diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp
index b8a5d88d..9e33d5f0 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/DataStore.cpp
@@ -268,10 +268,18 @@ void DataStore::loadPrefsInt(const char *filename, NodePrefs& _prefs, double& no
     if (file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.auto_lock_minutes, sizeof(_prefs.auto_lock_minutes)) != sizeof(_prefs.auto_lock_minutes)) {
       _prefs.auto_lock_minutes = 0;  // default: disabled
     }
+    if (file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.hint_shown, sizeof(_prefs.hint_shown)) != sizeof(_prefs.hint_shown)) {
+      _prefs.hint_shown = 0;  // default: show boot hint
+    }
+    if (file.read((uint8_t *)&_prefs.large_font, sizeof(_prefs.large_font)) != sizeof(_prefs.large_font)) {
+      _prefs.large_font = 0;  // default: tiny font
+    }
 
     // Clamp to valid ranges
     if (_prefs.dark_mode > 1) _prefs.dark_mode = 0;
     if (_prefs.portrait_mode > 1) _prefs.portrait_mode = 0;
+    if (_prefs.hint_shown > 1) _prefs.hint_shown = 0;
+    if (_prefs.large_font > 1) _prefs.large_font = 0;
     // auto_lock_minutes: only accept known options (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30)
     {
       uint8_t alm = _prefs.auto_lock_minutes;
@@ -324,6 +332,8 @@ void DataStore::savePrefs(const NodePrefs& _prefs, double node_lat, double node_
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.dark_mode, sizeof(_prefs.dark_mode));                  // 98
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.portrait_mode, sizeof(_prefs.portrait_mode));          // 99
     file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.auto_lock_minutes, sizeof(_prefs.auto_lock_minutes)); // 100
+    file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.hint_shown, sizeof(_prefs.hint_shown));               // 101
+    file.write((uint8_t *)&_prefs.large_font, sizeof(_prefs.large_font));               // 102
 
     file.close();
   }
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h b/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h
index a985f439..55ae1f8f 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/NodePrefs.h
@@ -39,4 +39,39 @@ struct NodePrefs {  // persisted to file
   uint8_t portrait_mode;          // 0=landscape, 1=portrait — T5S3 only
   uint8_t auto_lock_minutes;      // 0=disabled, 2/5/10/15/30=auto-lock after idle
   uint8_t hint_shown;             // 0=show nav hint on boot, 1=already shown (dismiss permanently)
+  uint8_t large_font;             // 0=tiny (built-in 6x8), 1=larger (FreeSans9pt) — T-Deck Pro only
+
+  // --- Font helpers (inline, no overhead) ---
+  // Returns the DisplayDriver text-size index for "small/body" text.
+  // T-Deck Pro: 0 = built-in 6×8, 1 = FreeSans9pt.
+  // T5S3: both 0 and 1 are 12pt fonts (regular vs bold) with identical line
+  //        height, so large_font has no layout effect there.
+  inline uint8_t smallTextSize() const {
+    return large_font ? 1 : 0;
+  }
+
+  // Returns the virtual-coordinate line height matching smallTextSize().
+  // T-Deck Pro size 0 → 9 (6×8 + 1px gap), size 1 → 11 (9pt ascent+descent).
+  // T5S3 size 0/1 → same 12pt height → always 9 in virtual coords.
+  inline int smallLineH() const {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    return 9;
+#else
+    return large_font ? 11 : 9;
+#endif
+  }
+
+  // Returns the Y offset for selection highlight fillRect (T-Deck Pro only).
+  // Size 0 (built-in font): cursor positions at top-left, +5 offset in
+  //   setCursor places text below → fillRect at y+5 aligns with text.
+  // Size 1 (FreeSans9pt): cursor positions at baseline, ascenders render
+  //   upward → fillRect must start above baseline to cover ascenders.
+  // T5S3: always 0 (both sizes use baseline fonts with highlight at y).
+  inline int smallHighlightOff() const {
+#if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    return 0;
+#else
+    return large_font ? -2 : 5;
+#endif
+  }
 };
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/main.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/main.cpp
index c8acd4e7..b3c3753d 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/main.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/main.cpp
@@ -2701,9 +2701,28 @@ void handleKeyboardInput() {
     
