = MutableLiveData<Boolean>()
-    val isInitialized: LiveData<Boolean> = _isInitialized
+    private val _isInitialized = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val isInitialized: StateFlow<Boolean> = _isInitialized.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _currentNpub = MutableLiveData<String>()
-    val currentNpub: LiveData<String> = _currentNpub
+    private val _currentNpub = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
+    val currentNpub: StateFlow<String?> = _currentNpub.asStateFlow()
     
     // Message processing
     private val scope = CoroutineScope(Dispatchers.Main + SupervisorJob())
@@ -53,21 +54,21 @@ class NostrClient private constructor(private val context: Context) {
                 currentIdentity = NostrIdentityBridge.getCurrentNostrIdentity(context)
                 
                 if (currentIdentity != null) {
-                    _currentNpub.postValue(currentIdentity!!.npub)
+                    _currentNpub.value = currentIdentity!!.npub
                     Log.i(TAG, "✅ Nostr identity loaded: ${currentIdentity!!.getShortNpub()}")
                     
                     // Connect to relays
                     relayManager.connect()
                     
-                    _isInitialized.postValue(true)
+                    _isInitialized.value = true
                     Log.i(TAG, "✅ Nostr client initialized successfully")
                 } else {
                     Log.e(TAG, "❌ Failed to load/create Nostr identity")
-                    _isInitialized.postValue(false)
+                    _isInitialized.value = false
                 }
             } catch (e: Exception) {
                 Log.e(TAG, "❌ Failed to initialize Nostr client: ${e.message}")
-                _isInitialized.postValue(false)
+                _isInitialized.value = false
             }
         }
     }
@@ -78,7 +79,7 @@ class NostrClient private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     fun shutdown() {
         Log.d(TAG, "Shutting down Nostr client")
         relayManager.disconnect()
-        _isInitialized.postValue(false)
+        _isInitialized.value = false
     }
     
     /**
@@ -227,12 +228,12 @@ class NostrClient private constructor(private val context: Context) {
     /**
      * Get relay connection status
      */
-    val relayConnectionStatus: LiveData<Boolean> = relayManager.isConnected
+    val relayConnectionStatus: StateFlow<Boolean> = relayManager.isConnected
     
     /**
      * Get relay information
      */
-    val relayInfo: LiveData<List<NostrRelayManager.Relay>> = relayManager.relays
+    val relayInfo: StateFlow<List<NostrRelayManager.Relay>> = relayManager.relays
     
     // MARK: - Private Methods
     

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/NostrRelayManager.kt

@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 package com.bitchat.android.nostr
 
 import android.util.Log
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MutableLiveData
 import com.google.gson.Gson
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
 import com.google.gson.JsonArray
 import com.google.gson.JsonParser
 import kotlinx.coroutines.*
@@ -72,11 +73,11 @@ class NostrRelayManager private constructor() {
     )
     
     // Published state
-    private val _relays = MutableLiveData<List<Relay>>()
-    val relays: LiveData<List<Relay>> = _relays
+    private val _relays = MutableStateFlow<List<Relay>>(emptyList())
+    val relays: StateFlow<List<Relay>> = _relays.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _isConnected = MutableLiveData<Boolean>()
-    val isConnected: LiveData<Boolean> = _isConnected
+    private val _isConnected = MutableStateFlow<Boolean>(false)
+    val isConnected: StateFlow<Boolean> = _isConnected.asStateFlow()
     
     // Internal state
     private val relaysList = mutableListOf<Relay>()
@@ -226,14 +227,14 @@ class NostrRelayManager private constructor() {
                 "wss://nostr21.com"
             )
             relaysList.addAll(defaultRelayUrls.map { Relay(it) })
-            _relays.postValue(relaysList.toList())
+            _relays.value = relaysList.toList()
             updateConnectionStatus()
             Log.d(TAG, "✅ NostrRelayManager initialized with ${relaysList.size} default relays")
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to initialize NostrRelayManager: ${e.message}", e)
             // Initialize with empty list as fallback
-            _relays.postValue(emptyList())
-            _isConnected.postValue(false)
+            _relays.value = emptyList()
+            _isConnected.value = false
         }
     }
     
@@ -797,12 +798,12 @@ class NostrRelayManager private constructor() {
     }
     
     private fun updateRelaysList() {
-        _relays.postValue(relaysList.toList())
+        _relays.value = relaysList.toList()
     }
     
     private fun updateConnectionStatus() {
         val connected = relaysList.any { it.isConnected }
-        _isConnected.postValue(connected)
+        _isConnected.value = connected
     }
     
     private fun generateSubscriptionId(): String {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/service/AppShutdownCoordinator.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.service
+
+import android.app.Application
+import android.os.Process
+import androidx.core.app.NotificationManagerCompat
+import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshService
+import com.bitchat.android.net.ArtiTorManager
+import com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode
+import kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineScope
+import kotlinx.coroutines.Dispatchers
+import kotlinx.coroutines.SupervisorJob
+import kotlinx.coroutines.async
+import kotlinx.coroutines.delay
+import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
+import kotlinx.coroutines.withTimeoutOrNull
+
+/**
+ * Coordinates a full application shutdown:
+ * - Stop mesh cleanly
+ * - Stop Tor without changing persistent setting
+ * - Clear in-memory AppState
+ * - Stop foreground service/notification
+ * - Kill the process after completion or after a 5s timeout
+ */
+object AppShutdownCoordinator {
+    private val scope = CoroutineScope(Dispatchers.Default + SupervisorJob())
+
+    fun requestFullShutdownAndKill(
+        app: Application,
+        mesh: BluetoothMeshService?,
+        notificationManager: NotificationManagerCompat,
+        stopForeground: () -> Unit,
+        stopService: () -> Unit
+    ) {
+        scope.launch {
+            // Stop mesh (best-effort)
+            try { mesh?.stopServices() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
+            // Stop Tor temporarily (do not change user setting)
+            val torProvider = ArtiTorManager.getInstance()
+            val torStop = async {
+                try { torProvider.applyMode(app, TorMode.OFF) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            }
+
+            // Clear AppState in-memory store
+            try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.clear() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
+            // Stop foreground and clear notification
+            try { stopForeground() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            try { notificationManager.cancel(10001) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
+            // Wait up to 5 seconds for shutdown tasks
+            withTimeoutOrNull(5000) {
+                try { torStop.await() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                delay(100)
+            }
+
+            // Stop the service itself
+            try { stopService() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
+            // Hard kill the app process
+            try { Process.killProcess(Process.myPid()) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            try { System.exit(0) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        }
+    }
+}
+

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/service/BootCompletedReceiver.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.service
+
+import android.content.BroadcastReceiver
+import android.content.Context
+import android.content.Intent
+
+class BootCompletedReceiver : BroadcastReceiver() {
+    override fun onReceive(context: Context, intent: Intent) {
+        // Ensure preferences are initialized on cold boot before reading values
+        try { MeshServicePreferences.init(context.applicationContext) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
+        if (MeshServicePreferences.isAutoStartEnabled(true)) {
+            MeshForegroundService.start(context.applicationContext)
+        }
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/service/MeshForegroundService.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,324 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.service
+
+import android.app.Notification
+import android.app.NotificationChannel
+import android.app.NotificationManager
+import android.app.PendingIntent
+import android.app.Service
+import android.content.Context
+import android.content.Intent
+import android.os.Build
+import android.os.IBinder
+import androidx.core.app.NotificationCompat
+import androidx.core.app.NotificationManagerCompat
+import com.bitchat.android.MainActivity
+import com.bitchat.android.R
+import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshService
+import kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineScope
+import kotlinx.coroutines.Dispatchers
+import kotlinx.coroutines.Job
+import kotlinx.coroutines.delay
+import kotlinx.coroutines.isActive
+import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
+
+class MeshForegroundService : Service() {
+
+    companion object {
+        private const val CHANNEL_ID = "bitchat_mesh_service"
+        private const val NOTIFICATION_ID = 10001
+
+        const val ACTION_START = "com.bitchat.android.service.START"
+        const val ACTION_STOP = "com.bitchat.android.service.STOP"
+        const val ACTION_QUIT = "com.bitchat.android.service.QUIT"
+        const val ACTION_UPDATE_NOTIFICATION = "com.bitchat.android.service.UPDATE_NOTIFICATION"
+        const val ACTION_NOTIFICATION_PERMISSION_GRANTED = "com.bitchat.android.action.NOTIFICATION_PERMISSION_GRANTED"
+
+        fun start(context: Context) {
+            val intent = Intent(context, MeshForegroundService::class.java).apply { action = ACTION_START }
+
+            // On API >= 26, avoid background-service start restrictions by using startForegroundService
+            // only when we can actually post a notification (Android 13+ requires runtime notif permission)
+            val bgEnabled = MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true)
+            val hasNotifPerm = hasNotificationPermissionStatic(context)
+
+            if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
+                if (bgEnabled && hasNotifPerm) {
+                    context.startForegroundService(intent)
+                } else {
+                    // Do not attempt to start a background service from headless context without notif permission
+                    // or when background is disabled, to avoid BackgroundServiceStartNotAllowedException.
+                    android.util.Log.i(
+                        "MeshForegroundService",
+                        "Not starting service on API>=26 (bgEnabled=$bgEnabled, hasNotifPerm=$hasNotifPerm)"
+                    )
+                }
+            } else {
+                if (bgEnabled) {
+                    context.startService(intent)
+                } else {
+                    android.util.Log.i("MeshForegroundService", "Background disabled; not starting service (pre-O)")
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /**
+         * Helper to be invoked right after POST_NOTIFICATIONS is granted to try
+         * promoting/starting the foreground service immediately without polling.
+         */
+        fun onNotificationPermissionGranted(context: Context) {
+            // If background is enabled and permission now granted, start/promo service
+            val hasNotifPerm = hasNotificationPermissionStatic(context)
+            if (!MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) || !hasNotifPerm) return
+
+            val intent = Intent(context, MeshForegroundService::class.java).apply { action = ACTION_UPDATE_NOTIFICATION }
+            if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
+                // Safe now that we can show a notification
+                context.startForegroundService(intent)
+            } else {
+                context.startService(intent)
+            }
+        }
+
+        fun stop(context: Context) {
+            val intent = Intent(context, MeshForegroundService::class.java).apply { action = ACTION_STOP }
+            context.startService(intent)
+        }
+
+        private fun shouldStartAsForeground(context: Context): Boolean {
+            return MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) &&
+                    hasBluetoothPermissionsStatic(context) &&
+                    hasNotificationPermissionStatic(context)
+        }
+
+        private fun hasBluetoothPermissionsStatic(ctx: Context): Boolean {
+            return if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.S) {
+                androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, android.Manifest.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADVERTISE) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED &&
+                androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, android.Manifest.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED &&
+                androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, android.Manifest.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+            } else {
+                val fine = androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, android.Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+                val coarse = androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, android.Manifest.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+                fine || coarse
+            }
+        }
+
+        private fun hasNotificationPermissionStatic(ctx: Context): Boolean {
+            return if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 33) {
+                androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(ctx, android.Manifest.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+            } else true
+        }
+    }
+
+    private lateinit var notificationManager: NotificationManagerCompat
+    private var updateJob: Job? = null
+    private var meshService: BluetoothMeshService? = null
+    private val serviceJob = Job()
+    private val scope = CoroutineScope(Dispatchers.Default + serviceJob)
+    private var isInForeground: Boolean = false
+
+    override fun onCreate() {
+        super.onCreate()
+        notificationManager = NotificationManagerCompat.from(this)
+        createChannel()
+
+        // Adopt or create the mesh service
+        val existing = MeshServiceHolder.meshService
+        meshService = existing ?: MeshServiceHolder.getOrCreate(applicationContext)
+        if (existing != null) {
+            android.util.Log.d("MeshForegroundService", "Adopted existing BluetoothMeshService from holder")
+        } else {
+            android.util.Log.i("MeshForegroundService", "Created/adopted new BluetoothMeshService via holder")
+        }
+        MeshServiceHolder.attach(meshService!!)
+    }
+
+    override fun onStartCommand(intent: Intent?, flags: Int, startId: Int): Int {
+        when (intent?.action) {
+            ACTION_STOP -> {
+                // Stop FGS and mesh cleanly
+                try { meshService?.stopServices() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                try { MeshServiceHolder.clear() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                try { stopForeground(true) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                notificationManager.cancel(NOTIFICATION_ID)
+                isInForeground = false
+                stopSelf()
+                return START_NOT_STICKY
+            }
+            ACTION_QUIT -> {
+                // Fully stop all background activity, stop Tor (without changing setting), then kill the app
+                AppShutdownCoordinator.requestFullShutdownAndKill(
+                    app = application,
+                    mesh = meshService,
+                    notificationManager = notificationManager,
+                    stopForeground = {
+                        try { stopForeground(true) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                        isInForeground = false
+                    },
+                    stopService = { stopSelf() }
+                )
+                return START_NOT_STICKY
+            }
+            ACTION_UPDATE_NOTIFICATION -> {
+                // If we became eligible and are not in foreground yet, promote once
+                if (MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) && hasAllRequiredPermissions() && !isInForeground) {
+                    val n = buildNotification(meshService?.getActivePeerCount() ?: 0)
+                    startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, n)
+                    isInForeground = true
+                } else {
+                    updateNotification(force = true)
+                }
+            }
+            else -> { /* ACTION_START or null */ }
+        }
+
+        // Ensure mesh is running (only after permissions are granted)
+        ensureMeshStarted()
+
+        // Promote exactly once when eligible, otherwise stay background (or stop)
+        if (MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) && hasAllRequiredPermissions() && !isInForeground) {
+            val notification = buildNotification(meshService?.getActivePeerCount() ?: 0)
+            startForeground(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification)
+            isInForeground = true
+        }
+
+        // Periodically refresh the notification with live network size
+        if (updateJob == null) {
+            updateJob = scope.launch {
+                while (isActive) {
+                    // Retry enabling mesh/foreground once permissions become available
+                    ensureMeshStarted()
+                    val eligible = MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) && hasAllRequiredPermissions()
+                    if (eligible) {
+                        // Only update the notification; do not re-call startForeground()
+                        updateNotification(force = false)
+                    } else {
+                        // If disabled or perms missing, ensure we are not in foreground and clear notif
+                        if (isInForeground) {
+                            try { stopForeground(false) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                            isInForeground = false
+                        }
+                        notificationManager.cancel(NOTIFICATION_ID)
+                    }
+                    delay(5000)
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        return START_STICKY
+    }
+
+    private fun ensureMeshStarted() {
+        if (!hasBluetoothPermissions()) return
+        try {
+            android.util.Log.d("MeshForegroundService", "Ensuring mesh service is started")
+            meshService?.startServices()
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            android.util.Log.e("MeshForegroundService", "Failed to start mesh service: ${e.message}")
+        }
+    }
+
+    private fun updateNotification(force: Boolean) {
+        val count = meshService?.getActivePeerCount() ?: 0
+        val notification = buildNotification(count)
+        if (MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true) && hasAllRequiredPermissions()) {
+            notificationManager.notify(NOTIFICATION_ID, notification)
+        } else if (force) {
+            // If disabled and forced, make sure to remove any prior foreground state
+            try { stopForeground(false) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            notificationManager.cancel(NOTIFICATION_ID)
+            isInForeground = false
+        }
+    }
+
+    private fun hasAllRequiredPermissions(): Boolean {
+        // For starting FGS with connectedDevice|dataSync, we need:
+        // - Foreground service permissions (declared in manifest)
+        // - One of the device-related permissions (we request BL perms at runtime)
+        // - On Android 13+, POST_NOTIFICATIONS to actually show notification
+        return hasBluetoothPermissions() && hasNotificationPermission()
+    }
+
+    private fun hasBluetoothPermissions(): Boolean {
+        return if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.S) {
+            androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADVERTISE) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED &&
+            androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED &&
+            androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+        } else {
+            // Prior to S, scanning requires location permissions
+            val fine = androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+            val coarse = androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+            fine || coarse
+        }
+    }
+
+    private fun hasNotificationPermission(): Boolean {
+        return if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 33) {
+            androidx.core.content.ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, android.Manifest.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS) == android.content.pm.PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED
+        } else true
+    }
+
+    private fun buildNotification(activeUsers: Int): Notification {
+        val openIntent = Intent(this, MainActivity::class.java)
+        val pendingIntent = PendingIntent.getActivity(
+            this, 0, openIntent,
+            PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT or (if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 23) PendingIntent.FLAG_IMMUTABLE else 0)
+        )
+
+        // Action: Quit Bitchat
+        val quitIntent = Intent(this, MeshForegroundService::class.java).apply { action = ACTION_QUIT }
+        val quitPendingIntent = PendingIntent.getService(
+            this, 1, quitIntent,
+            PendingIntent.FLAG_UPDATE_CURRENT or (if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= 23) PendingIntent.FLAG_IMMUTABLE else 0)
+        )
+
+        val title = getString(R.string.app_name)
+        val content = getString(R.string.mesh_service_notification_content, activeUsers)
+
+        return NotificationCompat.Builder(this, CHANNEL_ID)
+            .setContentTitle(title)
+            .setContentText(content)
+            .setSmallIcon(R.mipmap.ic_launcher)
+            .setOngoing(true)
+            .setOnlyAlertOnce(true)
+            .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_LOW)
+            .setCategory(NotificationCompat.CATEGORY_SERVICE)
+            .setContentIntent(pendingIntent)
+            // Add an action button that appears when notification is expanded
+            .addAction(
+                android.R.drawable.ic_menu_close_clear_cancel,
+                getString(R.string.notification_action_quit_bitchat),
+                quitPendingIntent
+            )
+            .build()
+    }
+
+    private fun createChannel() {
+        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) {
+            val channel = NotificationChannel(
+                CHANNEL_ID,
+                getString(R.string.mesh_service_channel_name),
+                NotificationManager.IMPORTANCE_LOW
+            ).apply {
+                description = getString(R.string.mesh_service_channel_desc)
+                setShowBadge(false)
+            }
+            (getSystemService(Context.NOTIFICATION_SERVICE) as NotificationManager)
+                .createNotificationChannel(channel)
+        }
+    }
+
+    override fun onDestroy() {
+        updateJob?.cancel()
+        updateJob = null
+        // Cancel the service coroutine scope to prevent leaks
+        try { serviceJob.cancel() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        // Best-effort ensure we are not marked foreground
+        if (isInForeground) {
+            try { stopForeground(true) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            isInForeground = false
+        }
+        super.onDestroy()
+    }
+
+    override fun onBind(intent: Intent?): IBinder? = null
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/service/MeshServiceHolder.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.service
+
+import android.content.Context
+import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshService
+
+/**
+ * Process-wide holder to share a single BluetoothMeshService instance
+ * between the foreground service and UI (MainActivity/ViewModels).
+ */
+object MeshServiceHolder {
+    private const val TAG = "MeshServiceHolder"
+    @Volatile
+    var meshService: BluetoothMeshService? = null
+        private set
+
+    @Synchronized
+    fun getOrCreate(context: Context): BluetoothMeshService {
+        val existing = meshService
+        if (existing != null) {
+            // If the existing instance is healthy, reuse it; otherwise, replace it.
+            return try {
+                if (existing.isReusable()) {
+                    android.util.Log.d(TAG, "Reusing existing BluetoothMeshService instance")
+                    existing
+                } else {
+                    android.util.Log.w(TAG, "Existing BluetoothMeshService not reusable; replacing with a fresh instance")
+                    // Best-effort stop before replacing
+                    try { existing.stopServices() } catch (e: Exception) {
+                        android.util.Log.w(TAG, "Error while stopping non-reusable instance: ${e.message}")
+                    }
+                    val created = BluetoothMeshService(context.applicationContext)
+                    android.util.Log.i(TAG, "Created new BluetoothMeshService (replacement)")
+                    meshService = created
+                    created
+                }
+            } catch (e: Exception) {
+                android.util.Log.e(TAG, "Error checking service reusability; creating new instance: ${e.message}")
+                val created = BluetoothMeshService(context.applicationContext)
+                meshService = created
+                created
+            }
+        }
+        val created = BluetoothMeshService(context.applicationContext)
+        android.util.Log.i(TAG, "Created new BluetoothMeshService (no existing instance)")
+        meshService = created
+        return created
+    }
+
+    @Synchronized
+    fun attach(service: BluetoothMeshService) {
+        android.util.Log.d(TAG, "Attaching BluetoothMeshService to holder")
+        meshService = service
+    }
+
+    @Synchronized
+    fun clear() {
+        android.util.Log.d(TAG, "Clearing BluetoothMeshService from holder")
+        meshService = null
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/service/MeshServicePreferences.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.service
+
+import android.content.Context
+import android.content.SharedPreferences
+
+object MeshServicePreferences {
+    private const val PREFS_NAME = "bitchat_mesh_service_prefs"
+    private const val KEY_AUTO_START = "auto_start_on_boot"
+    private const val KEY_BACKGROUND_ENABLED = "background_enabled"
+
+    private lateinit var prefs: SharedPreferences
+
+    fun init(context: Context) {
+        prefs = context.getSharedPreferences(PREFS_NAME, Context.MODE_PRIVATE)
+    }
+
+    fun isAutoStartEnabled(default: Boolean = true): Boolean {
+        return prefs.getBoolean(KEY_AUTO_START, default)
+    }
+
+    fun setAutoStartEnabled(enabled: Boolean) {
+        prefs.edit().putBoolean(KEY_AUTO_START, enabled).apply()
+    }
+
+    fun isBackgroundEnabled(default: Boolean = true): Boolean {
+        return prefs.getBoolean(KEY_BACKGROUND_ENABLED, default)
+    }
+
+    fun setBackgroundEnabled(enabled: Boolean) {
+        prefs.edit().putBoolean(KEY_BACKGROUND_ENABLED, enabled).apply()
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/services/AppStateStore.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.services
+
+import com.bitchat.android.model.BitchatMessage
+import com.bitchat.android.model.DeliveryStatus
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
+
+/**
+ * Process-wide in-memory state store that survives Activity recreation.
+ * The foreground Mesh service updates this store; UI subscribes/hydrates from it.
+ */
+object AppStateStore {
+    // Global de-dup set by message id to avoid duplicate keys in Compose lists
+    private val seenMessageIds = mutableSetOf<String>()
+    // Connected peer IDs (mesh ephemeral IDs)
+    private val _peers = MutableStateFlow<List<String>>(emptyList())
+    val peers: StateFlow<List<String>> = _peers.asStateFlow()
+
+    // Public mesh timeline messages (non-channel)
+    private val _publicMessages = MutableStateFlow<List<BitchatMessage>>(emptyList())
+    val publicMessages: StateFlow<List<BitchatMessage>> = _publicMessages.asStateFlow()
+
+    // Private messages by peerID
+    private val _privateMessages = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>>(emptyMap())
+    val privateMessages: StateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = _privateMessages.asStateFlow()
+
+    // Channel messages by channel name
+    private val _channelMessages = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>>(emptyMap())
+    val channelMessages: StateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = _channelMessages.asStateFlow()
+
+    fun setPeers(ids: List<String>) {
+        _peers.value = ids
+    }
+
+    fun addPublicMessage(msg: BitchatMessage) {
+        synchronized(this) {
+            if (seenMessageIds.contains(msg.id)) return
+            seenMessageIds.add(msg.id)
+            _publicMessages.value = _publicMessages.value + msg
+        }
+    }
+
+    fun addPrivateMessage(peerID: String, msg: BitchatMessage) {
+        synchronized(this) {
+            if (seenMessageIds.contains(msg.id)) return
+            seenMessageIds.add(msg.id)
+            val map = _privateMessages.value.toMutableMap()
+            val list = (map[peerID] ?: emptyList()) + msg
+            map[peerID] = list
+            _privateMessages.value = map
+        }
+    }
+
+    private fun statusPriority(status: DeliveryStatus?): Int = when (status) {
+        null -> 0
+        is DeliveryStatus.Sending -> 1
+        is DeliveryStatus.Sent -> 2
+        is DeliveryStatus.PartiallyDelivered -> 3
+        is DeliveryStatus.Delivered -> 4
+        is DeliveryStatus.Read -> 5
+        is DeliveryStatus.Failed -> 0
+    }
+
+    fun updatePrivateMessageStatus(messageID: String, status: DeliveryStatus) {
+        synchronized(this) {
+            val map = _privateMessages.value.toMutableMap()
+            var changed = false
+            map.keys.toList().forEach { peer ->
+                val list = map[peer]?.toMutableList() ?: mutableListOf()
+                val idx = list.indexOfFirst { it.id == messageID }
+                if (idx >= 0) {
+                    val current = list[idx].deliveryStatus
+                    // Do not downgrade (e.g., Read -> Delivered)
+                    if (statusPriority(status) >= statusPriority(current)) {
+                        list[idx] = list[idx].copy(deliveryStatus = status)
+                        map[peer] = list
+                        changed = true
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            if (changed) {
+                _privateMessages.value = map
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    fun addChannelMessage(channel: String, msg: BitchatMessage) {
+        synchronized(this) {
+            if (seenMessageIds.contains(msg.id)) return
+            seenMessageIds.add(msg.id)
+            val map = _channelMessages.value.toMutableMap()
+            val list = (map[channel] ?: emptyList()) + msg
+            map[channel] = list
+            _channelMessages.value = map
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Clear all in-memory state (used for full app shutdown)
+    fun clear() {
+        synchronized(this) {
+            seenMessageIds.clear()
+            _peers.value = emptyList()
+            _publicMessages.value = emptyList()
+            _privateMessages.value = emptyMap()
+            _channelMessages.value = emptyMap()
+        }
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/services/NicknameProvider.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+package com.bitchat.android.services
+
+import android.content.Context
+import com.bitchat.android.ui.DataManager
+
+/**
+ * Provides current user's nickname for announcements and leave messages.
+ * If no nickname saved, falls back to the provided peerID.
+ */
+object NicknameProvider {
+    fun getNickname(context: Context, myPeerID: String): String {
+        return try {
+            val dm = DataManager(context.applicationContext)
+            val nick = dm.loadNickname()
+            if (nick.isNullOrBlank()) myPeerID else nick
+        } catch (_: Exception) {
+            myPeerID
+        }
+    }
+}
+

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/AboutSheet.kt

@@ -12,11 +12,15 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Bluetooth
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Close
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Lock
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Public
-import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Security
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Warning
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Security
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.NetworkCheck
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Speed
+import androidx.compose.material.icons.outlined.Info
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
+import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.vector.ImageVector
@@ -29,12 +33,171 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.sp
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrProofOfWork
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.PoWPreferenceManager
-import com.bitchat.android.ui.debug.DebugSettingsSheet
 import androidx.compose.ui.res.stringResource
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.R
+import com.bitchat.android.core.ui.component.button.CloseButton
+import com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode
+import com.bitchat.android.net.TorPreferenceManager
+import com.bitchat.android.net.ArtiTorManager
+
 /**
- * About Sheet for bitchat app information
- * Matches the design language of LocationChannelsSheet
+ * Feature row for displaying app capabilities
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun FeatureRow(
+    icon: ImageVector,
+    title: String,
+    subtitle: String
+) {
+    val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
+    
+    Row(
+        modifier = Modifier
+            .fillMaxWidth()
+            .padding(horizontal = 16.dp, vertical = 14.dp),
+        verticalAlignment = Alignment.Top
+    ) {
+        Icon(
+            imageVector = icon,
+            contentDescription = null,
+            tint = colorScheme.primary,
+            modifier = Modifier
+                .padding(top = 2.dp)
+                .size(22.dp)
+        )
+        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(14.dp))
+        Column(verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(2.dp)) {
+            Text(
+                text = title,
+                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium,
+                fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
+                color = colorScheme.onSurface
+            )
+            Text(
+                text = subtitle,
+                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
+                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f),
+                lineHeight = 18.sp
+            )
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Theme selection chip with Apple-like styling
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun ThemeChip(
+    label: String,
+    selected: Boolean,
+    onClick: () -> Unit,
+    modifier: Modifier = Modifier
+) {
+    val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
+    val isDark = colorScheme.background.red + colorScheme.background.green + colorScheme.background.blue < 1.5f
+    
+    Surface(
+        modifier = modifier,
+        onClick = onClick,
+        shape = RoundedCornerShape(10.dp),
+        color = if (selected) {
+            if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D)
+        } else {
+            colorScheme.surfaceVariant.copy(alpha = 0.5f)
+        }
+    ) {
+        Box(
+            modifier = Modifier
+                .fillMaxWidth()
+                .padding(vertical = 10.dp),
+            contentAlignment = Alignment.Center
+        ) {
+            Text(
+                text = label,
+                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
+                fontWeight = if (selected) FontWeight.SemiBold else FontWeight.Normal,
+                color = if (selected) Color.White else colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
+            )
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Unified settings toggle row with icon, title, subtitle, and switch
+ * Apple-like design with proper spacing
+ */
+@Composable
+private fun SettingsToggleRow(
+    icon: ImageVector,
+    title: String,
+    subtitle: String,
+    checked: Boolean,
+    onCheckedChange: (Boolean) -> Unit,
+    enabled: Boolean = true,
+    statusIndicator: (@Composable () -> Unit)? = null
+) {
+    val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
+    val isDark = colorScheme.background.red + colorScheme.background.green + colorScheme.background.blue < 1.5f
+    
+    Row(
+        modifier = Modifier
+            .fillMaxWidth()
+            .padding(horizontal = 16.dp, vertical = 14.dp),
+        verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically
+    ) {
+        Icon(
+            imageVector = icon,
+            contentDescription = null,
+            tint = if (enabled) colorScheme.primary else colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.3f),
+            modifier = Modifier.size(22.dp)
+        )
+        
+        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(14.dp))
+        
+        Column(
+            modifier = Modifier.weight(1f),
+            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(2.dp)
+        ) {
+            Row(
+                verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
+                horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+            ) {
+                Text(
+                    text = title,
+                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium,
+                    fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
+                    color = if (enabled) colorScheme.onSurface else colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.4f)
+                )
+                statusIndicator?.invoke()
+            }
+            Text(
+                text = subtitle,
+                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
+                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = if (enabled) 0.6f else 0.3f),
+                lineHeight = 16.sp
+            )
+        }
+        
+        Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(16.dp))
+        
+        Switch(
+            checked = checked,
+            onCheckedChange = { if (enabled) onCheckedChange(it) },
+            enabled = enabled,
+            colors = SwitchDefaults.colors(
+                checkedThumbColor = Color.White,
+                checkedTrackColor = if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D),
+                uncheckedThumbColor = Color.White,
+                uncheckedTrackColor = colorScheme.surfaceVariant
+            )
+        )
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Apple-like About/Settings Sheet with high-quality design
+ * Professional UX optimized for checkout scenarios
  */
 @OptIn(ExperimentalMaterial3Api::class)
 @Composable
@@ -54,8 +217,6 @@ fun AboutSheet(
             "1.0.0" // fallback version
         }
     }
-    
-    // Bottom sheet state
 
     val sheetState = rememberModalBottomSheetState(
         skipPartiallyExpanded = true
@@ -68,11 +229,10 @@ fun AboutSheet(
         }
     }
     val topBarAlpha by animateFloatAsState(
-        targetValue = if (isScrolled) 0.95f else 0f,
+        targetValue = if (isScrolled) 0.98f else 0f,
         label = "topBarAlpha"
     )
 
-    // Color scheme matching LocationChannelsSheet
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
     val isDark = colorScheme.background.red + colorScheme.background.green + colorScheme.background.blue < 1.5f
     
@@ -81,402 +241,368 @@ fun AboutSheet(
             modifier = modifier.statusBarsPadding(),
             onDismissRequest = onDismiss,
             sheetState = sheetState,
-            containerColor = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.background,
+            containerColor = colorScheme.background,
             dragHandle = null
         ) {
             Box(modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
                 LazyColumn(
                     state = lazyListState,
                     modifier = Modifier.fillMaxSize(),
-                    contentPadding = PaddingValues(top = 80.dp, bottom = 20.dp)
+                    contentPadding = PaddingValues(top = 80.dp, bottom = 32.dp),
+                    verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(20.dp)
                 ) {
-                    // Header Section
+                    // Header Section - App Identity
                     item(key = "header") {
                         Column(
                             modifier = Modifier
                                 .fillMaxWidth()
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(bottom = 16.dp),
-                            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                                .padding(horizontal = 20.dp),
+                            horizontalAlignment = Alignment.CenterHorizontally,
+                            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(4.dp)
                         ) {
-                            Row(
-                                horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp),
-                                verticalAlignment = Alignment.Bottom
-                            ) {
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.app_name),
-                                    style = TextStyle(
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                        fontWeight = FontWeight.Bold,
-                                        fontSize = 32.sp
-                                    ),
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground
-                                )
-
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.version_prefix, versionName?:""),
-                                    fontSize = 11.sp,
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.app_name),
+                                style = TextStyle(
                                     fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                    color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.5f),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall.copy(
-                                        baselineShift = BaselineShift(0.1f)
-                                    )
-                                )
-                            }
-
+                                    fontWeight = FontWeight.Bold,
+                                    fontSize = 28.sp,
+                                    letterSpacing = 1.sp
+                                ),
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground
+                            )
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.version_prefix, versionName ?: ""),
+                                fontSize = 13.sp,
+                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.5f)
+                            )
                             Text(
                                 text = stringResource(R.string.about_tagline),
-                                fontSize = 12.sp,
+                                fontSize = 13.sp,
                                 fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.7f)
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.6f),
+                                modifier = Modifier.padding(top = 4.dp)
                             )
                         }
                     }
 
-                    // Features section
-                    item(key = "feature_offline") {
-                        Row(
-                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.Top,
-                            modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(vertical = 8.dp)
-                        ) {
-                            Icon(
-                                imageVector = Icons.Filled.Bluetooth,
-                                contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_offline_mesh_chat),
-                                tint = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.primary,
-                                modifier = Modifier
-                                    .padding(top = 2.dp)
-                                    .size(20.dp)
+                    // Features Section - Grouped Card
+                    item(key = "features") {
+                        Column(modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 20.dp)) {
+                            Text(
+                                text = stringResource(R.string.about_appearance).uppercase(),
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelSmall,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.5f),
+                                letterSpacing = 0.5.sp,
+                                modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 16.dp, bottom = 8.dp)
                             )
-                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(16.dp))
-                            Column {
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.about_offline_mesh_title),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.titleMedium,
-                                    fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground
-                                )
-                                Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(4.dp))
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.about_offline_mesh_desc),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
-                                )
-                            }
-                        }
-                    }
-                    item(key = "feature_geohash") {
-                        Row(
-                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.Top,
-                            modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(vertical = 8.dp)
-                        ) {
-                            Icon(
-                                imageVector = Icons.Default.Public,
-                                contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_online_geohash_channels),
-                                tint = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.primary,
-                                modifier = Modifier
-                                    .padding(top = 2.dp)
-                                    .size(20.dp)
-                            )
-                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(16.dp))
-                            Column {
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.about_online_geohash_title),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.titleMedium,
-                                    fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground
-                                )
-                                Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(4.dp))
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.about_online_geohash_desc),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
-                                )
-                            }
-                        }
-                    }
-                    item(key = "feature_encryption") {
-                        Row(
-                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.Top,
-                            modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(vertical = 8.dp)
-                        ) {
-                            Icon(
-                                imageVector = Icons.Default.Lock,
-                                contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_end_to_end_encryption),
-                                tint = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.primary,
-                                modifier = Modifier
-                                    .padding(top = 2.dp)
-                                    .size(20.dp)
-                            )
-                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.width(16.dp))
-                            Column {
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.about_e2e_title),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.titleMedium,
-                                    fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground
-                                )
-                                Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(4.dp))
-                                Text(
-                                    text = stringResource(R.string.about_e2e_desc),
-                                    style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
-                                    color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
-                                )
+                            Surface(
+                                modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                                color = colorScheme.surface,
+                                shape = RoundedCornerShape(16.dp)
+                            ) {
+                                Column {
+                                    FeatureRow(
+                                        icon = Icons.Filled.Bluetooth,
+                                        title = stringResource(R.string.about_offline_mesh_title),
+                                        subtitle = stringResource(R.string.about_offline_mesh_desc)
+                                    )
+                                    HorizontalDivider(
+                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 56.dp),
+                                        color = colorScheme.outline.copy(alpha = 0.12f)
+                                    )
+                                    FeatureRow(
+                                        icon = Icons.Default.Public,
+                                        title = stringResource(R.string.about_online_geohash_title),
+                                        subtitle = stringResource(R.string.about_online_geohash_desc)
+                                    )
+                                    HorizontalDivider(
+                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 56.dp),
+                                        color = colorScheme.outline.copy(alpha = 0.12f)
+                                    )
+                                    FeatureRow(
+                                        icon = Icons.Default.Lock,
+                                        title = stringResource(R.string.about_e2e_title),
+                                        subtitle = stringResource(R.string.about_e2e_desc)
+                                    )
+                                }
                             }
                         }
                     }
 
                     // Appearance Section
-                    item(key = "appearance_section") {
-                        Text(
-                            text = stringResource(R.string.about_appearance),
-                            style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelLarge,
-                            color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
-                            modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(top = 24.dp, bottom = 8.dp)
-                        )
-                        val themePref by com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.themeFlow.collectAsState()
-                        Row(
-                            modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 24.dp),
-                            horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
-                        ) {
-                            FilterChip(
-                                selected = themePref.isSystem,
-                                onClick = { com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.set(context, com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreference.System) },
-                                label = { Text(stringResource(R.string.about_system), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace) }
-                            )
-                            FilterChip(
-                                selected = themePref.isLight,
-                                onClick = { com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.set(context, com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreference.Light) },
-                                label = { Text(stringResource(R.string.about_light), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace) }
-                            )
-                            FilterChip(
-                                selected = themePref.isDark,
-                                onClick = { com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.set(context, com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreference.Dark) },
-                                label = { Text(stringResource(R.string.about_dark), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace) }
+                    item(key = "appearance") {
+                        Column(modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 20.dp)) {
+                            Text(
+                                text = "THEME",
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelSmall,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.5f),
+                                letterSpacing = 0.5.sp,
+                                modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 16.dp, bottom = 8.dp)
                             )
+                            val themePref by com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.themeFlow.collectAsState()
+                            Surface(
+                                modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                                color = colorScheme.surface,
+                                shape = RoundedCornerShape(16.dp)
+                            ) {
+                                Row(
+                                    modifier = Modifier
+                                        .fillMaxWidth()
+                                        .padding(12.dp),
+                                    horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                                ) {
+                                    ThemeChip(
+                                        label = stringResource(R.string.about_system),
+                                        selected = themePref.isSystem,
+                                        onClick = { com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.set(context, com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreference.System) },
+                                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f)
+                                    )
+                                    ThemeChip(
+                                        label = stringResource(R.string.about_light),
+                                        selected = themePref.isLight,
+                                        onClick = { com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.set(context, com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreference.Light) },
+                                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f)
+                                    )
+                                    ThemeChip(
+                                        label = stringResource(R.string.about_dark),
+                                        selected = themePref.isDark,
+                                        onClick = { com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreferenceManager.set(context, com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.ThemePreference.Dark) },
+                                        modifier = Modifier.weight(1f)
+                                    )
+                                }
+                            }
                         }
                     }
-                    // Proof of Work Section
-                    item(key = "pow_section") {
-                        Text(
-                            text = stringResource(R.string.about_pow),
-                            style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelLarge,
-                            color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
-                            modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(top = 24.dp, bottom = 8.dp)
-                        )
-                        LaunchedEffect(Unit) {
-                            PoWPreferenceManager.init(context)
-                        }
 
+                    // Settings Section - Unified Card with Toggles
+                    item(key = "settings") {
+                        LaunchedEffect(Unit) { PoWPreferenceManager.init(context) }
                         val powEnabled by PoWPreferenceManager.powEnabled.collectAsState()
                         val powDifficulty by PoWPreferenceManager.powDifficulty.collectAsState()
+                        var backgroundEnabled by remember { mutableStateOf(com.bitchat.android.service.MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled(true)) }
+                        val torMode = remember { mutableStateOf(TorPreferenceManager.get(context)) }
+                        val torProvider = remember { ArtiTorManager.getInstance() }
+                        val torStatus by torProvider.statusFlow.collectAsState()
+                        val torAvailable = remember { torProvider.isTorAvailable() }
 