     // A/D keys switch channels (only when buffer is empty, not in DM mode)
     if ((key == 'a') && composePos == 0 && !composeDM) {
-      // Previous channel
+      // Previous channel — skip gaps
       if (composeChannelIdx > 0) {
-        composeChannelIdx--;
+        bool found = false;
+        for (uint8_t prev = composeChannelIdx - 1; ; prev--) {
+          ChannelDetails ch;
+          if (the_mesh.getChannel(prev, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
+            composeChannelIdx = prev;
+            found = true;
+            break;
+          }
+          if (prev == 0) break;
+        }
+        if (!found) {
+          // Wrap to last valid channel
+          for (uint8_t i = MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS - 1; i > 0; i--) {
+            ChannelDetails ch;
+            if (the_mesh.getChannel(i, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
+              composeChannelIdx = i;
+              break;
+            }
+          }
+        }
       } else {
         // Wrap to last valid channel
         for (uint8_t i = MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS - 1; i > 0; i--) {
@@ -2720,12 +2739,17 @@ void handleKeyboardInput() {
     }
     
     if ((key == 'd') && composePos == 0 && !composeDM) {
-      // Next channel
-      ChannelDetails ch;
-      uint8_t nextIdx = composeChannelIdx + 1;
-      if (the_mesh.getChannel(nextIdx, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
-        composeChannelIdx = nextIdx;
-      } else {
+      // Next channel — skip gaps
+      bool found = false;
+      for (uint8_t next = composeChannelIdx + 1; next < MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS; next++) {
+        ChannelDetails ch;
+        if (the_mesh.getChannel(next, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
+          composeChannelIdx = next;
+          found = true;
+          break;
+        }
+      }
+      if (!found) {
         composeChannelIdx = 0;  // Wrap to first channel
       }
       Serial.printf("Compose: Channel switched to %d\n", composeChannelIdx);
@@ -3173,7 +3197,7 @@ void handleKeyboardInput() {
         Serial.printf("Audiobook: lazy init - free heap: %d, largest block: %d\n",
                        ESP.getFreeHeap(), ESP.getMaxAllocHeap());
         audio = new Audio();
-        AudiobookPlayerScreen* abScreen = new AudiobookPlayerScreen(&ui_task, audio);
+        AudiobookPlayerScreen* abScreen = new AudiobookPlayerScreen(&ui_task, audio, the_mesh.getNodePrefs());
         abScreen->setSDReady(sdCardReady);
         ui_task.setAudiobookScreen(abScreen);
         Serial.printf("Audiobook: init complete - free heap: %d\n", ESP.getFreeHeap());
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Audiobookplayerscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Audiobookplayerscreen.h
index f34513cf..7fe2d05b 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Audiobookplayerscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Audiobookplayerscreen.h
@@ -43,6 +43,8 @@
 // JPEG decoder for cover art — JPEGDEC by bitbank2
 #include <JPEGDEC.h>
 
+#include "../NodePrefs.h"
+
 // Forward declarations
 class UITask;
 
@@ -151,6 +153,7 @@ public:
 
 private:
   UITask*  _task;
+  NodePrefs* _prefs;
   Audio*   _audio;
   Mode     _mode;
   bool     _sdReady;
@@ -1193,10 +1196,10 @@ private:
     }
 
     // Switch to tiny font for file list (6x8 built-in)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs ? _prefs->smallTextSize() : 0);
 
-    // Calculate visible items — tiny font uses ~8 virtual units per line
-    int itemHeight = 8;
+    // Calculate visible items
+    int itemHeight = (_prefs ? _prefs->smallLineH() : 9) - 1;
     int listTop = 13;
     int listBottom = display.height() - 14;  // Reserve footer space
     int visibleItems = (listBottom - listTop) / itemHeight;
@@ -1208,7 +1211,7 @@ private:
       _scrollOffset = _selectedFile - visibleItems + 1;
     }
 
-    // Approx chars that fit in tiny font (~36 on 128 virtual width)
+    // Approx chars for suffix/type tag sizing (still needed for type tag assembly)
     const int charsPerLine = 36;
 
     // Draw file list
@@ -1218,9 +1221,7 @@ private:
 
       if (fileIdx == _selectedFile) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-        // setCursor adds +5 to y internally, but fillRect does not.
-        // Offset fillRect by +5 to align highlight bar with text.
-        display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), itemHeight - 1);
+        display.fillRect(0, y + (_prefs ? _prefs->smallHighlightOff() : 5), display.width(), itemHeight - 1);
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -1231,29 +1232,15 @@ private:
       char fullLine[96];
 
       if (fe.isDir) {
-        // Directory entry: show as "/ FolderName" or just ".."
         if (fe.name == "..") {
           snprintf(fullLine, sizeof(fullLine), ".. (up)");
         } else {
           snprintf(fullLine, sizeof(fullLine), "/%s", fe.name.c_str());
-          // Truncate if needed
-          if ((int)strlen(fullLine) > charsPerLine - 1) {
-            fullLine[charsPerLine - 4] = '.';
-            fullLine[charsPerLine - 3] = '.';
-            fullLine[charsPerLine - 2] = '.';
-            fullLine[charsPerLine - 1] = '\0';
-          }
         }
       } else {
         // Audio file: "Title - Author [TYPE]"
         char lineBuf[80];
 
-        // Reserve space for type tag and bookmark indicator
-        int suffixLen = fe.fileType.length() + 3;  // " [M4B]" or " [MP3]"
-        int bmkLen = fe.hasBookmark ? 2 : 0;       // " >"
-        int availChars = charsPerLine - suffixLen - bmkLen;
-        if (availChars < 10) availChars = 10;
-
         if (fe.displayAuthor.length() > 0) {
           snprintf(lineBuf, sizeof(lineBuf), "%s - %s",
                    fe.displayTitle.c_str(), fe.displayAuthor.c_str());
@@ -1261,24 +1248,13 @@ private:
           snprintf(lineBuf, sizeof(lineBuf), "%s", fe.displayTitle.c_str());
         }
 
-        // Truncate with ellipsis if needed
-        if ((int)strlen(lineBuf) > availChars) {
-          if (availChars > 3) {
-            lineBuf[availChars - 3] = '.';
-            lineBuf[availChars - 2] = '.';
-            lineBuf[availChars - 1] = '.';
-            lineBuf[availChars] = '\0';
-          } else {
-            lineBuf[availChars] = '\0';
-          }
-        }
-
         // Append file type tag
         snprintf(fullLine, sizeof(fullLine), "%s [%s]", lineBuf, fe.fileType.c_str());
       }
 
-      display.setCursor(2, y);
-      display.print(fullLine);
+      // Pixel-aware ellipsis — reserve space for bookmark indicator
+      int reserveRight = (!fe.isDir && fe.hasBookmark) ? 10 : 2;
+      display.drawTextEllipsized(2, y, display.width() - reserveRight, fullLine);
 
       // Bookmark indicator (right-aligned, files only)
       if (!fe.isDir && fe.hasBookmark) {
@@ -1464,8 +1440,8 @@ private:
   }
 
 public:
-  AudiobookPlayerScreen(UITask* task, Audio* audio)
-    : _task(task), _audio(audio), _mode(FILE_LIST),
+  AudiobookPlayerScreen(UITask* task, Audio* audio, NodePrefs* prefs = nullptr)
+    : _task(task), _prefs(prefs), _audio(audio), _mode(FILE_LIST),
       _sdReady(false), _i2sInitialized(false), _dacPowered(false),
       _displayRef(nullptr),
       _selectedFile(0), _scrollOffset(0),
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/ChannelScreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/ChannelScreen.h
index 9465978b..5772e64e 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/ChannelScreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/ChannelScreen.h
@@ -637,8 +637,8 @@ public:
       }
 
       // Render inbox list
-      display.setTextSize(0);
-      int lineH = 9;
+      display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+      int lineH = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
       int headerH = 14;
       int footerH = 14;
       int maxY = display.height() - footerH;
@@ -672,7 +672,7 @@ public:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
             display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineH);
 #else
-            display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineH);
+            display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineH);
 #endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
@@ -745,8 +745,8 @@ public:
     