-                        Column(
-                            modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 24.dp),
-                            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
-                        ) {
-                            Row(
-                                horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp),
-                                verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically
+                        Column(modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 20.dp)) {
+                            Text(
+                                text = "SETTINGS",
+                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelSmall,
+                                color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.5f),
+                                letterSpacing = 0.5.sp,
+                                modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 16.dp, bottom = 8.dp)
+                            )
+                            Surface(
+                                modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                                color = colorScheme.surface,
+                                shape = RoundedCornerShape(16.dp)
                             ) {
-                                FilterChip(
-                                    selected = !powEnabled,
-                                    onClick = { PoWPreferenceManager.setPowEnabled(false) },
-                                    label = { Text(stringResource(R.string.about_pow_off), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace) }
-                                )
-                                FilterChip(
-                                    selected = powEnabled,
-                                    onClick = { PoWPreferenceManager.setPowEnabled(true) },
-                                    label = {
-                                        Row(
-                                            horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(6.dp),
-                                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically
-                                        ) {
-                                            Text(stringResource(R.string.about_pow_on), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace)
-                                            // Show current difficulty
-                                            if (powEnabled) {
-                                                Surface(
-                                                    color = if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D),
-                                                    shape = RoundedCornerShape(50)
-                                                ) { Box(Modifier.size(8.dp)) }
+                                Column {
+                                    // Background Mode Toggle
+                                    SettingsToggleRow(
+                                        icon = Icons.Filled.Bluetooth,
+                                        title = stringResource(R.string.about_background_title),
+                                        subtitle = stringResource(R.string.about_background_desc),
+                                        checked = backgroundEnabled,
+                                        onCheckedChange = { enabled ->
+                                            backgroundEnabled = enabled
+                                            com.bitchat.android.service.MeshServicePreferences.setBackgroundEnabled(enabled)
+                                            if (!enabled) {
+                                                com.bitchat.android.service.MeshForegroundService.stop(context)
+                                            } else {
+                                                com.bitchat.android.service.MeshForegroundService.start(context)
                                             }
                                         }
-                                    }
-                                )
-                            }
-
-                            Text(
-                                text = stringResource(R.string.about_pow_tip),
-                                fontSize = 10.sp,
-                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
-                            )
-
-                            // Show difficulty slider when enabled
-                            if (powEnabled) {
-                                Column(
-                                    modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
-                                    verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
-                                ) {
-                                    Text(
-                                        text = stringResource(R.string.about_pow_difficulty, powDifficulty, NostrProofOfWork.estimateMiningTime(powDifficulty)),
-                                        fontSize = 11.sp,
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
                                     )
-
-                                    Slider(
-                                        value = powDifficulty.toFloat(),
-                                        onValueChange = { PoWPreferenceManager.setPowDifficulty(it.toInt()) },
-                                        valueRange = 0f..32f,
-                                        steps = 33,
-                                        colors = SliderDefaults.colors(
-                                            thumbColor = if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D),
-                                            activeTrackColor = if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D)
-                                        )
+                                    
+                                    HorizontalDivider(
+                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 56.dp),
+                                        color = colorScheme.outline.copy(alpha = 0.12f)
+                                    )
+                                    
+                                    // Proof of Work Toggle
+                                    SettingsToggleRow(
+                                        icon = Icons.Filled.Speed,
+                                        title = stringResource(R.string.about_pow),
+                                        subtitle = stringResource(R.string.about_pow_tip),
+                                        checked = powEnabled,
+                                        onCheckedChange = { PoWPreferenceManager.setPowEnabled(it) }
+                                    )
+                                    
+                                    HorizontalDivider(
+                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 56.dp),
+                                        color = colorScheme.outline.copy(alpha = 0.12f)
+                                    )
+                                    
+                                    // Tor Toggle
+                                    SettingsToggleRow(
+                                        icon = Icons.Filled.Security,
+                                        title = "Tor Network",
+                                        subtitle = stringResource(R.string.about_tor_route),
+                                        checked = torMode.value == TorMode.ON,
+                                        onCheckedChange = { enabled ->
+                                            if (torAvailable) {
+                                                torMode.value = if (enabled) TorMode.ON else TorMode.OFF
+                                                TorPreferenceManager.set(context, torMode.value)
+                                            }
+                                        },
+                                        enabled = torAvailable,
+                                        statusIndicator = if (torMode.value == TorMode.ON) {
+                                            {
+                                                val statusColor = when {
+                                                    torStatus.running && torStatus.bootstrapPercent >= 100 -> if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D)
+                                                    torStatus.running -> Color(0xFFFF9500)
+                                                    else -> Color(0xFFFF3B30)
+                                                }
+                                                Surface(
+                                                    color = statusColor,
+                                                    shape = CircleShape,
+                                                    modifier = Modifier.size(8.dp)
+                                                ) {}
+                                            }
+                                        } else null
                                     )
-
-                                    // Show difficulty description
-                                    Surface(
-                                        modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
-                                        color = colorScheme.surfaceVariant.copy(alpha = 0.25f),
-                                        shape = RoundedCornerShape(8.dp)
-                                    ) {
-                                        Column(
-                                            modifier = Modifier.padding(12.dp),
-                                            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(4.dp)
-                                        ) {
-                                            Text(
-                                                text = stringResource(R.string.about_pow_difficulty_attempts, powDifficulty, NostrProofOfWork.estimateWork(powDifficulty)),
-                                                fontSize = 10.sp,
-                                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f)
-                                            )
-                                            Text(
-                                                text = when {
-                                                    powDifficulty == 0 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_none)
-                                                    powDifficulty <= 8 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_very_low)
-                                                    powDifficulty <= 12 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_low)
-                                                    powDifficulty <= 16 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_medium)
-                                                    powDifficulty <= 20 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_high)
-                                                    powDifficulty <= 24 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_very_high)
-                                                    else -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_extreme)
-                                                },
-                                                fontSize = 10.sp,
-                                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
-                                            )
-                                        }
-                                    }
                                 }
                             }
+                            
+                            // Tor unavailable hint
+                            if (!torAvailable) {
+                                Text(
+                                    text = stringResource(R.string.tor_not_available_in_this_build),
+                                    fontSize = 12.sp,
+                                    fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                    color = colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.5f),
+                                    modifier = Modifier.padding(start = 16.dp, top = 8.dp)
+                                )
+                            }
                         }
                     }
 
-                    // Network (Tor) section
-                    item(key = "network_section") {
-                        val torMode = remember { mutableStateOf(com.bitchat.android.net.TorPreferenceManager.get(context)) }
-                        val torStatus by com.bitchat.android.net.TorManager.statusFlow.collectAsState()
-                        Text(
-                            text = stringResource(R.string.about_network),
-                            style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelLarge,
-                            color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onBackground.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
-                            modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .padding(top = 24.dp, bottom = 8.dp)
-                        )
-                        Column(modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 24.dp), verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)) {
-                            Row(
-                                horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp),
-                                verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically
-                            ) {
-                                FilterChip(
-                                    selected = torMode.value == com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode.OFF,
-                                    onClick = {
-                                        torMode.value = com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode.OFF
-                                        com.bitchat.android.net.TorPreferenceManager.set(context, torMode.value)
-                                    },
-                                    label = { Text("tor off", fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace) }
-                                )
-                                FilterChip(
-                                    selected = torMode.value == com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode.ON,
-                                    onClick = {
-                                        torMode.value = com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode.ON
-                                        com.bitchat.android.net.TorPreferenceManager.set(context, torMode.value)
-                                    },
-                                    label = {
-                                        Row(
-                                            horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(6.dp),
-                                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically
-                                        ) {
-                                            Text("tor on", fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace)
-                                            val statusColor = when {
-                                                torStatus.running && torStatus.bootstrapPercent < 100 -> Color(0xFFFF9500)
-                                                torStatus.running && torStatus.bootstrapPercent >= 100 -> if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D)
-                                                else -> Color.Red
-                                            }
-                                            Surface(color = statusColor, shape = CircleShape) {
-                                                Box(Modifier.size(8.dp))
-                                            }
-                                        }
-                                    }
-                                )
-                            }
-                            Text(
-                                text = stringResource(R.string.about_tor_route),
-                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
-                                color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
-                            )
-                            if (torMode.value == com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode.ON) {
-                                val statusText = if (torStatus.running) "Running" else "Stopped"
-                                // Debug status (temporary)
+                    // PoW Difficulty Slider (when enabled)
+                    item(key = "pow_slider") {
+                        val powEnabled by PoWPreferenceManager.powEnabled.collectAsState()
+                        val powDifficulty by PoWPreferenceManager.powDifficulty.collectAsState()
+                        
+                        if (powEnabled) {
+                            Column(modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 20.dp)) {
                                 Surface(
                                     modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
-                                    color = colorScheme.surfaceVariant.copy(alpha = 0.25f),
-                                    shape = RoundedCornerShape(8.dp)
+                                    color = colorScheme.surface,
+                                    shape = RoundedCornerShape(16.dp)
                                 ) {
                                     Column(
-                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(12.dp),
-                                        verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(6.dp)
+                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(16.dp),
+                                        verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)
                                     ) {
-                                        Text(
-                                            text = stringResource(R.string.about_tor_status, statusText, torStatus.bootstrapPercent),
-                                            style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
-                                            color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.75f)
-                                        )
-                                        val lastLog = torStatus.lastLogLine
-                                        if (lastLog.isNotEmpty()) {
+                                        Row(
+                                            modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                                            horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.SpaceBetween,
+                                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically
+                                        ) {
                                             Text(
-                                                text = stringResource(R.string.about_last, lastLog.take(160)),
-                                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.labelSmall,
+                                                text = "Difficulty",
+                                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium,
+                                                fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
+                                                color = colorScheme.onSurface
+                                            )
+                                            Text(
+                                                text = "$powDifficulty bits • ${NostrProofOfWork.estimateMiningTime(powDifficulty)}",
+                                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodySmall,
+                                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
                                                 color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
                                             )
                                         }
+                                        
+                                        Slider(
+                                            value = powDifficulty.toFloat(),
+                                            onValueChange = { PoWPreferenceManager.setPowDifficulty(it.toInt()) },
+                                            valueRange = 0f..32f,
+                                            steps = 31,
+                                            colors = SliderDefaults.colors(
+                                                thumbColor = if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D),
+                                                activeTrackColor = if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D)
+                                            )
+                                        )
+                                        
+                                        Text(
+                                            text = when {
+                                                powDifficulty == 0 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_none)
+                                                powDifficulty <= 8 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_very_low)
+                                                powDifficulty <= 12 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_low)
+                                                powDifficulty <= 16 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_medium)
+                                                powDifficulty <= 20 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_high)
+                                                powDifficulty <= 24 -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_very_high)
+                                                else -> stringResource(R.string.about_pow_desc_extreme)
+                                            },
+                                            fontSize = 12.sp,
+                                            fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                            color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.5f)
+                                        )
+                                    }
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+
+                    // Tor Status (when enabled)
+                    item(key = "tor_status") {
+                        val torMode = remember { mutableStateOf(TorPreferenceManager.get(context)) }
+                        val torProvider = remember { ArtiTorManager.getInstance() }
+                        val torStatus by torProvider.statusFlow.collectAsState()
+                        
+                        if (torMode.value == TorMode.ON) {
+                            Column(modifier = Modifier.padding(horizontal = 20.dp)) {
+                                Surface(
+                                    modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
+                                    color = colorScheme.surface,
+                                    shape = RoundedCornerShape(16.dp)
+                                ) {
+                                    Column(
+                                        modifier = Modifier.padding(16.dp),
+                                        verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                                    ) {
+                                        Row(
+                                            verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
+                                            horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                                        ) {
+                                            val statusColor = when {
+                                                torStatus.running && torStatus.bootstrapPercent >= 100 -> if (isDark) Color(0xFF32D74B) else Color(0xFF248A3D)
+                                                torStatus.running -> Color(0xFFFF9500)
+                                                else -> Color(0xFFFF3B30)
+                                            }
+                                            Surface(color = statusColor, shape = CircleShape, modifier = Modifier.size(10.dp)) {}
+                                            Text(
+                                                text = if (torStatus.running) "Connected (${torStatus.bootstrapPercent}%)" else "Disconnected",
+                                                style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium,
+                                                fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium,
+                                                color = colorScheme.onSurface
+                                            )
+                                        }
+                                        if (torStatus.lastLogLine.isNotEmpty()) {
+                                            Text(
+                                                text = torStatus.lastLogLine.take(120),
+                                                fontSize = 11.sp,
+                                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.5f),
+                                                maxLines = 2
+                                            )
+                                        }
                                     }
                                 }
                             }
                         }
                     }
 
-                    // Emergency Warning Section
-                    item(key = "warning_section") {
-                        val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
-                        val errorColor = colorScheme.error
-
+                    // Emergency Warning
+                    item(key = "warning") {
                         Surface(
                             modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp, vertical = 24.dp)
+                                .padding(horizontal = 20.dp)
                                 .fillMaxWidth(),
-                            color = errorColor.copy(alpha = 0.1f),
-                            shape = RoundedCornerShape(12.dp)
+                            color = colorScheme.error.copy(alpha = 0.1f),
+                            shape = RoundedCornerShape(16.dp)
                         ) {
                             Row(
                                 modifier = Modifier.padding(16.dp),
@@ -485,61 +611,53 @@ fun AboutSheet(
                             ) {
                                 Icon(
                                     imageVector = Icons.Filled.Warning,
-                                    contentDescription = stringResource(R.string.cd_warning),
-                                    tint = errorColor,
-                                    modifier = Modifier.size(16.dp)
+                                    contentDescription = null,
+                                    tint = colorScheme.error,
+                                    modifier = Modifier.size(20.dp)
                                 )
                                 Column(verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(4.dp)) {
                                     Text(
                                         text = stringResource(R.string.about_emergency_title),
-                                        fontSize = 12.sp,
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                        fontWeight = FontWeight.Bold,
-                                        color = errorColor
+                                        style = MaterialTheme.typography.bodyMedium,
+                                        fontWeight = FontWeight.SemiBold,
+                                        color = colorScheme.error
                                     )
                                     Text(
                                         text = stringResource(R.string.about_emergency_tip),
-                                        fontSize = 11.sp,
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                        color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.8f)
+                                        fontSize = 13.sp,
+                                        color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f)
                                     )
                                 }
                             }
                         }
                     }
 
-                    // Footer Section
+                    // Footer
                     item(key = "footer") {
                         Column(
                             modifier = Modifier
-                                .padding(horizontal = 24.dp)
-                                .fillMaxWidth(),
+                                .fillMaxWidth()
+                                .padding(horizontal = 20.dp),
                             horizontalAlignment = Alignment.CenterHorizontally,
-                            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)
+                            verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)
                         ) {
                             if (onShowDebug != null) {
-                                TextButton(
-                                    onClick = onShowDebug,
-                                    colors = ButtonDefaults.textButtonColors(
-                                        contentColor = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
-                                    )
-                                ) {
+                                TextButton(onClick = onShowDebug) {
                                     Text(
                                         text = stringResource(R.string.about_debug_settings),
-                                        fontSize = 11.sp,
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace
+                                        fontSize = 13.sp,
+                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                                        color = colorScheme.primary
                                     )
                                 }
                             }
                             Text(
                                 text = stringResource(R.string.about_footer),
-                                fontSize = 11.sp,
+                                fontSize = 12.sp,
                                 fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
+                                color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.4f)
                             )
-
-                            // Add extra space at bottom for gesture area
-                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(16.dp))
+                            Spacer(modifier = Modifier.height(20.dp))
                         }
                     }
                 }

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/ChatHeader.kt

@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.*
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.outlined.*
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
@@ -28,9 +27,9 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.text.input.ImeAction
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.sp
 import com.bitchat.android.core.ui.utils.singleOrTripleClickable
-import com.bitchat.android.geohash.LocationChannelManager.PermissionState
 import androidx.compose.foundation.Canvas
 import androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 
 /**
  * Header components for ChatScreen
@@ -59,7 +58,8 @@ fun isFavoriteReactive(
 fun TorStatusDot(
     modifier: Modifier = Modifier
 ) {
-    val torStatus by com.bitchat.android.net.TorManager.statusFlow.collectAsState()
+    val torProvider = remember { com.bitchat.android.net.ArtiTorManager.getInstance() }
+    val torStatus by torProvider.statusFlow.collectAsState()
     
     if (torStatus.mode != com.bitchat.android.net.TorMode.OFF) {
         val dotColor = when {
@@ -248,10 +248,10 @@ fun ChatHeaderContent(
     when {
         selectedPrivatePeer != null -> {
             // Private chat header - Fully reactive state tracking
-            val favoritePeers by viewModel.favoritePeers.observeAsState(emptySet())
-            val peerFingerprints by viewModel.peerFingerprints.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-            val peerSessionStates by viewModel.peerSessionStates.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-            val peerNicknames by viewModel.peerNicknames.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+            val favoritePeers by viewModel.favoritePeers.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+            val peerFingerprints by viewModel.peerFingerprints.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+            val peerSessionStates by viewModel.peerSessionStates.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+            val peerNicknames by viewModel.peerNicknames.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
             
             // Reactive favorite computation - no more static lookups!
             val isFavorite = isFavoriteReactive(
@@ -264,8 +264,8 @@ fun ChatHeaderContent(
             Log.d("ChatHeader", "Header recomposing: peer=$selectedPrivatePeer, isFav=$isFavorite, sessionState=$sessionState")
             
             // Pass geohash context and people for NIP-17 chat title formatting
-            val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
-            val geohashPeople by viewModel.geohashPeople.observeAsState(emptyList())
+            val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+            val geohashPeople by viewModel.geohashPeople.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
             PrivateChatHeader(
                 peerID = selectedPrivatePeer,
@@ -523,18 +523,18 @@ private fun MainHeader(
     viewModel: ChatViewModel
 ) {
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
-    val connectedPeers by viewModel.connectedPeers.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val joinedChannels by viewModel.joinedChannels.observeAsState(emptySet())
-    val hasUnreadChannels by viewModel.unreadChannelMessages.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val hasUnreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.observeAsState(emptySet())
-    val isConnected by viewModel.isConnected.observeAsState(false)
-    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
-    val geohashPeople by viewModel.geohashPeople.observeAsState(emptyList())
+    val connectedPeers by viewModel.connectedPeers.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val joinedChannels by viewModel.joinedChannels.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val hasUnreadChannels by viewModel.unreadChannelMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val hasUnreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val isConnected by viewModel.isConnected.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val geohashPeople by viewModel.geohashPeople.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     // Bookmarks store for current geohash toggle (iOS parity)
     val context = androidx.compose.ui.platform.LocalContext.current
     val bookmarksStore = remember { com.bitchat.android.geohash.GeohashBookmarksStore.getInstance(context) }
-    val bookmarks by bookmarksStore.bookmarks.observeAsState(emptyList())
+    val bookmarks by bookmarksStore.bookmarks.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     Row(
         modifier = Modifier.fillMaxWidth(),
@@ -653,8 +653,8 @@ private fun LocationChannelsButton(
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
     
     // Get current channel selection from location manager
-    val selectedChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
-    val teleported by viewModel.isTeleported.observeAsState(false)
+    val selectedChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val teleported by viewModel.isTeleported.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     
     val (badgeText, badgeColor) = when (selectedChannel) {
         is com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID.Mesh -> {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/ChatScreen.kt

@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@ import androidx.compose.foundation.*
 import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.*
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
@@ -25,6 +24,7 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.text.input.TextFieldValue
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.Dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.zIndex
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.model.BitchatMessage
 import com.bitchat.android.ui.media.FullScreenImageViewer
 
@@ -41,22 +41,22 @@ import com.bitchat.android.ui.media.FullScreenImageViewer
 @Composable
 fun ChatScreen(viewModel: ChatViewModel) {
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
-    val messages by viewModel.messages.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val connectedPeers by viewModel.connectedPeers.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.observeAsState("")
-    val selectedPrivatePeer by viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer.observeAsState()
-    val currentChannel by viewModel.currentChannel.observeAsState()
-    val joinedChannels by viewModel.joinedChannels.observeAsState(emptySet())
-    val hasUnreadChannels by viewModel.unreadChannelMessages.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val hasUnreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.observeAsState(emptySet())
-    val privateChats by viewModel.privateChats.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val channelMessages by viewModel.channelMessages.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val showSidebar by viewModel.showSidebar.observeAsState(false)
-    val showCommandSuggestions by viewModel.showCommandSuggestions.observeAsState(false)
-    val commandSuggestions by viewModel.commandSuggestions.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val showMentionSuggestions by viewModel.showMentionSuggestions.observeAsState(false)
-    val mentionSuggestions by viewModel.mentionSuggestions.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val showAppInfo by viewModel.showAppInfo.observeAsState(false)
+    val messages by viewModel.messages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val connectedPeers by viewModel.connectedPeers.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val selectedPrivatePeer by viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val currentChannel by viewModel.currentChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val joinedChannels by viewModel.joinedChannels.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val hasUnreadChannels by viewModel.unreadChannelMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val hasUnreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val privateChats by viewModel.privateChats.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val channelMessages by viewModel.channelMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val showSidebar by viewModel.showSidebar.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val showCommandSuggestions by viewModel.showCommandSuggestions.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val commandSuggestions by viewModel.commandSuggestions.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val showMentionSuggestions by viewModel.showMentionSuggestions.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val mentionSuggestions by viewModel.mentionSuggestions.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val showAppInfo by viewModel.showAppInfo.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     var messageText by remember { mutableStateOf(TextFieldValue("")) }
     var showPasswordPrompt by remember { mutableStateOf(false) }
@@ -78,11 +78,11 @@ fun ChatScreen(viewModel: ChatViewModel) {
         showPasswordDialog = showPasswordPrompt
     }
 
-    val isConnected by viewModel.isConnected.observeAsState(false)
-    val passwordPromptChannel by viewModel.passwordPromptChannel.observeAsState(null)
+    val isConnected by viewModel.isConnected.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val passwordPromptChannel by viewModel.passwordPromptChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     // Get location channel info for timeline switching
-    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
+    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     // Determine what messages to show based on current context (unified timelines)
     val displayMessages = when {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/ChatState.kt

@@ -1,10 +1,17 @@
 package com.bitchat.android.ui
 
 import android.util.Log
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MediatorLiveData
-import androidx.lifecycle.MutableLiveData
 import com.bitchat.android.model.BitchatMessage
+import kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineScope
+import kotlinx.coroutines.Dispatchers
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.SharingStarted
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.SharingStarted.Companion.WhileSubscribed
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.asStateFlow
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.combine
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.map
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.stateIn
 
 /**
  * Centralized state definitions and data classes for the chat system
@@ -21,171 +28,162 @@ data class CommandSuggestion(
 /**
  * Contains all the observable state for the chat system
  */
-class ChatState {
+class ChatState(
+    scope: CoroutineScope
+) {
     
     // Core messages and peer state
-    private val _messages = MutableLiveData<List<BitchatMessage>>(emptyList())
-    val messages: LiveData<List<BitchatMessage>> = _messages
+    private val _messages = MutableStateFlow<List<BitchatMessage>>(emptyList())
+    val messages: StateFlow<List<BitchatMessage>> = _messages.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _connectedPeers = MutableLiveData<List<String>>(emptyList())
-    val connectedPeers: LiveData<List<String>> = _connectedPeers
+    private val _connectedPeers = MutableStateFlow<List<String>>(emptyList())
+    val connectedPeers: StateFlow<List<String>> = _connectedPeers.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _nickname = MutableLiveData<String>()
-    val nickname: LiveData<String> = _nickname
+    private val _nickname = MutableStateFlow<String>("")
+    val nickname: StateFlow<String> = _nickname.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _isConnected = MutableLiveData<Boolean>(false)
-    val isConnected: LiveData<Boolean> = _isConnected
+    private val _isConnected = MutableStateFlow<Boolean>(false)
+    val isConnected: StateFlow<Boolean> = _isConnected.asStateFlow()
     
     // Private chats
-    private val _privateChats = MutableLiveData<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>>(emptyMap())
-    val privateChats: LiveData<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = _privateChats
+    private val _privateChats = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>>(emptyMap())
+    val privateChats: StateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = _privateChats.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _selectedPrivateChatPeer = MutableLiveData<String?>(null)
-    val selectedPrivateChatPeer: LiveData<String?> = _selectedPrivateChatPeer
+    private val _selectedPrivateChatPeer = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
+    val selectedPrivateChatPeer: StateFlow<String?> = _selectedPrivateChatPeer.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _unreadPrivateMessages = MutableLiveData<Set<String>>(emptySet())
-    val unreadPrivateMessages: LiveData<Set<String>> = _unreadPrivateMessages
+    private val _unreadPrivateMessages = MutableStateFlow<Set<String>>(emptySet())
+    val unreadPrivateMessages: StateFlow<Set<String>> = _unreadPrivateMessages.asStateFlow()
     
     // Channels
-    private val _joinedChannels = MutableLiveData<Set<String>>(emptySet())
-    val joinedChannels: LiveData<Set<String>> = _joinedChannels
+    private val _joinedChannels = MutableStateFlow<Set<String>>(emptySet())
+    val joinedChannels: StateFlow<Set<String>> = _joinedChannels.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _currentChannel = MutableLiveData<String?>(null)
-    val currentChannel: LiveData<String?> = _currentChannel
+    private val _currentChannel = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
+    val currentChannel: StateFlow<String?> = _currentChannel.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _channelMessages = MutableLiveData<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>>(emptyMap())
-    val channelMessages: LiveData<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = _channelMessages
+    private val _channelMessages = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>>(emptyMap())
+    val channelMessages: StateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = _channelMessages.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _unreadChannelMessages = MutableLiveData<Map<String, Int>>(emptyMap())
-    val unreadChannelMessages: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = _unreadChannelMessages
+    private val _unreadChannelMessages = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>>(emptyMap())
+    val unreadChannelMessages: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _unreadChannelMessages.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _passwordProtectedChannels = MutableLiveData<Set<String>>(emptySet())
-    val passwordProtectedChannels: LiveData<Set<String>> = _passwordProtectedChannels
+    private val _passwordProtectedChannels = MutableStateFlow<Set<String>>(emptySet())
+    val passwordProtectedChannels: StateFlow<Set<String>> = _passwordProtectedChannels.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _showPasswordPrompt = MutableLiveData<Boolean>(false)
-    val showPasswordPrompt: LiveData<Boolean> = _showPasswordPrompt
+    private val _showPasswordPrompt = MutableStateFlow<Boolean>(false)
+    val showPasswordPrompt: StateFlow<Boolean> = _showPasswordPrompt.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _passwordPromptChannel = MutableLiveData<String?>(null)
-    val passwordPromptChannel: LiveData<String?> = _passwordPromptChannel
+    private val _passwordPromptChannel = MutableStateFlow<String?>(null)
+    val passwordPromptChannel: StateFlow<String?> = _passwordPromptChannel.asStateFlow()
     
     // Sidebar state
-    private val _showSidebar = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val showSidebar: LiveData<Boolean> = _showSidebar
+    private val _showSidebar = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val showSidebar: StateFlow<Boolean> = _showSidebar.asStateFlow()
     
     // Command autocomplete
-    private val _showCommandSuggestions = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val showCommandSuggestions: LiveData<Boolean> = _showCommandSuggestions
+    private val _showCommandSuggestions = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val showCommandSuggestions: StateFlow<Boolean> = _showCommandSuggestions.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _commandSuggestions = MutableLiveData<List<CommandSuggestion>>(emptyList())
-    val commandSuggestions: LiveData<List<CommandSuggestion>> = _commandSuggestions
+    private val _commandSuggestions = MutableStateFlow<List<CommandSuggestion>>(emptyList())
+    val commandSuggestions: StateFlow<List<CommandSuggestion>> = _commandSuggestions.asStateFlow()
     
     // Mention autocomplete
-    private val _showMentionSuggestions = MutableLiveData(false)
-    val showMentionSuggestions: LiveData<Boolean> = _showMentionSuggestions
+    private val _showMentionSuggestions = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val showMentionSuggestions: StateFlow<Boolean> = _showMentionSuggestions.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _mentionSuggestions = MutableLiveData<List<String>>(emptyList())
-    val mentionSuggestions: LiveData<List<String>> = _mentionSuggestions
+    private val _mentionSuggestions = MutableStateFlow<List<String>>(emptyList())
+    val mentionSuggestions: StateFlow<List<String>> = _mentionSuggestions.asStateFlow()
     
     // Favorites
-    private val _favoritePeers = MutableLiveData<Set<String>>(emptySet())
-    val favoritePeers: LiveData<Set<String>> = _favoritePeers
+    private val _favoritePeers = MutableStateFlow<Set<String>>(emptySet())
+    val favoritePeers: StateFlow<Set<String>> = _favoritePeers.asStateFlow()
     
     // Noise session states for peers (for reactive UI updates)
-    private val _peerSessionStates = MutableLiveData<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
-    val peerSessionStates: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = _peerSessionStates
+    private val _peerSessionStates = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
+    val peerSessionStates: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = _peerSessionStates.asStateFlow()
     
     // Peer fingerprint state for reactive favorites (for reactive UI updates)
-    private val _peerFingerprints = MutableLiveData<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
-    val peerFingerprints: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = _peerFingerprints
+    private val _peerFingerprints = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
+    val peerFingerprints: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = _peerFingerprints.asStateFlow()
 
-    private val _peerNicknames = MutableLiveData<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
-    val peerNicknames: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = _peerNicknames
+    private val _peerNicknames = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap())
+    val peerNicknames: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = _peerNicknames.asStateFlow()
 
-    private val _peerRSSI = MutableLiveData<Map<String, Int>>(emptyMap())
-    val peerRSSI: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = _peerRSSI
+    private val _peerRSSI = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>>(emptyMap())
+    val peerRSSI: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _peerRSSI.asStateFlow()
 
     // Direct connection status per peer (for live UI updates)
-    private val _peerDirect = MutableLiveData<Map<String, Boolean>>(emptyMap())
-    val peerDirect: LiveData<Map<String, Boolean>> = _peerDirect
+    private val _peerDirect = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Boolean>>(emptyMap())
+    val peerDirect: StateFlow<Map<String, Boolean>> = _peerDirect.asStateFlow()
     
     // peerIDToPublicKeyFingerprint REMOVED - fingerprints now handled centrally in PeerManager
     
     // Navigation state
-    private val _showAppInfo = MutableLiveData<Boolean>(false)
-    val showAppInfo: LiveData<Boolean> = _showAppInfo
+    private val _showAppInfo = MutableStateFlow<Boolean>(false)
+    val showAppInfo: StateFlow<Boolean> = _showAppInfo.asStateFlow()
     
     // Location channels state (for Nostr geohash features)
-    private val _selectedLocationChannel = MutableLiveData<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?>(com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID.Mesh)
-    val selectedLocationChannel: LiveData<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?> = _selectedLocationChannel
+    private val _selectedLocationChannel = MutableStateFlow<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?>(com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID.Mesh)
+    val selectedLocationChannel: StateFlow<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?> = _selectedLocationChannel.asStateFlow()
     
-    private val _isTeleported = MutableLiveData<Boolean>(false)
-    val isTeleported: LiveData<Boolean> = _isTeleported
+    private val _isTeleported = MutableStateFlow<Boolean>(false)
+    val isTeleported: StateFlow<Boolean> = _isTeleported.asStateFlow()
     
     // Geohash people state (iOS-compatible)
-    private val _geohashPeople = MutableLiveData<List<GeoPerson>>(emptyList())
-    val geohashPeople: LiveData<List<GeoPerson>> = _geohashPeople
-    // For background thread updates by repositories/handlers in their own scopes
-    val geohashPeopleMutable: MutableLiveData<List<GeoPerson>> get() = _geohashPeople
+    private val _geohashPeople = MutableStateFlow<List<GeoPerson>>(emptyList())
+    val geohashPeople: StateFlow<List<GeoPerson>> = _geohashPeople.asStateFlow()
     
-    
-    private val _teleportedGeo = MutableLiveData<Set<String>>(emptySet())
-    val teleportedGeo: LiveData<Set<String>> = _teleportedGeo
+    private val _teleportedGeo = MutableStateFlow<Set<String>>(emptySet())
+    val teleportedGeo: StateFlow<Set<String>> = _teleportedGeo.asStateFlow()
     
     // Geohash participant counts reactive state (for real-time location channel counts)
-    private val _geohashParticipantCounts = MutableLiveData<Map<String, Int>>(emptyMap())
-    val geohashParticipantCounts: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = _geohashParticipantCounts
+    private val _geohashParticipantCounts = MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>>(emptyMap())
+    val geohashParticipantCounts: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _geohashParticipantCounts.asStateFlow()
     
-    // Unread state computed properties
-    val hasUnreadChannels: MediatorLiveData<Boolean> = MediatorLiveData<Boolean>()
-    val hasUnreadPrivateMessages: MediatorLiveData<Boolean> = MediatorLiveData<Boolean>()
+
+    val hasUnreadChannels: StateFlow<Boolean> = _unreadChannelMessages
+        .map { unreadMap -> unreadMap.values.any { it > 0 } }
+        .stateIn(
+            scope = scope,
+            started = WhileSubscribed(5_000),
+            initialValue = false
+        )
     
-    init {
-        // Initialize unread state mediators
-        hasUnreadChannels.addSource(_unreadChannelMessages) { unreadMap ->
-            hasUnreadChannels.value = unreadMap.values.any { it > 0 }
-        }
-        
-        hasUnreadPrivateMessages.addSource(_unreadPrivateMessages) { unreadSet ->
-            hasUnreadPrivateMessages.value = unreadSet.isNotEmpty()
-        }
-    }
+    val hasUnreadPrivateMessages: StateFlow<Boolean> = _unreadPrivateMessages
+        .map { unreadSet -> unreadSet.isNotEmpty() }
+        .stateIn(
+            scope = scope,
+            started = WhileSubscribed(5_000),
+            initialValue = false
+        )
     
     // Getters for internal state access
-    fun getMessagesValue() = _messages.value ?: emptyList()
-    fun getConnectedPeersValue() = _connectedPeers.value ?: emptyList()
+    fun getMessagesValue() = _messages.value
+    fun getConnectedPeersValue() = _connectedPeers.value
     fun getNicknameValue() = _nickname.value
-    fun getPrivateChatsValue() = _privateChats.value ?: emptyMap()
+    fun getPrivateChatsValue() = _privateChats.value
     fun getSelectedPrivateChatPeerValue() = _selectedPrivateChatPeer.value
-    fun getUnreadPrivateMessagesValue() = _unreadPrivateMessages.value ?: emptySet()
-    fun getJoinedChannelsValue() = _joinedChannels.value ?: emptySet()
-    // Thread-safe posting helpers for background updates
-    fun postGeohashPeople(people: List<GeoPerson>) {
-        _geohashPeople.postValue(people)
-    }
-
-    fun postGeohashParticipantCounts(counts: Map<String, Int>) {
-        _geohashParticipantCounts.postValue(counts)
-    }
-
-
+    fun getUnreadPrivateMessagesValue() = _unreadPrivateMessages.value
+    fun getJoinedChannelsValue() = _joinedChannels.value
     fun getCurrentChannelValue() = _currentChannel.value
-    fun getChannelMessagesValue() = _channelMessages.value ?: emptyMap()
-    fun getUnreadChannelMessagesValue() = _unreadChannelMessages.value ?: emptyMap()
-    fun getPasswordProtectedChannelsValue() = _passwordProtectedChannels.value ?: emptySet()
-    fun getShowPasswordPromptValue() = _showPasswordPrompt.value ?: false
+    fun getChannelMessagesValue() = _channelMessages.value
+    fun getUnreadChannelMessagesValue() = _unreadChannelMessages.value
+    fun getPasswordProtectedChannelsValue() = _passwordProtectedChannels.value
+    fun getShowPasswordPromptValue() = _showPasswordPrompt.value
     fun getPasswordPromptChannelValue() = _passwordPromptChannel.value
-    fun getShowSidebarValue() = _showSidebar.value ?: false
-    fun getShowCommandSuggestionsValue() = _showCommandSuggestions.value ?: false
-    fun getCommandSuggestionsValue() = _commandSuggestions.value ?: emptyList()
-    fun getShowMentionSuggestionsValue() = _showMentionSuggestions.value ?: false
-    fun getMentionSuggestionsValue() = _mentionSuggestions.value ?: emptyList()
-    fun getFavoritePeersValue() = _favoritePeers.value ?: emptySet()
-    fun getPeerSessionStatesValue() = _peerSessionStates.value ?: emptyMap()
-    fun getPeerFingerprintsValue() = _peerFingerprints.value ?: emptyMap()
-    fun getShowAppInfoValue() = _showAppInfo.value ?: false
-    fun getGeohashPeopleValue() = _geohashPeople.value ?: emptyList()
-    fun getTeleportedGeoValue() = _teleportedGeo.value ?: emptySet()
-    fun getGeohashParticipantCountsValue() = _geohashParticipantCounts.value ?: emptyMap()
+    fun getShowSidebarValue() = _showSidebar.value
+    fun getShowCommandSuggestionsValue() = _showCommandSuggestions.value
+    fun getCommandSuggestionsValue() = _commandSuggestions.value
+    fun getShowMentionSuggestionsValue() = _showMentionSuggestions.value
+    fun getMentionSuggestionsValue() = _mentionSuggestions.value
+    fun getFavoritePeersValue() = _favoritePeers.value
+    fun getPeerSessionStatesValue() = _peerSessionStates.value
+    fun getPeerFingerprintsValue() = _peerFingerprints.value
+    fun getShowAppInfoValue() = _showAppInfo.value
+    fun getGeohashPeopleValue() = _geohashPeople.value
+    fun getTeleportedGeoValue() = _teleportedGeo.value
+    fun getGeohashParticipantCountsValue() = _geohashParticipantCounts.value
     
     // Setters for state updates
     fun setMessages(messages: List<BitchatMessage>) {
@@ -197,7 +195,7 @@ class ChatState {
     }
     
     fun postTeleportedGeo(teleported: Set<String>) {
-        _teleportedGeo.postValue(teleported)
+        _teleportedGeo.value = teleported
     }
 
     fun setNickname(nickname: String) {
@@ -269,7 +267,7 @@ class ChatState {
     }
 
     fun setFavoritePeers(favorites: Set<String>) {
-        val currentValue = _favoritePeers.value ?: emptySet()
+        val currentValue = _favoritePeers.value
         Log.d("ChatState", "setFavoritePeers called with ${favorites.size} favorites: $favorites")
         Log.d("ChatState", "Current value: $currentValue")
         Log.d("ChatState", "Values equal: ${currentValue == favorites}")
@@ -278,8 +276,7 @@ class ChatState {
         // Always set the value - even if equal, this ensures observers are triggered
         _favoritePeers.value = favorites
         
-        Log.d("ChatState", "LiveData value after set: ${_favoritePeers.value}")
-        Log.d("ChatState", "LiveData has active observers: ${_favoritePeers.hasActiveObservers()}")
+        Log.d("ChatState", "StateFlow value after set: ${_favoritePeers.value}")
     }
     
     fun setPeerSessionStates(states: Map<String, String>) {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/ChatViewModel.kt

@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ import android.app.Application
 import android.util.Log
 import androidx.core.app.NotificationManagerCompat
 import androidx.lifecycle.AndroidViewModel
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
 import androidx.lifecycle.viewModelScope
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
 import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshDelegate
 import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshService
 import com.bitchat.android.model.BitchatMessage
@@ -47,7 +47,9 @@ class ChatViewModel(
     }
 
     // MARK: - State management
-    private val state = ChatState()
+    private val state = ChatState(
+        scope = viewModelScope,
+    )
 
     // Transfer progress tracking
     private val transferMessageMap = mutableMapOf<String, String>()
@@ -103,44 +105,79 @@ class ChatViewModel(
 
 
 
-    // Expose state through LiveData (maintaining the same interface)
-    val messages: LiveData<List<BitchatMessage>> = state.messages
-    val connectedPeers: LiveData<List<String>> = state.connectedPeers
-    val nickname: LiveData<String> = state.nickname
-    val isConnected: LiveData<Boolean> = state.isConnected
-    val privateChats: LiveData<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = state.privateChats
-    val selectedPrivateChatPeer: LiveData<String?> = state.selectedPrivateChatPeer
-    val unreadPrivateMessages: LiveData<Set<String>> = state.unreadPrivateMessages
-    val joinedChannels: LiveData<Set<String>> = state.joinedChannels
-    val currentChannel: LiveData<String?> = state.currentChannel
-    val channelMessages: LiveData<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = state.channelMessages
-    val unreadChannelMessages: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = state.unreadChannelMessages
-    val passwordProtectedChannels: LiveData<Set<String>> = state.passwordProtectedChannels
-    val showPasswordPrompt: LiveData<Boolean> = state.showPasswordPrompt
-    val passwordPromptChannel: LiveData<String?> = state.passwordPromptChannel
-    val showSidebar: LiveData<Boolean> = state.showSidebar
+
+    val messages: StateFlow<List<BitchatMessage>> = state.messages
+    val connectedPeers: StateFlow<List<String>> = state.connectedPeers
+    val nickname: StateFlow<String> = state.nickname
+    val isConnected: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.isConnected
+    val privateChats: StateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = state.privateChats
+    val selectedPrivateChatPeer: StateFlow<String?> = state.selectedPrivateChatPeer
+    val unreadPrivateMessages: StateFlow<Set<String>> = state.unreadPrivateMessages
+    val joinedChannels: StateFlow<Set<String>> = state.joinedChannels
+    val currentChannel: StateFlow<String?> = state.currentChannel
+    val channelMessages: StateFlow<Map<String, List<BitchatMessage>>> = state.channelMessages
+    val unreadChannelMessages: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = state.unreadChannelMessages
+    val passwordProtectedChannels: StateFlow<Set<String>> = state.passwordProtectedChannels
+    val showPasswordPrompt: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.showPasswordPrompt
+    val passwordPromptChannel: StateFlow<String?> = state.passwordPromptChannel
+    val showSidebar: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.showSidebar
     val hasUnreadChannels = state.hasUnreadChannels
     val hasUnreadPrivateMessages = state.hasUnreadPrivateMessages
-    val showCommandSuggestions: LiveData<Boolean> = state.showCommandSuggestions
-    val commandSuggestions: LiveData<List<CommandSuggestion>> = state.commandSuggestions
-    val showMentionSuggestions: LiveData<Boolean> = state.showMentionSuggestions
-    val mentionSuggestions: LiveData<List<String>> = state.mentionSuggestions
-    val favoritePeers: LiveData<Set<String>> = state.favoritePeers
-    val peerSessionStates: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = state.peerSessionStates
-    val peerFingerprints: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = state.peerFingerprints
-    val peerNicknames: LiveData<Map<String, String>> = state.peerNicknames
-    val peerRSSI: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = state.peerRSSI
-    val peerDirect: LiveData<Map<String, Boolean>> = state.peerDirect
-    val showAppInfo: LiveData<Boolean> = state.showAppInfo
-    val selectedLocationChannel: LiveData<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?> = state.selectedLocationChannel
-    val isTeleported: LiveData<Boolean> = state.isTeleported
-    val geohashPeople: LiveData<List<GeoPerson>> = state.geohashPeople
-    val teleportedGeo: LiveData<Set<String>> = state.teleportedGeo
-    val geohashParticipantCounts: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = state.geohashParticipantCounts
+    val showCommandSuggestions: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.showCommandSuggestions
+    val commandSuggestions: StateFlow<List<CommandSuggestion>> = state.commandSuggestions
+    val showMentionSuggestions: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.showMentionSuggestions
+    val mentionSuggestions: StateFlow<List<String>> = state.mentionSuggestions
+    val favoritePeers: StateFlow<Set<String>> = state.favoritePeers
+    val peerSessionStates: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = state.peerSessionStates
+    val peerFingerprints: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = state.peerFingerprints
+    val peerNicknames: StateFlow<Map<String, String>> = state.peerNicknames
+    val peerRSSI: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = state.peerRSSI
+    val peerDirect: StateFlow<Map<String, Boolean>> = state.peerDirect
+    val showAppInfo: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.showAppInfo
+    val selectedLocationChannel: StateFlow<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?> = state.selectedLocationChannel
+    val isTeleported: StateFlow<Boolean> = state.isTeleported
+    val geohashPeople: StateFlow<List<GeoPerson>> = state.geohashPeople
+    val teleportedGeo: StateFlow<Set<String>> = state.teleportedGeo
+    val geohashParticipantCounts: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = state.geohashParticipantCounts
 