     // --- Path detail overlay ---
     if (_showPathOverlay) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
-      int lineH = 9;
+      display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+      int lineH = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
       int y = 14;
       
       ChannelMessage* msg = getNewestReceivedMsg();
@@ -942,7 +942,7 @@ public:
     }
     
     if (channelMsgCount == 0) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);  // Tiny font for body text
+      display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());  // Tiny font for body text
       display.setCursor(0, 20);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       if (_viewChannelIdx == 0xFF) {
@@ -975,8 +975,8 @@ public:
       // =================================================================
       // DM Inbox: list of contacts/rooms you have DM history with
       // =================================================================
-      display.setTextSize(0);
-      int lineHeight = 9;
+      display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+      int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
       int headerHeight = 14;
       int footerHeight = 14;
       int maxY = display.height() - footerHeight;
@@ -1056,7 +1056,7 @@ public:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
             display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
 #else
-            display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+            display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineHeight);
 #endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
@@ -1094,8 +1094,8 @@ public:
       }
       display.setTextSize(1);
     } else {
-      display.setTextSize(0);  // Tiny font for message body
-      int lineHeight = 9;   // 8px font + 1px spacing
+      display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());  // Tiny font for message body
+      int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();   // 8px font + 1px spacing
       int headerHeight = 14;
       int footerHeight = 14;
       int scrollBarW = 4;   // Width of scroll indicator on right edge
@@ -1163,7 +1163,7 @@ public:
           #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, maxFillH);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, maxFillH);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), contentW, maxFillH);
 #endif
         }
         
@@ -1324,7 +1324,7 @@ public:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
             display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, maxFillH - usedH);
 #else
-            display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, maxFillH - usedH);
+            display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), contentW, maxFillH - usedH);
 #endif
           }
         }
@@ -1646,7 +1646,26 @@ public:
           }
         }
       } else if (_viewChannelIdx > 0) {
-        _viewChannelIdx--;
+        // Skip backwards over any empty/gap slots
+        uint8_t prev = _viewChannelIdx - 1;
+        bool found = false;
+        while (true) {
+          ChannelDetails ch;
+          if (the_mesh.getChannel(prev, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
+            _viewChannelIdx = prev;
+            found = true;
+            break;
+          }
+          if (prev == 0) break;
+          prev--;
+        }
+        if (!found) {
+          // No valid channel below → wrap to DM tab
+          _viewChannelIdx = 0xFF;
+          _dmInboxMode = true;
+          _dmInboxScroll = 0;
+          _dmFilterName[0] = '\0';
+        }
       } else {
         // Channel 0 → wrap to DM tab
         _viewChannelIdx = 0xFF;
@@ -1667,11 +1686,17 @@ public:
         // DM tab → wrap to channel 0
         _viewChannelIdx = 0;
       } else {
-        ChannelDetails ch;
-        uint8_t nextIdx = _viewChannelIdx + 1;
-        if (the_mesh.getChannel(nextIdx, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
-          _viewChannelIdx = nextIdx;
-        } else {
+        // Skip forward over any empty/gap slots
+        bool found = false;
+        for (uint8_t next = _viewChannelIdx + 1; next < MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS; next++) {
+          ChannelDetails ch;
+          if (the_mesh.getChannel(next, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
+            _viewChannelIdx = next;
+            found = true;
+            break;
+          }
+        }
+        if (!found) {
           // Past last channel → go to DM tab
           _viewChannelIdx = 0xFF;
           _dmInboxMode = true;
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Contactsscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Contactsscreen.h
index 6b791470..50b62f78 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Contactsscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Contactsscreen.h
@@ -162,11 +162,11 @@ public:
   // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
   int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
     if (_filteredCount == 0) return 0;
-    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     const int bodyTop = headerH;
 #else
-    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff();
 #endif
     if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
 