     init {
         // Note: Mesh service delegate is now set by MainActivity
         loadAndInitialize()
+        // Hydrate UI state from process-wide AppStateStore to survive Activity recreation
+        viewModelScope.launch {
+            try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.peers.collect { peers ->
+                state.setConnectedPeers(peers)
+                state.setIsConnected(peers.isNotEmpty())
+            } } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        }
+        viewModelScope.launch {
+            try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.publicMessages.collect { msgs ->
+                // Source of truth is AppStateStore; replace to avoid duplicate keys in LazyColumn
+                state.setMessages(msgs)
+            } } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        }
+        viewModelScope.launch {
+            try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.privateMessages.collect { byPeer ->
+                // Replace with store snapshot
+                state.setPrivateChats(byPeer)
+                // Recompute unread set using SeenMessageStore for robustness across Activity recreation
+                try {
+                    val seen = com.bitchat.android.services.SeenMessageStore.getInstance(getApplication())
+                    val myNick = state.getNicknameValue() ?: meshService.myPeerID
+                    val unread = mutableSetOf<String>()
+                    byPeer.forEach { (peer, list) ->
+                        if (list.any { msg -> msg.sender != myNick && !seen.hasRead(msg.id) }) unread.add(peer)
+                    }
+                    state.setUnreadPrivateMessages(unread)
+                } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            } } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        }
+        viewModelScope.launch {
+            try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.channelMessages.collect { byChannel ->
+                // Replace with store snapshot
+                state.setChannelMessages(byChannel)
+            } } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        }
         // Subscribe to BLE transfer progress and reflect in message deliveryStatus
         viewModelScope.launch {
             com.bitchat.android.mesh.TransferProgressManager.events.collect { evt ->
@@ -565,7 +602,7 @@ class ChatViewModel(
     
     private fun logCurrentFavoriteState() {
         Log.i("ChatViewModel", "=== CURRENT FAVORITE STATE ===")
-        Log.i("ChatViewModel", "LiveData favorite peers: ${favoritePeers.value}")
+        Log.i("ChatViewModel", "StateFlow favorite peers: ${favoritePeers.value}")
         Log.i("ChatViewModel", "DataManager favorite peers: ${dataManager.favoritePeers}")
         Log.i("ChatViewModel", "Peer fingerprints: ${privateChatManager.getAllPeerFingerprints()}")
         Log.i("ChatViewModel", "==============================")

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/GeohashPeopleList.kt

@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.outlined.Explore
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.outlined.LocationOn
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
@@ -21,6 +20,7 @@ import com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.BASE_FONT_SIZE
 import java.util.*
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.style.TextOverflow
 import androidx.compose.ui.res.stringResource
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.R
 
 /**
@@ -46,11 +46,11 @@ fun GeohashPeopleList(
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
     
     // Observe geohash people from ChatViewModel
-    val geohashPeople by viewModel.geohashPeople.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
-    val isTeleported by viewModel.isTeleported.observeAsState(false)
-    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.observeAsState("")
-    val unreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.observeAsState(emptySet())
+    val geohashPeople by viewModel.geohashPeople.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val isTeleported by viewModel.isTeleported.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val unreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     
     Column {
         // Header matching iOS style

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/GeohashViewModel.kt

@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@ package com.bitchat.android.ui
 import android.app.Application
 import android.util.Log
 import androidx.lifecycle.AndroidViewModel
-import androidx.lifecycle.LiveData
 import androidx.lifecycle.viewModelScope
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.GeohashMessageHandler
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.GeohashRepository
@@ -15,6 +14,7 @@ import com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrSubscriptionManager
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.PoWPreferenceManager
 import kotlinx.coroutines.Job
 import kotlinx.coroutines.delay
+import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
 import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
 import java.util.Date
 
@@ -55,9 +55,9 @@ class GeohashViewModel(
     private var geoTimer: Job? = null
     private var locationChannelManager: com.bitchat.android.geohash.LocationChannelManager? = null
 
-    val geohashPeople: LiveData<List<GeoPerson>> = state.geohashPeople
-    val geohashParticipantCounts: LiveData<Map<String, Int>> = state.geohashParticipantCounts
-    val selectedLocationChannel: LiveData<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?> = state.selectedLocationChannel
+    val geohashPeople: StateFlow<List<GeoPerson>> = state.geohashPeople
+    val geohashParticipantCounts: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = state.geohashParticipantCounts
+    val selectedLocationChannel: StateFlow<com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID?> = state.selectedLocationChannel
 
     fun initialize() {
         subscriptionManager.connect()
@@ -73,12 +73,16 @@ class GeohashViewModel(
         }
         try {
             locationChannelManager = com.bitchat.android.geohash.LocationChannelManager.getInstance(getApplication())
-            locationChannelManager?.selectedChannel?.observeForever { channel ->
-                state.setSelectedLocationChannel(channel)
-                switchLocationChannel(channel)
+            viewModelScope.launch {
+                locationChannelManager?.selectedChannel?.collect { channel ->
+                    state.setSelectedLocationChannel(channel)
+                    switchLocationChannel(channel)
+                }
             }
-            locationChannelManager?.teleported?.observeForever { teleported ->
-                state.setIsTeleported(teleported)
+            viewModelScope.launch {
+                locationChannelManager?.teleported?.collect { teleported ->
+                    state.setIsTeleported(teleported)
+                }
             }
         } catch (e: Exception) {
             Log.e(TAG, "Failed to initialize location channel state: ${e.message}")
@@ -120,7 +124,7 @@ class GeohashViewModel(
                 }
                 try {
                     val identity = NostrIdentityBridge.deriveIdentity(forGeohash = channel.geohash, context = getApplication())
-                    val teleported = state.isTeleported.value ?: false
+                    val teleported = state.isTeleported.value
                     val event = NostrProtocol.createEphemeralGeohashEvent(content, channel.geohash, identity, nickname, teleported)
                     val relayManager = NostrRelayManager.getInstance(getApplication())
                     relayManager.sendEventToGeohash(event, channel.geohash, includeDefaults = false, nRelays = 5)
@@ -231,7 +235,7 @@ class GeohashViewModel(
                 try {
                     val identity = NostrIdentityBridge.deriveIdentity(channel.channel.geohash, getApplication())
                     repo.updateParticipant(channel.channel.geohash, identity.publicKeyHex, Date())
-                    val teleported = state.isTeleported.value ?: false
+                    val teleported = state.isTeleported.value
                     if (teleported) repo.markTeleported(identity.publicKeyHex)
                 } catch (e: Exception) { Log.w(TAG, "Failed identity setup: ${e.message}") }
 

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/LocationChannelsSheet.kt

@@ -18,7 +18,6 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.PinDrop
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.outlined.BookmarkBorder
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.focus.onFocusChanged
@@ -38,7 +37,9 @@ import com.bitchat.android.geohash.LocationChannelManager
 import com.bitchat.android.geohash.GeohashBookmarksStore
 import com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.BASE_FONT_SIZE
 import androidx.compose.ui.res.stringResource
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.R
+import com.bitchat.android.core.ui.component.button.CloseButton
 
 /**
  * Location Channels Sheet for selecting geohash-based location channels
@@ -57,18 +58,18 @@ fun LocationChannelsSheet(
     val bookmarksStore = remember { GeohashBookmarksStore.getInstance(context) }
 
     // Observe location manager state
-    val permissionState by locationManager.permissionState.observeAsState()
-    val availableChannels by locationManager.availableChannels.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val selectedChannel by locationManager.selectedChannel.observeAsState()
-    val locationNames by locationManager.locationNames.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val locationServicesEnabled by locationManager.locationServicesEnabled.observeAsState(false)
+    val permissionState by locationManager.permissionState.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val availableChannels by locationManager.availableChannels.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val selectedChannel by locationManager.selectedChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val locationNames by locationManager.locationNames.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val locationServicesEnabled by locationManager.locationServicesEnabled.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     // Observe bookmarks state
-    val bookmarks by bookmarksStore.bookmarks.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val bookmarkNames by bookmarksStore.bookmarkNames.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+    val bookmarks by bookmarksStore.bookmarks.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val bookmarkNames by bookmarksStore.bookmarkNames.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     // Observe reactive participant counts
-    val geohashParticipantCounts by viewModel.geohashParticipantCounts.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+    val geohashParticipantCounts by viewModel.geohashParticipantCounts.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     // UI state
     var customGeohash by remember { mutableStateOf("") }

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/LocationNotesButton.kt

@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ import androidx.compose.material3.Icon
 import androidx.compose.material3.IconButton
 import androidx.compose.material3.MaterialTheme
 import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import androidx.compose.runtime.getValue
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.runtime.remember
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
@@ -35,10 +35,10 @@ fun LocationNotesButton(
     val context = LocalContext.current
     
     // Get channel and permission state
-    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
+    val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     val locationManager = remember { LocationChannelManager.getInstance(context) }
-    val permissionState by locationManager.permissionState.observeAsState()
-    val locationServicesEnabled by locationManager.locationServicesEnabled.observeAsState(false)
+    val permissionState by locationManager.permissionState.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val locationServicesEnabled by locationManager.locationServicesEnabled.collectAsStateWithLifecycle(false)
 
     // Check both permission AND location services enabled
     val locationPermissionGranted = permissionState == LocationChannelManager.PermissionState.AUTHORIZED
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ fun LocationNotesButton(
     
     // Get notes count from LocationNotesManager
     val notesManager = remember { LocationNotesManager.getInstance() }
-    val notes by notesManager.notes.observeAsState(emptyList())
+    val notes by notesManager.notes.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     val notesCount = notes.size
 
     // Only show in mesh mode when location is authorized (iOS pattern)

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/LocationNotesSheet.kt

@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.Icons
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.ArrowUpward
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.draw.clip
@@ -25,6 +24,7 @@ import com.bitchat.android.R
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontWeight
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.sp
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.geohash.GeohashChannelLevel
 import com.bitchat.android.geohash.LocationChannelManager
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.LocationNotesManager
@@ -57,16 +57,16 @@ fun LocationNotesSheet(
     val locationManager = remember { LocationChannelManager.getInstance(context) }
     
     // State
-    val notes by notesManager.notes.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val state by notesManager.state.observeAsState(LocationNotesManager.State.IDLE)
-    val errorMessage by notesManager.errorMessage.observeAsState()
-    val initialLoadComplete by notesManager.initialLoadComplete.observeAsState(false)
+    val notes by notesManager.notes.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val state by notesManager.state.collectAsStateWithLifecycle(LocationNotesManager.State.IDLE)
+    val errorMessage by notesManager.errorMessage.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val initialLoadComplete by notesManager.initialLoadComplete.collectAsStateWithLifecycle(false)
     
     // SIMPLIFIED: Get count directly from notes list (no separate counter needed)
     val count = notes.size
     
     // Get location name (building or block) - matches iOS locationNames lookup
-    val locationNames by locationManager.locationNames.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+    val locationNames by locationManager.locationNames.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     val displayLocationName = locationNames[GeohashChannelLevel.BUILDING]?.takeIf { it.isNotEmpty() }
         ?: locationNames[GeohashChannelLevel.BLOCK]?.takeIf { it.isNotEmpty() }
     

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/LocationNotesSheetPresenter.kt

@@ -4,12 +4,12 @@ import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.*
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.Composable
 import androidx.compose.runtime.getValue
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.runtime.remember
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.platform.LocalContext
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.geohash.GeohashChannelLevel
 import com.bitchat.android.geohash.LocationChannelManager
 
@@ -26,15 +26,15 @@ fun LocationNotesSheetPresenter(
 ) {
     val context = LocalContext.current
     val locationManager = remember { LocationChannelManager.getInstance(context) }
-    val availableChannels by locationManager.availableChannels.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.observeAsState("")
+    val availableChannels by locationManager.availableChannels.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     
     // iOS pattern: notesGeohash ?? LocationChannelManager.shared.availableChannels.first(where: { $0.level == .building })?.geohash
     val buildingGeohash = availableChannels.firstOrNull { it.level == GeohashChannelLevel.BUILDING }?.geohash
     
     if (buildingGeohash != null) {
         // Get location name from locationManager
-        val locationNames by locationManager.locationNames.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+        val locationNames by locationManager.locationNames.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
         val locationName = locationNames[GeohashChannelLevel.BUILDING]
             ?: locationNames[GeohashChannelLevel.BLOCK]
         

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/MatrixEncryptionAnimation.kt

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import androidx.compose.runtime.*
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.AnnotatedString
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontFamily
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import kotlinx.coroutines.delay
 import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.MutableStateFlow
 import kotlinx.coroutines.flow.StateFlow
@@ -26,7 +27,7 @@ private enum class CharacterAnimationState {
  */
 @Composable
 fun shouldAnimateMessage(messageId: String): Boolean {
-    val miningMessages by PoWMiningTracker.miningMessages.collectAsState()
+    val miningMessages by PoWMiningTracker.miningMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     return miningMessages.contains(messageId)
 }
 

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/MeshDelegateHandler.kt

@@ -46,10 +46,10 @@ class MeshDelegateHandler(
             if (message.isPrivate) {
                 // Private message
                 privateChatManager.handleIncomingPrivateMessage(message)
-                
-                // Reactive read receipts: Send immediately if user is currently viewing this chat
+
+                // Reactive read receipts: if chat is focused, send immediately for this message
                 message.senderPeerID?.let { senderPeerID ->
-                    sendReadReceiptIfFocused(senderPeerID)
+                    sendReadReceiptIfFocused(message)
                 }
                 
                 // Show notification with enhanced information - now includes senderPeerID 
@@ -64,15 +64,26 @@ class MeshDelegateHandler(
                     )
                 }
             } else if (message.channel != null) {
-                // Channel message
+                // Channel message: AppStateStore is the source of truth for list; only manage unread
                 if (state.getJoinedChannelsValue().contains(message.channel)) {
-                    channelManager.addChannelMessage(message.channel, message, message.senderPeerID)
+                    val channel = message.channel
+                    val viewingClassic = state.getCurrentChannelValue() == channel
+                    val viewingGeohash = try {
+                        if (channel.startsWith("geo:")) {
+                            val geo = channel.removePrefix("geo:")
+                            val selected = state.selectedLocationChannel.value
+                            selected is com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID.Location && selected.channel.geohash.equals(geo, ignoreCase = true)
+                        } else false
+                    } catch (_: Exception) { false }
+                    if (!viewingClassic && !viewingGeohash) {
+                        val currentUnread = state.getUnreadChannelMessagesValue().toMutableMap()
+                        currentUnread[channel] = (currentUnread[channel] ?: 0) + 1
+                        state.setUnreadChannelMessages(currentUnread)
+                    }
                 }
             } else {
-                // Public mesh message - always store to preserve message history
-                messageManager.addMessage(message)
-
-                // Check for mentions in mesh chat
+                // Public mesh message: AppStateStore is the source of truth; avoid double-adding to UI state
+                // Still run mention detection/notifications
                 checkAndTriggerMeshMentionNotification(message)
             }
             
@@ -263,21 +274,31 @@ class MeshDelegateHandler(
      * Uses same logic as notification system - send read receipt if user is currently
      * viewing the private chat with this sender AND app is in foreground.
      */
-    private fun sendReadReceiptIfFocused(senderPeerID: String) {
+    private fun sendReadReceiptIfFocused(message: BitchatMessage) {
         // Get notification manager's focus state (mirror the notification logic)
         val isAppInBackground = notificationManager.getAppBackgroundState()
         val currentPrivateChatPeer = notificationManager.getCurrentPrivateChatPeer()
         
         // Send read receipt if user is currently focused on this specific chat
-        val shouldSendReadReceipt = !isAppInBackground && currentPrivateChatPeer == senderPeerID
+        val senderPeerID = message.senderPeerID
+        val shouldSendReadReceipt = !isAppInBackground && senderPeerID != null && currentPrivateChatPeer == senderPeerID
         
-        if (shouldSendReadReceipt) {
-            android.util.Log.d("MeshDelegateHandler", "Sending reactive read receipt for focused chat with $senderPeerID")
-            privateChatManager.sendReadReceiptsForPeer(senderPeerID, getMeshService())
-        } else {
-            android.util.Log.d("MeshDelegateHandler", "Skipping read receipt - chat not focused (background: $isAppInBackground, current peer: $currentPrivateChatPeer, sender: $senderPeerID)")
+            if (shouldSendReadReceipt) {
+                android.util.Log.d("MeshDelegateHandler", "Sending reactive read receipt for focused chat with $senderPeerID (message=${message.id})")
+                val nickname = state.getNicknameValue() ?: "unknown"
+                // Send directly for this message to avoid relying on unread queues
+                getMeshService().sendReadReceipt(message.id, senderPeerID!!, nickname)
+                // Ensure unread badge is cleared for this peer immediately
+                try {
+                    val current = state.getUnreadPrivateMessagesValue().toMutableSet()
+                    if (current.remove(senderPeerID)) {
+                        state.setUnreadPrivateMessages(current)
+                    }
+                } catch (_: Exception) { }
+            } else {
+                android.util.Log.d("MeshDelegateHandler", "Skipping read receipt - chat not focused (background: $isAppInBackground, current peer: $currentPrivateChatPeer, sender: $senderPeerID)")
+            }
         }
-    }
     
     // registerPeerPublicKey REMOVED - fingerprints now handled centrally in PeerManager
 

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/MessageManager.kt

@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
         val currentMessages = state.getMessagesValue().toMutableList()
         currentMessages.add(message)
         state.setMessages(currentMessages)
+        // Reflect into process-wide store so snapshot replacements don't drop local outgoing messages
+        try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addPublicMessage(message) } catch (_: Exception) { }
     }
 
     // Log a system message into the main chat (visible to user)
@@ -52,6 +54,8 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
         channelMessageList.add(message)
         currentChannelMessages[channel] = channelMessageList
         state.setChannelMessages(currentChannelMessages)
+        // Reflect into process-wide store
+        try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addChannelMessage(channel, message) } catch (_: Exception) { }
         
         // Update unread count if not currently viewing this channel
         // Consider both classic channels (state.currentChannel) and geohash location channel selection
@@ -105,6 +109,8 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
         chatMessages.add(message)
         currentPrivateChats[peerID] = chatMessages
         state.setPrivateChats(currentPrivateChats)
+        // Reflect into process-wide store
+        try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addPrivateMessage(peerID, message) } catch (_: Exception) { }
         
         // Mark as unread if not currently viewing this chat
         if (state.getSelectedPrivateChatPeerValue() != peerID && message.sender != state.getNicknameValue()) {
@@ -124,6 +130,8 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
         chatMessages.add(message)
         currentPrivateChats[peerID] = chatMessages
         state.setPrivateChats(currentPrivateChats)
+        // Reflect into process-wide store
+        try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.addPrivateMessage(peerID, message) } catch (_: Exception) { }
     }
     
     fun clearPrivateMessages(peerID: String) {
@@ -206,6 +214,21 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
     