@@ -235,8 +235,8 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     // === Body - contact rows ===
-    display.setTextSize(0);  // tiny font for compact rows
-    int lineHeight = 9;      // 8px font + 1px gap
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());  // tiny font for compact rows
+    int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();      // 8px font + 1px gap
     int headerHeight = 14;
     int footerHeight = 14;
     int maxY = display.height() - footerHeight;
@@ -275,7 +275,7 @@ public:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineHeight);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Discoveryscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Discoveryscreen.h
index 1fc87e8d..b7c37e77 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Discoveryscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Discoveryscreen.h
@@ -49,11 +49,11 @@ public:
   int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
     int count = the_mesh.getDiscoveredCount();
     if (count == 0) return 0;
-    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     const int bodyTop = headerH;
 #else
-    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff();
 #endif
     if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
 
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     // === Body — discovered node rows ===
-    display.setTextSize(0);  // tiny font for compact rows
-    int lineHeight = 9;
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());  // tiny font for compact rows
+    int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
     int headerHeight = 14;
     int footerHeight = 14;
     int maxY = display.height() - footerHeight;
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ public:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineHeight);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Lastheardscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Lastheardscreen.h
index c6902931..1977e423 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Lastheardscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Lastheardscreen.h
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ public:
   // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
   int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
     if (_count == 0) return 0;
-    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     const int bodyTop = headerH;
 #else
-    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff();
 #endif
     if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
 
@@ -117,8 +117,8 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     // === Body — node rows ===
-    display.setTextSize(0);
-    int lineHeight = 9;
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+    int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
     int headerHeight = 14;
     int footerHeight = 14;
     int maxY = display.height() - footerHeight;
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ public:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineHeight);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Notesscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Notesscreen.h
index 05a62972..15e5d903 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Notesscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Notesscreen.h
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 #include <SD.h>
 #include <vector>
 #include "Utf8CP437.h"
+#include "../NodePrefs.h"
 
 // Forward declarations
 class UITask;
@@ -52,9 +53,11 @@ public:
 
 private:
   UITask* _task;
+  NodePrefs* _prefs;
   Mode _mode;
   bool _sdReady;
   bool _initialized;
+  uint8_t _lastFontPref;
   DisplayDriver* _display;
 
   // Display layout (calculated once from display metrics)
@@ -518,8 +521,8 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     // File list with "+ New Note" at index 0
-    display.setTextSize(0);
-    int listLineH = 9;   // Match contacts/discovery for consistent selection highlight
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
+    int listLineH = _prefs->smallLineH();
     int startY = 14;
     int totalItems = 1 + (int)_fileList.size();
     int maxVisible = (display.height() - startY - _footerHeight) / listLineH;
@@ -539,27 +542,21 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
         display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), listLineH);
 #else
-        display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), listLineH);
+        display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), listLineH);
 #endif
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       }
 
-      display.setCursor(0, y);
-
       if (i == 0) {
         display.setColor(selected ? DisplayDriver::DARK : DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-        display.print(selected ? "> + New Note" : "  + New Note");
+        display.drawTextEllipsized(0, y, display.width() - 4,
+                                   selected ? "> + New Note" : "  + New Note");
       } else {
         String line = selected ? "> " : "  ";
-        String name = _fileList[i - 1];
-        int maxLen = _charsPerLine - 4;
-        if ((int)name.length() > maxLen) {
-          name = name.substring(0, maxLen - 3) + "...";
-        }
-        line += name;
-        display.print(line.c_str());
+        line += _fileList[i - 1];
+        display.drawTextEllipsized(0, y, display.width() - 4, line.c_str());
       }
       y += listLineH;
     }
@@ -605,7 +602,7 @@ private:
     }
 
     // Render current page using tiny font
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
 
     int pageStart = _pageOffsets[_currentPage];
@@ -722,7 +719,7 @@ private:
     int textAreaTop = 14;
     int textAreaBottom = display.height() - 16;
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
 
     // Find cursor line
     int cursorLine = lineForPos(_cursorPos);
@@ -771,7 +768,7 @@ private:
 