     // MARK: - Delivery Status Updates
     
+    private fun statusPriority(status: DeliveryStatus?): Int = when (status) {
+        null -> 0
+        is DeliveryStatus.Sending -> 1
+        is DeliveryStatus.Sent -> 2
+        is DeliveryStatus.PartiallyDelivered -> 3
+        is DeliveryStatus.Delivered -> 4
+        is DeliveryStatus.Read -> 5
+        is DeliveryStatus.Failed -> 0 // treat as lowest for UI check marks ordering
+    }
+
+    private fun chooseStatus(old: DeliveryStatus?, new: DeliveryStatus): DeliveryStatus? {
+        // Never downgrade (e.g., Read -> Delivered). Keep the higher priority.
+        return if (statusPriority(new) >= statusPriority(old)) new else old
+    }
+
     fun updateMessageDeliveryStatus(messageID: String, status: DeliveryStatus) {
         // Update in private chats
         val updatedPrivateChats = state.getPrivateChatsValue().toMutableMap()
@@ -215,22 +238,32 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
             val updatedMessages = messages.toMutableList()
             val messageIndex = updatedMessages.indexOfFirst { it.id == messageID }
             if (messageIndex >= 0) {
-                updatedMessages[messageIndex] = updatedMessages[messageIndex].copy(deliveryStatus = status)
-                updatedPrivateChats[peerID] = updatedMessages
-                updated = true
+                val current = updatedMessages[messageIndex].deliveryStatus
+                val finalStatus = chooseStatus(current, status)
+                if (finalStatus !== current) {
+                    updatedMessages[messageIndex] = updatedMessages[messageIndex].copy(deliveryStatus = finalStatus)
+                    updatedPrivateChats[peerID] = updatedMessages
+                    updated = true
+                }
             }
         }
         
         if (updated) {
             state.setPrivateChats(updatedPrivateChats)
+            // Keep process-wide store in sync to prevent snapshot overwrites resetting status
+            try { com.bitchat.android.services.AppStateStore.updatePrivateMessageStatus(messageID, status) } catch (_: Exception) { }
         }
         
         // Update in main messages
         val updatedMessages = state.getMessagesValue().toMutableList()
         val messageIndex = updatedMessages.indexOfFirst { it.id == messageID }
         if (messageIndex >= 0) {
-            updatedMessages[messageIndex] = updatedMessages[messageIndex].copy(deliveryStatus = status)
-            state.setMessages(updatedMessages)
+            val current = updatedMessages[messageIndex].deliveryStatus
+            val finalStatus = chooseStatus(current, status)
+            if (finalStatus !== current) {
+                updatedMessages[messageIndex] = updatedMessages[messageIndex].copy(deliveryStatus = finalStatus)
+                state.setMessages(updatedMessages)
+            }
         }
         
         // Update in channel messages
@@ -239,8 +272,12 @@ class MessageManager(private val state: ChatState) {
             val channelMessagesList = messages.toMutableList()
             val channelMessageIndex = channelMessagesList.indexOfFirst { it.id == messageID }
             if (channelMessageIndex >= 0) {
-                channelMessagesList[channelMessageIndex] = channelMessagesList[channelMessageIndex].copy(deliveryStatus = status)
-                updatedChannelMessages[channel] = channelMessagesList
+                val current = channelMessagesList[channelMessageIndex].deliveryStatus
+                val finalStatus = chooseStatus(current, status)
+                if (finalStatus !== current) {
+                    channelMessagesList[channelMessageIndex] = channelMessagesList[channelMessageIndex].copy(deliveryStatus = finalStatus)
+                    updatedChannelMessages[channel] = channelMessagesList
+                }
             }
         }
         state.setChannelMessages(updatedChannelMessages)

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/PoWStatusIndicator.kt

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.sp
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.NostrProofOfWork
 import androidx.compose.ui.res.stringResource
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.R
 import com.bitchat.android.nostr.PoWPreferenceManager
 
@@ -27,9 +28,9 @@ fun PoWStatusIndicator(
     modifier: Modifier = Modifier,
     style: PoWIndicatorStyle = PoWIndicatorStyle.COMPACT
 ) {
-    val powEnabled by PoWPreferenceManager.powEnabled.collectAsState()
-    val powDifficulty by PoWPreferenceManager.powDifficulty.collectAsState()
-    val isMining by PoWPreferenceManager.isMining.collectAsState()
+    val powEnabled by PoWPreferenceManager.powEnabled.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val powDifficulty by PoWPreferenceManager.powDifficulty.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val isMining by PoWPreferenceManager.isMining.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
     val isDark = colorScheme.background.red + colorScheme.background.green + colorScheme.background.blue < 1.5f
     

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/PrivateChatManager.kt

@@ -292,28 +292,30 @@ class PrivateChatManager(
     }
 
     fun handleIncomingPrivateMessage(message: BitchatMessage, suppressUnread: Boolean) {
-        message.senderPeerID?.let { senderPeerID ->
+        val senderPeerID = message.senderPeerID
+        if (senderPeerID != null) {
+            // Mesh-origin private message: AppStateStore updates the list; avoid double-add here.
             if (!isPeerBlocked(senderPeerID)) {
-                // Add to private messages
-                if (suppressUnread) {
-                    messageManager.addPrivateMessageNoUnread(senderPeerID, message)
-                } else {
-                    messageManager.addPrivateMessage(senderPeerID, message)
-                }
-
-                // Track as unread for read receipt purposes
-                var unreadCount = 0
-                if (!suppressUnread) {
+                // Ensure chat exists
+                messageManager.initializePrivateChat(senderPeerID)
+                // Track as unread for read receipt purposes if not focused
+                if (!suppressUnread && state.getSelectedPrivateChatPeerValue() != senderPeerID) {
                     val unreadList = unreadReceivedMessages.getOrPut(senderPeerID) { mutableListOf() }
                     unreadList.add(message)
-                    unreadCount = unreadList.size
+                    Log.d(TAG, "Queued unread from $senderPeerID (count=${unreadList.size})")
+                    val currentUnread = state.getUnreadPrivateMessagesValue().toMutableSet()
+                    currentUnread.add(senderPeerID)
+                    state.setUnreadPrivateMessages(currentUnread)
                 }
-
-                Log.d(
-                    TAG,
-                    "Added received message ${message.id} from $senderPeerID to unread list (${unreadCount} unread)"
-                )
             }
+            return
+        }
+        // Non-mesh path (e.g., Nostr): add to UI state using existing logic
+        val inferredPeer = state.getSelectedPrivateChatPeerValue() ?: return
+        if (suppressUnread) {
+            messageManager.addPrivateMessageNoUnread(inferredPeer, message)
+        } else {
+            messageManager.addPrivateMessage(inferredPeer, message)
         }
     }
 
@@ -322,27 +324,33 @@ class PrivateChatManager(
      * Called when the user focuses on a private chat
      */
     fun sendReadReceiptsForPeer(peerID: String, meshService: BluetoothMeshService) {
-        val unreadList = unreadReceivedMessages[peerID]
-        if (unreadList.isNullOrEmpty()) {
-            Log.d(TAG, "No unread messages to send read receipts for peer $peerID")
-            return
+        // Collect candidate messages: all incoming messages from this peer in the conversation
+        val chats = try { state.getPrivateChatsValue() } catch (_: Exception) { emptyMap<String, List<BitchatMessage>>() }
+        val messages = chats[peerID].orEmpty()
+
+        if (messages.isEmpty()) {
+            Log.d(TAG, "No messages found for peer $peerID to send read receipts")
         }
 
-        Log.d(TAG, "Sending read receipts for ${unreadList.size} unread messages from $peerID")
-
-        // Send read receipt for each unread message - now using direct method call
-        unreadList.forEach { message ->
-            try {
-                val myNickname = state.getNicknameValue() ?: "unknown"
-                meshService.sendReadReceipt(message.id, peerID, myNickname)
-                Log.d(TAG, "Sent read receipt for message ${message.id} to $peerID")
-            } catch (e: Exception) {
-                Log.w(TAG, "Failed to send read receipt for message ${message.id}: ${e.message}")
+        val myNickname = state.getNicknameValue() ?: "unknown"
+        var sentCount = 0
+        messages.forEach { msg ->
+            // Only for incoming messages from this peer
+            if (msg.senderPeerID == peerID) {
+                try {
+                    meshService.sendReadReceipt(msg.id, peerID, myNickname)
+                    sentCount += 1
+                } catch (e: Exception) {
+                    Log.w(TAG, "Failed to send read receipt for message ${msg.id}: ${e.message}")
+                }
             }
         }
 
-        // Clear the unread list since we've sent read receipts
+        // Clear any locally tracked unread queue for this peer
         unreadReceivedMessages.remove(peerID)
+        // Also clear UI unread marker for this peer now that chat is focused/read
+        try { messageManager.clearPrivateUnreadMessages(peerID) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+        Log.d(TAG, "Sent $sentCount read receipts for peer $peerID (from conversation messages)")
     }
 
     fun cleanupDisconnectedPeer(peerID: String) {

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/SidebarComponents.kt

@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.*
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.outlined.*
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
-import androidx.compose.runtime.livedata.observeAsState
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
@@ -22,6 +21,7 @@ import androidx.compose.ui.text.font.FontWeight
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.dp
 import androidx.compose.ui.unit.sp
 import androidx.compose.ui.text.style.TextOverflow
+import androidx.lifecycle.compose.collectAsStateWithLifecycle
 import com.bitchat.android.ui.theme.BASE_FONT_SIZE
 
 
@@ -39,14 +39,14 @@ fun SidebarOverlay(
     val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
     val interactionSource = remember { MutableInteractionSource() }
 
-    val connectedPeers by viewModel.connectedPeers.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val joinedChannels by viewModel.joinedChannels.observeAsState(emptyList())
-    val currentChannel by viewModel.currentChannel.observeAsState()
-    val selectedPrivatePeer by viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer.observeAsState()
-    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.observeAsState("")
-    val unreadChannelMessages by viewModel.unreadChannelMessages.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val peerNicknames by viewModel.peerNicknames.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-    val peerRSSI by viewModel.peerRSSI.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+    val connectedPeers by viewModel.connectedPeers.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val joinedChannels by viewModel.joinedChannels.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val currentChannel by viewModel.currentChannel.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val selectedPrivatePeer by viewModel.selectedPrivateChatPeer.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val nickname by viewModel.nickname.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val unreadChannelMessages by viewModel.unreadChannelMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val peerNicknames by viewModel.peerNicknames.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+    val peerRSSI by viewModel.peerRSSI.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
 
     Box(
         modifier = modifier
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ fun SidebarOverlay(
                     
                     // People section - switch between mesh and geohash lists (iOS-compatible)
                     item {
-                        val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.observeAsState()
+                        val selectedLocationChannel by viewModel.selectedLocationChannel.collectAsState()
                         
                         when (selectedLocationChannel) {
                             is com.bitchat.android.geohash.ChannelID.Location -> {
@@ -291,10 +291,10 @@ fun PeopleSection(
         }
 
         // Observe reactive state for favorites and fingerprints
-        val hasUnreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.observeAsState(emptySet())
-        val privateChats by viewModel.privateChats.observeAsState(emptyMap())
-        val favoritePeers by viewModel.favoritePeers.observeAsState(emptySet())
-        val peerFingerprints by viewModel.peerFingerprints.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+        val hasUnreadPrivateMessages by viewModel.unreadPrivateMessages.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+        val privateChats by viewModel.privateChats.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+        val favoritePeers by viewModel.favoritePeers.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
+        val peerFingerprints by viewModel.peerFingerprints.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
         
         // Reactive favorite computation for all peers
         val peerFavoriteStates = remember(favoritePeers, peerFingerprints, connectedPeers) {
@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@ fun PeopleSection(
             val (bName, _) = com.bitchat.android.ui.splitSuffix(displayName)
             val showHash = (baseNameCounts[bName] ?: 0) > 1
 
-            val directMap by viewModel.peerDirect.observeAsState(emptyMap())
+            val directMap by viewModel.peerDirect.collectAsStateWithLifecycle()
             val isDirectLive = directMap[peerID] ?: try { viewModel.meshService.getPeerInfo(peerID)?.isDirectConnection == true } catch (_: Exception) { false }
             PeerItem(
                 peerID = peerID,

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/debug/DebugPreferenceManager.kt

@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ object DebugPreferenceManager {
     // GCS keys (no migration/back-compat)
     private const val KEY_GCS_MAX_BYTES = "gcs_max_filter_bytes"
     private const val KEY_GCS_FPR = "gcs_filter_fpr_percent"
+    // Removed: persistent notification toggle is now governed by MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled
 
     private lateinit var prefs: SharedPreferences
 
@@ -100,4 +101,6 @@ object DebugPreferenceManager {
     fun setGcsFprPercent(value: Double) {
         if (ready()) prefs.edit().putLong(KEY_GCS_FPR, java.lang.Double.doubleToRawLongBits(value)).apply()
     }
+
+    // No longer storing persistent notification in debug prefs.
 }

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/debug/DebugSettingsManager.kt

@@ -36,6 +36,11 @@ class DebugSettingsManager private constructor() {
     private val _packetRelayEnabled = MutableStateFlow(true)
     val packetRelayEnabled: StateFlow<Boolean> = _packetRelayEnabled.asStateFlow()
 
+    // Visibility of the debug sheet; gates heavy work
+    private val _debugSheetVisible = MutableStateFlow(false)
+    val debugSheetVisible: StateFlow<Boolean> = _debugSheetVisible.asStateFlow()
+    fun setDebugSheetVisible(visible: Boolean) { _debugSheetVisible.value = visible }
+
     // Connection limit overrides (debug)
     private val _maxConnectionsOverall = MutableStateFlow(8)
     val maxConnectionsOverall: StateFlow<Int> = _maxConnectionsOverall.asStateFlow()
@@ -75,12 +80,63 @@ class DebugSettingsManager private constructor() {
 
     // Timestamps to compute rolling window stats
     private val relayTimestamps = ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>()
+    // Per-device and per-peer rolling timestamps for stacked graphs
+    private val perDeviceRelayTimestamps = mutableMapOf<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>()
+    private val perPeerRelayTimestamps = mutableMapOf<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>()
+
+    // Additional buckets to split incoming vs outgoing
+    private val incomingTimestamps = ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>()
+    private val outgoingTimestamps = ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>()
+    private val perDeviceIncoming = mutableMapOf<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>()
+    private val perDeviceOutgoing = mutableMapOf<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>()
+    private val perPeerIncoming = mutableMapOf<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>()
+    private val perPeerOutgoing = mutableMapOf<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>()
+
+    // Expose current per-second rates (updated when logging/pruning occurs)
+    private val _perDeviceLastSecond: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceLastSecond: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perDeviceLastSecond.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerLastSecond: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerLastSecond: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perPeerLastSecond.asStateFlow()
+    // New flows used by UI for incoming/outgoing stacked plots
+    private val _perDeviceIncomingLastSecond: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceIncomingLastSecond: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perDeviceIncomingLastSecond.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perDeviceOutgoingLastSecond: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceOutgoingLastSecond: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perDeviceOutgoingLastSecond.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerIncomingLastSecond: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerIncomingLastSecond: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perPeerIncomingLastSecond.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerOutgoingLastSecond: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerOutgoingLastSecond: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perPeerOutgoingLastSecond.asStateFlow()
+
+    // Per-minute counts per key
+    private val _perDeviceIncomingLastMinute: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceIncomingLastMinute: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perDeviceIncomingLastMinute.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perDeviceOutgoingLastMinute: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceOutgoingLastMinute: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perDeviceOutgoingLastMinute.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerIncomingLastMinute: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerIncomingLastMinute: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perPeerIncomingLastMinute.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerOutgoingLastMinute: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerOutgoingLastMinute: StateFlow<Map<String, Int>> = _perPeerOutgoingLastMinute.asStateFlow()
+
+    // Totals per key (since app start)
+    private val deviceIncomingTotalsMap = mutableMapOf<String, Long>()
+    private val deviceOutgoingTotalsMap = mutableMapOf<String, Long>()
+    private val peerIncomingTotalsMap = mutableMapOf<String, Long>()
+    private val peerOutgoingTotalsMap = mutableMapOf<String, Long>()
+    private val _perDeviceIncomingTotalsFlow: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceIncomingTotal: StateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = _perDeviceIncomingTotalsFlow.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perDeviceOutgoingTotalsFlow: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perDeviceOutgoingTotal: StateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = _perDeviceOutgoingTotalsFlow.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerIncomingTotalsFlow: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerIncomingTotal: StateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = _perPeerIncomingTotalsFlow.asStateFlow()
+    private val _perPeerOutgoingTotalsFlow: MutableStateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = MutableStateFlow(emptyMap())
+    val perPeerOutgoingTotal: StateFlow<Map<String, Long>> = _perPeerOutgoingTotalsFlow.asStateFlow()
     
     // Internal data storage for managing debug data
     private val debugMessageQueue = ConcurrentLinkedQueue<DebugMessage>()
     private val scanResultsQueue = ConcurrentLinkedQueue<DebugScanResult>()
     
     private fun updateRelayStatsFromTimestamps() {
+        if (!_debugSheetVisible.value) return
         val now = System.currentTimeMillis()
         // prune older than 15m
         while (true) {
@@ -89,18 +145,84 @@ class DebugSettingsManager private constructor() {
                 relayTimestamps.poll()
             } else break
         }
+        // prune per-device and per-peer and compute 1s/60s rates
+        fun pruneAndCount1s(map: MutableMap<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>): Map<String, Int> {
+            val result = mutableMapOf<String, Int>()
+            val iterator = map.entries.iterator()
+            while (iterator.hasNext()) {
+                val (key, q) = iterator.next()
+                // prune this queue
+                while (true) {
+                    val ts = q.peek() ?: break
+                    if (now - ts > 15 * 60 * 1000L) {
+                        q.poll()
+                    } else break
+                }
+                // count last 1s only
+                val count1s = q.count { now - it <= 1_000L }
+                if (q.isEmpty()) {
+                    // cleanup empty queues to prevent unbounded growth
+                    iterator.remove()
+                }
+                if (count1s > 0) result[key] = count1s
+            }
+            return result
+        }
+        fun pruneAndCount60s(map: MutableMap<String, ConcurrentLinkedQueue<Long>>): Map<String, Int> {
+            val result = mutableMapOf<String, Int>()
+            map.forEach { (key, q) ->
+                val count60 = q.count { now - it <= 60_000L }
+                if (count60 > 0) result[key] = count60
+            }
+            return result
+        }
+
+        val perDevice1s = pruneAndCount1s(perDeviceRelayTimestamps)
+        val perPeer1s = pruneAndCount1s(perPeerRelayTimestamps)
+
+        _perDeviceLastSecond.value = perDevice1s
+        _perPeerLastSecond.value = perPeer1s
+        // Also compute incoming/outgoing per-key rates
+        _perDeviceIncomingLastSecond.value = pruneAndCount1s(perDeviceIncoming)
+        _perDeviceOutgoingLastSecond.value = pruneAndCount1s(perDeviceOutgoing)
+        _perPeerIncomingLastSecond.value = pruneAndCount1s(perPeerIncoming)
+        _perPeerOutgoingLastSecond.value = pruneAndCount1s(perPeerOutgoing)
+        _perDeviceIncomingLastMinute.value = pruneAndCount60s(perDeviceIncoming)
+        _perDeviceOutgoingLastMinute.value = pruneAndCount60s(perDeviceOutgoing)
+        _perPeerIncomingLastMinute.value = pruneAndCount60s(perPeerIncoming)
+        _perPeerOutgoingLastMinute.value = pruneAndCount60s(perPeerOutgoing)
         val last1s = relayTimestamps.count { now - it <= 1_000L }
         val last10s = relayTimestamps.count { now - it <= 10_000L }
         val last1m = relayTimestamps.count { now - it <= 60_000L }
         val last15m = relayTimestamps.size
-        val total = _relayStats.value.totalRelaysCount + 1
+        // And incoming/outgoing per-second counters
+        val last1sIncoming = incomingTimestamps.count { now - it <= 1_000L }
+        val last1sOutgoing = outgoingTimestamps.count { now - it <= 1_000L }
+        val last10sIncoming = incomingTimestamps.count { now - it <= 10_000L }
+        val last10sOutgoing = outgoingTimestamps.count { now - it <= 10_000L }
+        val last1mIncoming = incomingTimestamps.count { now - it <= 60_000L }
+        val last1mOutgoing = outgoingTimestamps.count { now - it <= 60_000L }
+        val last15mIncoming = incomingTimestamps.size
+        val last15mOutgoing = outgoingTimestamps.size
+        val totalIncoming = _relayStats.value.totalIncomingCount
+        val totalOutgoing = _relayStats.value.totalOutgoingCount
         _relayStats.value = PacketRelayStats(
-            totalRelaysCount = total,
+            totalRelaysCount = totalIncoming + totalOutgoing,
             lastSecondRelays = last1s,
             last10SecondRelays = last10s,
             lastMinuteRelays = last1m,
             last15MinuteRelays = last15m,
-            lastResetTime = _relayStats.value.lastResetTime
+            lastResetTime = _relayStats.value.lastResetTime,
+            lastSecondIncoming = last1sIncoming,
+            lastSecondOutgoing = last1sOutgoing,
+            last10SecondIncoming = last10sIncoming,
+            last10SecondOutgoing = last10sOutgoing,
+            lastMinuteIncoming = last1mIncoming,
+            lastMinuteOutgoing = last1mOutgoing,
+            last15MinuteIncoming = last15mIncoming,
+            last15MinuteOutgoing = last15mOutgoing,
+            totalIncomingCount = totalIncoming,
+            totalOutgoingCount = totalOutgoing
         )
     }
     
@@ -336,11 +458,61 @@ class DebugSettingsManager private constructor() {
             }
         }
 
-        // Update rolling statistics only for relays
-        if (isRelay) {
-            relayTimestamps.offer(System.currentTimeMillis())
-            updateRelayStatsFromTimestamps()
+        // Do not update counters here; this path is for readable logs only.
+    }
+
+    // Explicit incoming/outgoing logging to avoid double counting
+    fun logIncoming(packetType: String, fromPeerID: String?, fromNickname: String?, fromDeviceAddress: String?) {
+        if (verboseLoggingEnabled.value) {
+            val who = fromNickname ?: fromPeerID ?: "unknown"
+            addDebugMessage(DebugMessage.PacketEvent("📥 Incoming $packetType from $who (${fromPeerID ?: "?"}, ${fromDeviceAddress ?: "?"})"))
         }
+        val now = System.currentTimeMillis()
+        val visible = _debugSheetVisible.value
+        if (visible) incomingTimestamps.offer(now)
+        fromDeviceAddress?.let {
+            perDeviceIncoming.getOrPut(it) { ConcurrentLinkedQueue() }.offer(now)
+            deviceIncomingTotalsMap[it] = (deviceIncomingTotalsMap[it] ?: 0L) + 1L
+            _perDeviceIncomingTotalsFlow.value = deviceIncomingTotalsMap.toMap()
+        }
+        fromPeerID?.let {
+            perPeerIncoming.getOrPut(it) { ConcurrentLinkedQueue() }.offer(now)
+            peerIncomingTotalsMap[it] = (peerIncomingTotalsMap[it] ?: 0L) + 1L
+            _perPeerIncomingTotalsFlow.value = peerIncomingTotalsMap.toMap()
+        }
+        // bump totals
+        val cur = _relayStats.value
+        _relayStats.value = cur.copy(
+            totalIncomingCount = cur.totalIncomingCount + 1,
+            totalRelaysCount = cur.totalRelaysCount + 1
+        )
+        if (visible) updateRelayStatsFromTimestamps()
+    }
+
+    fun logOutgoing(packetType: String, toPeerID: String?, toNickname: String?, toDeviceAddress: String?, previousHopPeerID: String? = null) {
+        if (verboseLoggingEnabled.value) {
+            val who = toNickname ?: toPeerID ?: "unknown"
+            addDebugMessage(DebugMessage.PacketEvent("📤 Outgoing $packetType to $who (${toPeerID ?: "?"}, ${toDeviceAddress ?: "?"})"))
+        }
+        val now = System.currentTimeMillis()
+        val visible = _debugSheetVisible.value
+        if (visible) outgoingTimestamps.offer(now)
+        toDeviceAddress?.let {
+            perDeviceOutgoing.getOrPut(it) { ConcurrentLinkedQueue() }.offer(now)
+            deviceOutgoingTotalsMap[it] = (deviceOutgoingTotalsMap[it] ?: 0L) + 1L
+            _perDeviceOutgoingTotalsFlow.value = deviceOutgoingTotalsMap.toMap()
+        }
+        (toPeerID ?: previousHopPeerID)?.let {
+            perPeerOutgoing.getOrPut(it) { ConcurrentLinkedQueue() }.offer(now)
+            peerOutgoingTotalsMap[it] = (peerOutgoingTotalsMap[it] ?: 0L) + 1L
+            _perPeerOutgoingTotalsFlow.value = peerOutgoingTotalsMap.toMap()
+        }
+        val cur = _relayStats.value
+        _relayStats.value = cur.copy(
+            totalOutgoingCount = cur.totalOutgoingCount + 1,
+            totalRelaysCount = cur.totalRelaysCount + 1
+        )
+        if (visible) updateRelayStatsFromTimestamps()
     }
     
     // MARK: - Clear Data
@@ -407,5 +579,15 @@ data class PacketRelayStats(
     val last10SecondRelays: Int = 0,
     val lastMinuteRelays: Int = 0,
     val last15MinuteRelays: Int = 0,
-    val lastResetTime: Date = Date()
+    val lastResetTime: Date = Date(),
+    val lastSecondIncoming: Int = 0,
+    val lastSecondOutgoing: Int = 0,
+    val last10SecondIncoming: Int = 0,
+    val last10SecondOutgoing: Int = 0,
+    val lastMinuteIncoming: Int = 0,
+    val lastMinuteOutgoing: Int = 0,
+    val last15MinuteIncoming: Int = 0,
+    val last15MinuteOutgoing: Int = 0,
+    val totalIncomingCount: Long = 0,
+    val totalOutgoingCount: Long = 0
 )

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/debug/DebugSettingsSheet.kt

@@ -3,9 +3,11 @@ package com.bitchat.android.ui.debug
 import androidx.compose.foundation.background
 import androidx.compose.foundation.clickable
 import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.*
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.FlowRow
 import androidx.compose.foundation.lazy.LazyColumn
 import androidx.compose.foundation.lazy.items
 import androidx.compose.foundation.shape.RoundedCornerShape
+import androidx.compose.foundation.layout.ExperimentalLayoutApi
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.Icons
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.Bluetooth
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.BugReport
@@ -15,6 +17,7 @@ import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.PowerSettingsNew
 import androidx.compose.material.icons.filled.SettingsEthernet
 import androidx.compose.material3.*
 import androidx.compose.runtime.*
+import androidx.compose.runtime.saveable.rememberSaveable
 import androidx.compose.ui.Alignment
 import androidx.compose.ui.Modifier
 import androidx.compose.ui.graphics.Color
@@ -27,8 +30,13 @@ import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshService
 import kotlinx.coroutines.launch
 import androidx.compose.ui.res.stringResource
 import com.bitchat.android.R
+import androidx.compose.ui.platform.LocalContext
+import com.bitchat.android.service.MeshServicePreferences
+import com.bitchat.android.service.MeshForegroundService
 
-@OptIn(ExperimentalMaterial3Api::class)
+private enum class GraphMode { OVERALL, PER_DEVICE, PER_PEER }
+
+@OptIn(ExperimentalMaterial3Api::class, ExperimentalLayoutApi::class)
 @Composable
 fun DebugSettingsSheet(
     isPresented: Boolean,
@@ -53,6 +61,8 @@ fun DebugSettingsSheet(
     val seenCapacity by manager.seenPacketCapacity.collectAsState()
     val gcsMaxBytes by manager.gcsMaxBytes.collectAsState()
     val gcsFpr by manager.gcsFprPercent.collectAsState()
+    val context = LocalContext.current
+    // Persistent notification is now controlled solely by MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled
 
     // Push live connected devices from mesh service whenever sheet is visible
     LaunchedEffect(isPresented) {
@@ -89,6 +99,11 @@ fun DebugSettingsSheet(
         onDismissRequest = onDismiss,
         sheetState = sheetState
     ) {
+        // Mark debug sheet visible/invisible to gate heavy work
+        LaunchedEffect(Unit) { DebugSettingsManager.getInstance().setDebugSheetVisible(true) }
+        DisposableEffect(Unit) {
+            onDispose { DebugSettingsManager.getInstance().setDebugSheetVisible(false) }
+        }
         LazyColumn(
             modifier = Modifier
                 .fillMaxWidth()
@@ -202,88 +217,256 @@ fun DebugSettingsSheet(
             item {
                 Surface(shape = RoundedCornerShape(12.dp), color = colorScheme.surfaceVariant.copy(alpha = 0.2f)) {
                     Column(Modifier.padding(16.dp), verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp)) {
+                        // Persistent notification is controlled by About sheet (MeshServicePreferences.isBackgroundEnabled)
+
                         Row(verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically, horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)) {
                             Icon(Icons.Filled.PowerSettingsNew, contentDescription = null, tint = Color(0xFFFF9500))
                             Text(stringResource(R.string.debug_packet_relay), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 14.sp, fontWeight = FontWeight.Medium)
                             Spacer(Modifier.weight(1f))
                             Switch(checked = packetRelayEnabled, onCheckedChange = { manager.setPacketRelayEnabled(it) })
                         }
-                        Text(stringResource(R.string.debug_since_start_fmt, relayStats.totalRelaysCount), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 11.sp)
-                        Text(stringResource(R.string.debug_relays_window_fmt, relayStats.last10SecondRelays, relayStats.lastMinuteRelays, relayStats.last15MinuteRelays), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 11.sp)
-                        // Realtime graph: per-second relays, full-width canvas, bottom-up bars, fast decay
-                        var series by remember { mutableStateOf(List(60) { 0f }) }
-                        LaunchedEffect(isPresented) {
+                        // Removed aggregate labels; we will show per-direction compact labels below titles
+                        // Toggle: overall vs per-connection vs per-peer
+                        var graphMode by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf(GraphMode.OVERALL) }
+                        val perDeviceIncoming by manager.perDeviceIncomingLastSecond.collectAsState()
+                        val perPeerIncoming by manager.perPeerIncomingLastSecond.collectAsState()
+                        val perDeviceOutgoing by manager.perDeviceOutgoingLastSecond.collectAsState()
+                        val perPeerOutgoing by manager.perPeerOutgoingLastSecond.collectAsState()
+                        val perDeviceIncoming1m by manager.perDeviceIncomingLastMinute.collectAsState()
+                        val perDeviceOutgoing1m by manager.perDeviceOutgoingLastMinute.collectAsState()
+                        val perPeerIncoming1m by manager.perPeerIncomingLastMinute.collectAsState()
+                        val perPeerOutgoing1m by manager.perPeerOutgoingLastMinute.collectAsState()
+                        val perDeviceIncomingTotal by manager.perDeviceIncomingTotal.collectAsState()
+                        val perDeviceOutgoingTotal by manager.perDeviceOutgoingTotal.collectAsState()
+                        val perPeerIncomingTotal by manager.perPeerIncomingTotal.collectAsState()
+                        val perPeerOutgoingTotal by manager.perPeerOutgoingTotal.collectAsState()
+                        val nicknameMap = remember { mutableStateOf<Map<String, String?>>(emptyMap()) }
+                        val devicePeerMap = remember { mutableStateOf<Map<String, String>>(emptyMap()) }
+                        LaunchedEffect(Unit) {
+                            try { nicknameMap.value = meshService.getPeerNicknames() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                            // Try to fetch device->peer map periodically for legend resolution
                             while (isPresented) {
-                                val s = relayStats.lastSecondRelays.toFloat()
-                                val last = series.lastOrNull() ?: 0f
-                                // Faster decay and smoothing
-                                val v = last * 0.5f + s * 0.5f
-                                series = (series + v).takeLast(60)
-                                kotlinx.coroutines.delay(400)
+                                try { devicePeerMap.value = meshService.getDeviceAddressToPeerMapping() } catch (_: Exception) { }
+                                kotlinx.coroutines.delay(1000)
                             }
                         }
-                        val maxValRaw = series.maxOrNull() ?: 0f
-                        val maxVal = if (maxValRaw > 0f) maxValRaw else 0f
-                        val leftGutter = 40.dp
-                        Box(Modifier.fillMaxWidth().height(56.dp)) {
-                            // Graph canvas
-                            androidx.compose.foundation.Canvas(Modifier.fillMaxSize()) {
-                                val axisPx = leftGutter.toPx() // reserved left gutter for labels
-                                val barCount = series.size
-                                val availW = (size.width - axisPx).coerceAtLeast(1f)
-                                val w = availW / barCount
-                                val h = size.height
-                                // Baseline at bottom (y = 0)
-                                drawLine(
-                                    color = Color(0x33888888),
-                                    start = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(axisPx, h - 1f),
-                                    end = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(size.width, h - 1f),
-                                    strokeWidth = 1f
+
+                        Column(verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)) {
+                            // Mode selector
+                            Row(horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)) {
+                                FilterChip(
+                                    selected = graphMode == GraphMode.OVERALL,
+                                    onClick = { graphMode = GraphMode.OVERALL },
+                                    label = { Text("Overall") }
                                 )
-                                // Bars from bottom-up; skip zeros entirely
-                                series.forEachIndexed { i, value ->
-                                    if (value > 0f && maxVal > 0f) {
-                                        val ratio = (value / maxVal).coerceIn(0f, 1f)
-                                        val barHeight = (h * ratio).coerceAtLeast(0f)
-                                        if (barHeight > 0.5f) {
-                                            drawRect(
-                                                color = Color(0xFF00C851),
-                                                topLeft = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(x = axisPx + i * w, y = h - barHeight),
-                                                size = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Size(w, barHeight)
-                                            )
+                                FilterChip(
+                                    selected = graphMode == GraphMode.PER_DEVICE,
+                                    onClick = { graphMode = GraphMode.PER_DEVICE },
+                                    label = { Text("Per Device") },
+                                    leadingIcon = { Icon(Icons.Filled.Devices, contentDescription = null) }
+                                )
+                                FilterChip(
+                                    selected = graphMode == GraphMode.PER_PEER,
+                                    onClick = { graphMode = GraphMode.PER_PEER },
+                                    label = { Text("Per Peer") },
+                                    leadingIcon = { Icon(Icons.Filled.SettingsEthernet, contentDescription = null) }
+                                )
+                            }
+
+                            // Time series state
+                            var overallSeriesIncoming by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf(List(60) { 0f }) }
+                            var overallSeriesOutgoing by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf(List(60) { 0f }) }
+                            var stackedKeysIncoming by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf(listOf<String>()) }
+                            var stackedKeysOutgoing by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf(listOf<String>()) }
+                            var stackedSeriesIncoming by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf<Map<String, List<Float>>>(emptyMap()) }
+                            var stackedSeriesOutgoing by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf<Map<String, List<Float>>>(emptyMap()) }
+                            var highlightedKey by rememberSaveable { mutableStateOf<String?>(null) }
+
+                            // Color palette for stacked legend
+                            val palette = remember {
+                                listOf(
+                                    Color(0xFF00C851), Color(0xFF007AFF), Color(0xFFFF9500), Color(0xFFFF3B30),
+                                    Color(0xFF5AC8FA), Color(0xFFAF52DE), Color(0xFFFF2D55), Color(0xFF34C759),
+                                    Color(0xFFFFCC00), Color(0xFF5856D6)
+                                )
+                            }
+                            val colorForKey = remember { mutableStateMapOf<String, Color>() }
+                            fun stableColorFor(key: String): Color {
+                                // Deterministic fallback color based on key hash using HSV palette
+                                val h = (key.hashCode().toUInt().toInt() and 0x7FFFFFFF) % 360
+                                return Color.hsv(h.toFloat(), 0.65f, 0.95f)
+                            }
+                            // Ensure colors are assigned for current keys before drawing
+                            fun ensureColors(keys: List<String>) {
+                                keys.forEachIndexed { idx, k ->
+                                    colorForKey.putIfAbsent(k, palette.getOrNull(idx) ?: stableColorFor(k))
+                                }
+                            }
+
+                            LaunchedEffect(isPresented, graphMode) {
+                                while (isPresented) {
+                                    when (graphMode) {
+                                        GraphMode.OVERALL -> {
+                                            val sIn = relayStats.lastSecondIncoming.toFloat()
+                                            val sOut = relayStats.lastSecondOutgoing.toFloat()
+                                            overallSeriesIncoming = (overallSeriesIncoming + sIn).takeLast(60)
+                                            overallSeriesOutgoing = (overallSeriesOutgoing + sOut).takeLast(60)
+                                        }
+                                        GraphMode.PER_DEVICE -> {
+                                            val snapshotIn = perDeviceIncoming
+                                            val snapshotOut = perDeviceOutgoing
+                                            fun advance(base: Map<String, List<Float>>, snap: Map<String, Int>): Map<String, List<Float>> {
+                                                val next = mutableMapOf<String, List<Float>>()
+                                                val union = (base.keys + snap.keys).toSet()
+                                                union.forEach { k ->
+                                                    val prev = base[k] ?: List(60) { 0f }
+                                                    val s = (snap[k] ?: 0).toFloat()
+                                                    next[k] = (prev + s).takeLast(60)
+                                                }
+                                                return next
+                                            }
+                                            // Advance and prune fully-stale series (all-zero in visible window)
+                                            stackedSeriesIncoming = advance(stackedSeriesIncoming, snapshotIn).filterValues { series -> series.any { it != 0f } }
+                                            stackedSeriesOutgoing = advance(stackedSeriesOutgoing, snapshotOut).filterValues { series -> series.any { it != 0f } }
+                                            stackedKeysIncoming = stackedSeriesIncoming.keys.sorted()
+                                            stackedKeysOutgoing = stackedSeriesOutgoing.keys.sorted()
+                                        }
+                                        GraphMode.PER_PEER -> {
+                                            val snapshotIn = perPeerIncoming
+                                            val snapshotOut = perPeerOutgoing
+                                            fun advance(base: Map<String, List<Float>>, snap: Map<String, Int>): Map<String, List<Float>> {
+                                                val next = mutableMapOf<String, List<Float>>()
+                                                val union = (base.keys + snap.keys).toSet()
+                                                union.forEach { k ->
+                                                    val prev = base[k] ?: List(60) { 0f }
+                                                    val s = (snap[k] ?: 0).toFloat()
+                                                    next[k] = (prev + s).takeLast(60)
+                                                }
+                                                return next
+                                            }
+                                            stackedSeriesIncoming = advance(stackedSeriesIncoming, snapshotIn).filterValues { series -> series.any { it != 0f } }
+                                            stackedSeriesOutgoing = advance(stackedSeriesOutgoing, snapshotOut).filterValues { series -> series.any { it != 0f } }
+                                            stackedKeysIncoming = stackedSeriesIncoming.keys.sorted()
+                                            stackedKeysOutgoing = stackedSeriesOutgoing.keys.sorted()
                                         }
                                     }
+                                    kotlinx.coroutines.delay(1000)
                                 }
                             }
-                            // Left gutter layout: unit + ticks neatly aligned
-                            Row(Modifier.fillMaxSize()) {
-                                Box(Modifier.width(leftGutter).fillMaxHeight()) {
-                                    // Unit label on the far left, centered vertically
-                                    Text(
-                                        "p/s",
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                        fontSize = 10.sp,
-                                        color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
-                                        modifier = Modifier.align(Alignment.CenterStart).padding(start = 2.dp).rotate(-90f)
-                                    )
-                                    // Tick labels right-aligned in gutter, top and bottom aligned
-                                    Text(
-                                        "${maxVal.toInt()}",
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                        fontSize = 10.sp,
-                                        color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
-                                        modifier = Modifier.align(Alignment.TopEnd).padding(end = 4.dp, top = 0.dp)
-                                    )
-                                    Text(
-                                        "0",
-                                        fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
-                                        fontSize = 10.sp,
-                                        color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
-                                        modifier = Modifier.align(Alignment.BottomEnd).padding(end = 4.dp, bottom = 0.dp)
-                                    )
+
+                            // Helper functions moved to top-level composable below to avoid scope issues
+
+                            // Render two blocks: Incoming and Outgoing
+                            Text("Incoming", fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 11.sp, color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f))
+                            Text(
+                                "${relayStats.lastSecondIncoming}/s • ${relayStats.lastMinuteIncoming}/m • ${relayStats.last15MinuteIncoming}/15m • total ${relayStats.totalIncomingCount}",
+                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 10.sp, color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
+                            )
+                            DrawGraphBlock(
+                                title = "Incoming",
+                                stackedKeys = stackedKeysIncoming,
+                                stackedSeries = stackedSeriesIncoming,
+                                overallSeries = if (graphMode == GraphMode.OVERALL) overallSeriesIncoming else null,
+                                graphMode = graphMode,
+                                highlightedKey = highlightedKey,
+                                onToggleHighlight = { key -> highlightedKey = if (highlightedKey == key) null else key },
+                                ensureColors = { keys -> ensureColors(keys) },
+                                colorForKey = { k -> colorForKey[k] ?: stableColorFor(k) },
+                                legendTitleFor = { key ->
+                                    when (graphMode) {
+                                        GraphMode.PER_PEER -> {
+                                            val nick = nicknameMap.value[key]
+                                            val prefix = key.take(6)
+                                            if (!nick.isNullOrBlank()) "$nick ($prefix)" else prefix
+                                        }
+                                        GraphMode.PER_DEVICE -> {
+                                            val device = key
+                                            val pid = connectedDevices.firstOrNull { it.deviceAddress == device }?.peerID
+                                                ?: devicePeerMap.value[device]
+                                            if (pid != null) {
+                                                val nick = nicknameMap.value[pid]
+                                                val prefix = pid.take(6)
+                                                "$device (${if (!nick.isNullOrBlank()) "$nick ($prefix)" else prefix})"
+                                            } else device
+                                        }
+                                        else -> key
+                                    }
+                                },
+                                legendMetricsFor = { key ->
+                                    when (graphMode) {
+                                        GraphMode.PER_PEER -> {
+                                            val s = perPeerIncoming[key] ?: 0
+                                            val m = perPeerIncoming1m[key] ?: 0
+                                            val t = (perPeerIncomingTotal[key] ?: 0L)
+                                            "${s}/s • ${m}/m • total ${t}"
+                                        }
+                                        GraphMode.PER_DEVICE -> {
+                                            val s = perDeviceIncoming[key] ?: 0
+                                            val m = perDeviceIncoming1m[key] ?: 0
+                                            val t = (perDeviceIncomingTotal[key] ?: 0L)
+                                            "${s}/s • ${m}/m • total ${t}"
+                                        }
+                                        else -> ""
+                                    }
                                 }
-                                Spacer(Modifier.weight(1f))
-                            }
+                            )
+                            if (graphMode != GraphMode.OVERALL && stackedKeysIncoming.isNotEmpty()) { /* legend printed inside DrawGraphBlock */ }
+
+                            Spacer(Modifier.height(8.dp))
+                            Text("Outgoing", fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 11.sp, color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f))
+                            Text(
+                                "${relayStats.lastSecondOutgoing}/s • ${relayStats.lastMinuteOutgoing}/m • ${relayStats.last15MinuteOutgoing}/15m • total ${relayStats.totalOutgoingCount}",
+                                fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 10.sp, color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.6f)
+                            )
+                            DrawGraphBlock(
+                                title = "Outgoing",
+                                stackedKeys = stackedKeysOutgoing,
+                                stackedSeries = stackedSeriesOutgoing,
+                                overallSeries = if (graphMode == GraphMode.OVERALL) overallSeriesOutgoing else null,
+                                graphMode = graphMode,
+                                highlightedKey = highlightedKey,
+                                onToggleHighlight = { key -> highlightedKey = if (highlightedKey == key) null else key },
+                                ensureColors = { keys -> ensureColors(keys) },
+                                colorForKey = { k -> colorForKey[k] ?: stableColorFor(k) },
+                                legendTitleFor = { key ->
+                                    when (graphMode) {
+                                        GraphMode.PER_PEER -> {
+                                            val nick = nicknameMap.value[key]
+                                            val prefix = key.take(6)
+                                            if (!nick.isNullOrBlank()) "$nick ($prefix)" else prefix
+                                        }
+                                        GraphMode.PER_DEVICE -> {
+                                            val device = key
+                                            val pid = connectedDevices.firstOrNull { it.deviceAddress == device }?.peerID
+                                                ?: devicePeerMap.value[device]
+                                            if (pid != null) {
+                                                val nick = nicknameMap.value[pid]
+                                                val prefix = pid.take(6)
+                                                "$device (${if (!nick.isNullOrBlank()) "$nick ($prefix)" else prefix})"
+                                            } else device
+                                        }
+                                        else -> key
+                                    }
+                                },
+                                legendMetricsFor = { key ->
+                                    when (graphMode) {
+                                        GraphMode.PER_PEER -> {
+                                            val s = perPeerOutgoing[key] ?: 0
+                                            val m = perPeerOutgoing1m[key] ?: 0
+                                            val t = (perPeerOutgoingTotal[key] ?: 0L)
+                                            "${s}/s • ${m}/m • total ${t}"
+                                        }
+                                        GraphMode.PER_DEVICE -> {
+                                            val s = perDeviceOutgoing[key] ?: 0
+                                            val m = perDeviceOutgoing1m[key] ?: 0
+                                            val t = (perDeviceOutgoingTotal[key] ?: 0L)
+                                            "${s}/s • ${m}/m • total ${t}"
+                                        }
+                                        else -> ""
+                                    }
+                                }
+                            )
+                            if (graphMode != GraphMode.OVERALL && stackedKeysOutgoing.isNotEmpty()) { /* legend printed inside DrawGraphBlock */ }
                         }
                     }
                 }
@@ -399,3 +582,146 @@ fun DebugSettingsSheet(
         }
     }
 }
+
+@Composable
+private fun DrawGraphBlock(
+    title: String,
+    stackedKeys: List<String>,
+    stackedSeries: Map<String, List<Float>>,
+    overallSeries: List<Float>?,
+    graphMode: GraphMode,
+    highlightedKey: String?,
+    onToggleHighlight: (String) -> Unit,
+    ensureColors: (List<String>) -> Unit,
+    colorForKey: (String) -> Color,
+    legendTitleFor: (String) -> String,
+    legendMetricsFor: (String) -> String
+) {
+    val colorScheme = MaterialTheme.colorScheme
+    val leftGutter = 40.dp
+    Box(Modifier.fillMaxWidth().height(56.dp)) {
+        androidx.compose.foundation.Canvas(Modifier.fillMaxSize()) {
+            val axisPx = leftGutter.toPx()
+            val barCount = 60
+            val availW = (size.width - axisPx).coerceAtLeast(1f)
+            val w = availW / barCount
+            val h = size.height
+            drawLine(
+                color = Color(0x33888888),
+                start = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(axisPx, h - 1f),
+                end = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(size.width, h - 1f),
+                strokeWidth = 1f
+            )
+
+            when (graphMode) {
+                GraphMode.OVERALL -> {
+                    val maxValRaw = (overallSeries?.maxOrNull() ?: 0f)
+                    val maxVal = if (maxValRaw > 0f) maxValRaw else 0f
+                    (overallSeries ?: emptyList()).forEachIndexed { i, value ->
+                        if (value > 0f && maxVal > 0f) {
+                            val ratio = (value / maxVal).coerceIn(0f, 1f)
+                            val barHeight = (h * ratio).coerceAtLeast(0f)
+                            if (barHeight > 0.5f) {
+                                drawRect(
+                                    color = Color(0xFF00C851),
+                                    topLeft = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(x = axisPx + i * w, y = h - barHeight),
+                                    size = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Size(w, barHeight)
+                                )
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+                else -> {
+                    val indices = 0 until 60
+                    val totals = indices.map { idx ->
+                        stackedSeries.values.sumOf { it.getOrNull(idx)?.toDouble() ?: 0.0 }.toFloat()
+                    }
+                    val maxTotal = (totals.maxOrNull() ?: 0f)
+                    val drawKeysBars = if (stackedKeys.isNotEmpty()) stackedKeys else stackedSeries.keys.sorted()
+                    indices.forEach { i ->
+                        var yTop = h
+                        if (maxTotal > 0f) {
+                            ensureColors(drawKeysBars)
+                            drawKeysBars.forEach { k ->
+                                val v = stackedSeries[k]?.getOrNull(i) ?: 0f
+                                if (v > 0f) {
+                                    val ratio = (v / maxTotal).coerceIn(0f, 1f)
+                                    val segH = (h * ratio)
+                                    if (segH > 0.5f) {
+                                        val top = (yTop - segH)
+                                        val baseColor = colorForKey(k)
+                                        val c = if (highlightedKey == null || highlightedKey == k) baseColor else baseColor.copy(alpha = 0.35f)
+                                        drawRect(
+                                            color = c,
+                                            topLeft = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Offset(x = axisPx + i * w, y = top),
+                                            size = androidx.compose.ui.geometry.Size(w, segH)
+                                        )
+                                        yTop = top
+                                    }
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        Row(Modifier.fillMaxSize()) {
+            Box(Modifier.width(leftGutter).fillMaxHeight()) {
+                Text(
+                    "p/s",
+                    fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                    fontSize = 10.sp,
+                    color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
+                    modifier = Modifier.align(Alignment.CenterStart).padding(start = 2.dp).rotate(-90f)
+                )
+                val topLabel = when (graphMode) {
+                    GraphMode.OVERALL -> (overallSeries?.maxOrNull() ?: 0f).toInt().toString()
+                    else -> {
+                        val totals = (0 until 60).map { idx -> stackedSeries.values.sumOf { it.getOrNull(idx)?.toDouble() ?: 0.0 }.toFloat() }
+                        (totals.maxOrNull() ?: 0f).toInt().toString()
+                    }
+                }
+                Text(
+                    topLabel,
+                    fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                    fontSize = 10.sp,
+                    color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
+                    modifier = Modifier.align(Alignment.TopEnd).padding(end = 4.dp)
+                )
+                Text(
+                    "0",
+                    fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace,
+                    fontSize = 10.sp,
+                    color = colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = 0.7f),
+                    modifier = Modifier.align(Alignment.BottomEnd).padding(end = 4.dp)
+                )
+            }
+            Spacer(Modifier.weight(1f))
+        }
+    }
+
+    val drawKeys = if (stackedKeys.isNotEmpty()) stackedKeys else stackedSeries.keys.sorted()
+    if (graphMode != GraphMode.OVERALL && drawKeys.isNotEmpty()) {
+        Column(Modifier.fillMaxWidth()) {
+            FlowRow(horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(12.dp), verticalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(8.dp)) {
+                drawKeys.forEach { key ->
+                    val baseColor = colorForKey(key)
+                    val dimmed = highlightedKey != null && highlightedKey != key
+                    val swatchColor = if (dimmed) baseColor.copy(alpha = 0.35f) else baseColor
+                    Row(
+                        verticalAlignment = Alignment.CenterVertically,
+                        horizontalArrangement = Arrangement.spacedBy(6.dp),
+                        modifier = Modifier.clickable { onToggleHighlight(key) }
+                    ) {
+                        Box(Modifier.size(10.dp).background(swatchColor, RoundedCornerShape(2.dp)))
+                        Column {
+                            Text(legendTitleFor(key), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 10.sp, color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = if (dimmed) 0.6f else 0.95f))
+                            Text(legendMetricsFor(key), fontFamily = FontFamily.Monospace, fontSize = 9.sp, color = MaterialTheme.colorScheme.onSurface.copy(alpha = if (dimmed) 0.45f else 0.75f))
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/util/AppConstants.kt