     // If buffer is empty, show cursor at top
     if (_bufLen == 0) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
       display.setCursor(0, textAreaTop);
       display.print("|");
@@ -829,7 +826,7 @@ private:
     display.setCursor(0, 20);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.print("From: ");
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     String origDisplay = _renameOriginal;
     if (origDisplay.length() > 30) origDisplay = origDisplay.substring(0, 27) + "...";
     display.print(origDisplay.c_str());
@@ -840,7 +837,7 @@ private:
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.print("To:   ");
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
     char displayName[NOTES_RENAME_MAX + 2];
     snprintf(displayName, sizeof(displayName), "%s|", _renameBuf);
@@ -880,7 +877,7 @@ private:
     display.setCursor(0, 25);
     display.print("File:");
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setCursor(0, 38);
     String nameDisplay = _deleteTarget;
     if (nameDisplay.length() > 35) nameDisplay = nameDisplay.substring(0, 32) + "...";
@@ -1096,9 +1093,9 @@ private:
   }
 
 public:
-  NotesScreen(UITask* task)
-    : _task(task), _mode(FILE_LIST),
-      _sdReady(false), _initialized(false), _display(nullptr),
+  NotesScreen(UITask* task, NodePrefs* prefs = nullptr)
+    : _task(task), _prefs(prefs), _mode(FILE_LIST),
+      _sdReady(false), _initialized(false), _lastFontPref(0), _display(nullptr),
       _charsPerLine(38), _linesPerPage(22), _lineHeight(5), _footerHeight(14),
       _editCharsPerLine(20), _editLineHeight(12), _editMaxLines(8),
       _selectedFile(0), _buf(nullptr), _bufLen(0), _cursorPos(0),
@@ -1133,15 +1130,31 @@ public:
   // ---- Layout Init ----
 
   void initLayout(DisplayDriver& display) {
+    // Re-init if font preference changed since last layout
+    uint8_t curFont = _prefs ? _prefs->large_font : 0;
+    if (_initialized && curFont != _lastFontPref) {
+      _initialized = false;
+      Serial.println("Notes: font changed, recalculating layout");
+    }
     if (_initialized) return;
+    _lastFontPref = curFont;
     _display = &display;
 
-    // Tiny font metrics (for read mode)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    // Font metrics (for read mode)
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     uint16_t tenCharsW = display.getTextWidth("MMMMMMMMMM");
     if (tenCharsW > 0) {
       _charsPerLine = (display.width() * 10) / tenCharsW;
     }
+    // Proportional font: use average-width measurement instead of M-width
+    if (_prefs && _prefs->large_font) {
+      const char* sample = "the quick brown fox jumps over lazy dog";
+      uint16_t sampleW = display.getTextWidth(sample);
+      int sampleLen = strlen(sample);
+      if (sampleW > 0 && sampleLen > 0) {
+        _charsPerLine = (display.width() * sampleLen * 70) / ((int)sampleW * 100);
+      }
+    }
     if (_charsPerLine < 15) _charsPerLine = 15;
     if (_charsPerLine > 60) _charsPerLine = 60;
 
@@ -1151,6 +1164,10 @@ public:
     } else {
       _lineHeight = 5;
     }
+    // Large font: formula above assumes built-in 6x8 ratio — too small for 9pt
+    if (_prefs && _prefs->large_font) {
+      _lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH();
+    }
 
     _footerHeight = 14;
     int textAreaHeight = display.height() - _footerHeight;
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Repeateradminscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Repeateradminscreen.h
index 41c37ef4..f652110b 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Repeateradminscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Repeateradminscreen.h
@@ -777,8 +777,8 @@ private:
   // =====================================================================
 
   void renderCategoryMenu(DisplayDriver& display, int y, int bodyHeight) {
-    display.setTextSize(0);
-    int lineHeight = 9;
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+    int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
 
     // Clock drift info line
     if (_serverTime > 0) {
@@ -862,8 +862,8 @@ private:
   // =====================================================================
 
   void renderCommandMenu(DisplayDriver& display, int y, int bodyHeight) {
-    display.setTextSize(0);
-    int lineHeight = 9;
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+    int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
     const AdminCategoryDef& cat = CATEGORIES[_catSel];
 
     // Category title
@@ -1025,7 +1025,7 @@ private:
     if (_pendingCmd) display.print(_pendingCmd->label);
 
     y += 14;
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
     display.setCursor(0, y);
 