@@ -80,8 +80,8 @@ object AppConstants {
         const val SCAN_ON_DURATION_ULTRA_LOW_MS: Long = 1_000L
         const val SCAN_OFF_DURATION_ULTRA_LOW_MS: Long = 10_000L
         const val MAX_CONNECTIONS_NORMAL: Int = 8
-        const val MAX_CONNECTIONS_POWER_SAVE: Int = 4
-        const val MAX_CONNECTIONS_ULTRA_LOW: Int = 2
+        const val MAX_CONNECTIONS_POWER_SAVE: Int = 8
+        const val MAX_CONNECTIONS_ULTRA_LOW: Int = 4
     }
 
     object Nostr {

app/src/main/java/info/guardianproject/arti/ArtiException.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+package info.guardianproject.arti
+
+/**
+ * Exception thrown by Arti operations.
+ *
+ * This exception is thrown when the native Arti library encounters
+ * an error during initialization, startup, or other operations.
+ */
+class ArtiException(message: String, cause: Throwable? = null) : Exception(message, cause)

app/src/main/java/info/guardianproject/arti/ArtiLogListener.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+package info.guardianproject.arti
+
+/**
+ * Listener interface for Arti log messages.
+ *
+ * This interface is called from the native Arti implementation whenever
+ * a log line is produced. It allows the application to monitor Tor's
+ * bootstrap progress and connection status.
+ */
+fun interface ArtiLogListener {
+    /**
+     * Called when Arti produces a log line.
+     *
+     * @param logLine The log message from Arti, or null if no message
+     */
+    fun onLogLine(logLine: String?)
+}

app/src/main/java/info/guardianproject/arti/ArtiProxy.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,183 @@
+package info.guardianproject.arti
+
+import android.app.Application
+import android.util.Log
+import org.torproject.arti.ArtiNative
+import java.io.File
+
+/**
+ * Arti Tor proxy implementation compatible with Guardian Project API.
+ *
+ * This class provides a wrapper around the custom-built Arti native library,
+ * maintaining API compatibility with Guardian Project's arti-mobile-ex library.
+ *
+ * Usage:
+ * ```
+ * val proxy = ArtiProxy.Builder(application)
+ *     .setSocksPort(9050)
+ *     .setDnsPort(9051)
+ *     .setLogListener { logLine -> Log.i("Arti", logLine ?: "") }
+ *     .build()
+ *
+ * proxy.start()
+ * // ... use proxy ...
+ * proxy.stop()
+ * ```
+ */
+class ArtiProxy private constructor(
+    private val application: Application,
+    private val socksPort: Int,
+    private val dnsPort: Int,
+    private val logListener: ArtiLogListener?
+) {
+    companion object {
+        private const val TAG = "ArtiProxy"
+    }
+
+    @Volatile
+    private var isRunning = false
+
+    /**
+     * Start the Arti Tor proxy.
+     *
+     * This method:
+     * 1. Registers log callback
+     * 2. Initializes Arti runtime with data directory
+     * 3. Starts SOCKS proxy on configured port
+     *
+     * @throws ArtiException if initialization or startup fails
+     */
+    fun start() {
+        if (isRunning) {
+            Log.w(TAG, "Arti already running")
+            return
+        }
+
+        try {
+            logListener?.let { listener ->
+                Log.d(TAG, "Registering log callback")
+                ArtiNative.setLogCallback(listener)
+            }
+
+            val dataDir = getDataDirectory()
+            Log.i(TAG, "Initializing Arti with data directory: $dataDir")
+
+            val initResult = ArtiNative.initialize(dataDir.absolutePath)
+            if (initResult != 0) {
+                throw ArtiException("Failed to initialize Arti: error code $initResult")
+            }
+
+            Log.i(TAG, "Starting SOCKS proxy on port $socksPort (DNS port: $dnsPort)")
+            val startResult = ArtiNative.startSocksProxy(socksPort)
+            when (startResult) {
+                0 -> {
+                    isRunning = true
+                    Log.i(TAG, "Arti started successfully")
+                }
+                -1 -> throw ArtiException("Arti client not initialized")
+                -2 -> throw ArtiException("Tokio runtime not initialized")
+                -3 -> throw ArtiException("Failed to bind SOCKS proxy to port $socksPort (port already in use)")
+                else -> throw ArtiException("Failed to start SOCKS proxy: error code $startResult")
+            }
+
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            Log.e(TAG, "Failed to start Arti", e)
+            if (e is ArtiException) {
+                throw e
+            } else {
+                throw ArtiException("Failed to start Arti: ${e.message}", e)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Stop the Arti Tor proxy.
+     *
+     * This method gracefully shuts down the Tor client and SOCKS proxy.
+     */
+    fun stop() {
+        if (!isRunning) {
+            Log.w(TAG, "Arti not running")
+            return
+        }
+
+        try {
+            Log.i(TAG, "Stopping Arti...")
+            val stopResult = ArtiNative.stop()
+            if (stopResult != 0) {
+                Log.w(TAG, "Stop returned error code: $stopResult")
+            }
+
+            isRunning = false
+            Log.i(TAG, "Arti stopped successfully")
+
+        } catch (e: Exception) {
+            Log.e(TAG, "Error stopping Arti", e)
+        }
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get or create Arti data directory.
+     *
+     * Directory structure:
+     * - {app_data}/arti/cache - Tor directory cache
+     * - {app_data}/arti/state - Tor persistent state
+     */
+    private fun getDataDirectory(): File {
+        val artiDir = File(application.filesDir, "arti")
+        if (!artiDir.exists()) {
+            artiDir.mkdirs()
+        }
+
+        File(artiDir, "cache").apply { if (!exists()) mkdirs() }
+        File(artiDir, "state").apply { if (!exists()) mkdirs() }
+
+        return artiDir
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Builder for ArtiProxy instances.
+     *
+     * Provides fluent API for configuring proxy settings before creation.
+     */
+    class Builder(private val application: Application) {
+        private var socksPort: Int = 9050
+        private var dnsPort: Int = 9051
+        private var logListener: ArtiLogListener? = null
+
+        /**
+         * Set SOCKS proxy port.
+         * @param port Port number (default: 9050)
+         * @return this Builder for chaining
+         */
+        fun setSocksPort(port: Int) = apply {
+            this.socksPort = port
+        }
+
+        /**
+         * Set DNS port.
+         * @param port Port number (default: 9051)
+         * @return this Builder for chaining
+         */
+        fun setDnsPort(port: Int) = apply {
+            this.dnsPort = port
+        }
+
+        /**
+         * Set log listener for Arti log messages.
+         * @param listener Callback for log lines
+         * @return this Builder for chaining
+         */
+        fun setLogListener(listener: ArtiLogListener) = apply {
+            this.logListener = listener
+        }
+
+        /**
+         * Build and return the configured ArtiProxy instance.
+         * @return Configured ArtiProxy (not yet started)
+         */
+        fun build(): ArtiProxy {
+            return ArtiProxy(application, socksPort, dnsPort, logListener)
+        }
+    }
+}

app/src/main/java/org/torproject/arti/ArtiNative.kt

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+package org.torproject.arti
+
+import info.guardianproject.arti.ArtiLogListener
+
+/**
+ * JNI wrapper for custom-built Arti (Tor implementation in Rust)
+ *
+ * This class provides native bindings to libarti_android.so compiled from
+ * the latest Arti source with rustls (no OpenSSL dependency).
+ *
+ * Features:
+ * - Latest Arti v1.7.0 code
+ * - 16KB page size support (Google Play Nov 2025 ready)
+ * - Onion service client support
+ * - Pure Rust TLS (rustls)
+ */
+object ArtiNative {
+
+    init {
+        System.loadLibrary("arti_android")
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Get Arti version string
+     * @return Version string from native library
+     */
+    external fun getVersion(): String
+
+    /**
+     * Set log callback for Arti logs
+     * @param callback Callback object with onLogLine(String?) method
+     */
+    external fun setLogCallback(callback: ArtiLogListener)
+
+    /**
+     * Initialize Arti runtime
+     * @param dataDir Directory for Arti state/cache
+     * @return 0 on success, error code otherwise
+     */
+    external fun initialize(dataDir: String): Int
+
+    /**
+     * Start SOCKS proxy on specified port
+     * @param port Port number for SOCKS proxy (e.g., 9050)
+     * @return 0 on success, error code otherwise
+     */
+    external fun startSocksProxy(port: Int): Int
+
+    /**
+     * Stop Arti and cleanup
+     * @return 0 on success, error code otherwise
+     */
+    external fun stop(): Int
+}

app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml

@@ -61,6 +61,11 @@
   <string name="notification_more_locations">and %1$d more locations</string>
   <string name="notification_and_more">and %1$d more</string>
 
+  <!-- Mesh Service Foreground Notification -->
+  <string name="mesh_service_channel_name">Mesh Background Service</string>
+  <string name="mesh_service_channel_desc">Keeps the Bluetooth mesh running in the background</string>
+  <string name="mesh_service_notification_content">Mesh running — %1$d users connected</string>
+
   <!-- Favorites accessibility -->
   <string name="cd_add_favorite">Add to favorites</string>
   <string name="cd_remove_favorite">Remove from favorites</string>
@@ -152,6 +157,9 @@
   <string name="cd_remove_bookmark">Remove bookmark</string>
   <string name="cd_teleport">Teleport</string>
   <string name="cd_selected">Selected</string>
+  <string name="notification_action_quit_bitchat">Quit bitchat</string>
+  <string name="about_background_title">run in background</string>
+  <string name="about_background_desc">keep mesh active when app is closed (foreground service)</string>
   <string name="cd_leave_channel">Leave channel</string>
   <string name="cd_reachable_via_nostr">Reachable via Nostr</string>
   <string name="cd_offline_favorite">Offline favorite</string>
@@ -378,8 +386,9 @@
   <string name="pwd_label">Password</string>
   <string name="join">Join</string>
   <string name="cancel">Cancel</string>
+    <string name="tor_not_available_in_this_build">Tor not available in this build</string>
 
-  <!-- Plurals -->
+    <!-- Plurals -->
   <plurals name="notification_and_more">
     <item quantity="one">and %d more</item>
     <item quantity="other">and %d more</item>

app/src/test/java/com/bitchat/android/ui/CommandProcessorTest.kt

@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@ import androidx.test.core.app.ApplicationProvider
 import com.bitchat.android.mesh.BluetoothMeshService
 import com.bitchat.android.model.BitchatMessage
 import junit.framework.TestCase.assertEquals
-
+import kotlinx.coroutines.ExperimentalCoroutinesApi
+import kotlinx.coroutines.test.TestScope
+import kotlinx.coroutines.test.UnconfinedTestDispatcher
 import org.junit.Before
 import org.junit.Ignore
 import org.junit.Test
@@ -18,7 +20,10 @@ import java.util.Date
 @RunWith(RobolectricTestRunner::class)
 class CommandProcessorTest() {
   private val context: Context = ApplicationProvider.getApplicationContext()
-  private val chatState = ChatState()
+    @OptIn(ExperimentalCoroutinesApi::class)
+    private val testDispatcher = UnconfinedTestDispatcher()
+    private val testScope = TestScope(testDispatcher)
+  private val chatState = ChatState(scope = testScope)
   private lateinit var commandProcessor: CommandProcessor
 
   val messageManager: MessageManager = MessageManager(state = chatState)
@@ -26,7 +31,7 @@ class CommandProcessorTest() {
     state = chatState,
     messageManager = messageManager,
     dataManager = DataManager(context = context),
-    coroutineScope = kotlinx.coroutines.CoroutineScope(kotlinx.coroutines.Dispatchers.Main.immediate)
+    coroutineScope = testScope
   )
 
   private val meshService: BluetoothMeshService = mock()