     // Show the param value if one was collected
@@ -1033,7 +1033,7 @@ private:
       char preview[80];
       snprintf(preview, sizeof(preview), "Value: %s", _paramBuf);
       display.print(preview);
-      y += 10;
+      y += the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH() + 1;
       display.setCursor(0, y);
     }
 
@@ -1071,8 +1071,8 @@ private:
   // =====================================================================
 
   void renderResponse(DisplayDriver& display, int y, int bodyHeight) {
-    display.setTextSize(0);
-    int lineHeight = 9;
+    display.setTextSize(the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallTextSize());
+    int lineHeight = the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallLineH();
 
     display.setColor((_state == STATE_ERROR) ? DisplayDriver::YELLOW : DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
 
@@ -1166,7 +1166,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
       display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
 #else
-      display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+      display.fillRect(0, y + the_mesh.getNodePrefs()->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineHeight);
 #endif
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
     } else if (warn) {
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/SMSScreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/SMSScreen.h
index e69b3c7b..6c0440f9 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/SMSScreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/SMSScreen.h
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
 #include "ModemManager.h"
 #include "SMSStore.h"
 #include "SMSContacts.h"
+#include "../NodePrefs.h"
 
 // Limits
 #define SMS_INBOX_PAGE_SIZE     4
@@ -51,6 +52,7 @@ public:
 
 private:
   UITask* _task;
+  NodePrefs* _prefs;
   SubView _view;
 
   // App menu state
@@ -117,8 +119,8 @@ private:
   }
 
 public:
-  SMSScreen(UITask* task)
-    : _task(task), _view(APP_MENU)
+  SMSScreen(UITask* task, NodePrefs* prefs = nullptr)
+    : _task(task), _prefs(prefs), _view(APP_MENU)
     , _menuCursor(0)
     , _convCount(0), _inboxCursor(0), _inboxScrollTop(0)
     , _msgCount(0), _msgScrollPos(0)
@@ -276,7 +278,7 @@ public:
 
     // Show modem state text if not ready
     if (ms != ModemState::READY && ms != ModemState::SENDING_SMS) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
       const char* label = ModemManager::stateToString(ms);
       uint16_t labelW = display.getTextWidth(label);
@@ -356,7 +358,7 @@ public:
 
     // Modem status indicator 
     ModemState ms = modemManager.getState();
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setCursor(4, y + lineHeight + 8);
     if (ms == ModemState::OFF || ms == ModemState::POWERING_ON || 
         ms == ModemState::INITIALIZING) {
@@ -483,7 +485,7 @@ public:
         bool isAction = (row == 4);  // Bottom row has action buttons
 
         if (isAction) {
-          display.setTextSize(0);
+          display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
           if (col == 2 && _phoneInputPos > 0) {
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);  // CALL
           } else if (col == 1) {
@@ -544,7 +546,7 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     if (_convCount == 0) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.setCursor(0, 20);
       display.print("No conversations");
@@ -560,8 +562,8 @@ public:
       }
       display.setTextSize(1);
     } else {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
-      int lineHeight = 10;
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
+      int lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
       int y = 14;
 
       int visibleCount = (display.height() - 14 - 14) / (lineHeight * 2 + 2);
@@ -643,14 +645,14 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     if (_msgCount == 0) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.setCursor(0, 25);
       display.print("No messages");
       display.setTextSize(1);
     } else {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
-      int lineHeight = 10;
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
+      int lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
       int headerHeight = 14;
       int footerHeight = 14;
 
@@ -764,12 +766,13 @@ public:
       // Message body
       display.setCursor(0, 14);
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
 
       uint16_t testWidth = display.getTextWidth("MMMMMMMMMM");
       int charsPerLine = (testWidth > 0) ? (display.width() * 10) / testWidth : 20;
       if (charsPerLine < 12) charsPerLine = 12;
 
+      int composeLH = _prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
       int y = 14;
       int x = 0;
       char cs[2] = {0, 0};
@@ -780,7 +783,7 @@ public:
         x++;
         if (x >= charsPerLine) {
           x = 0;
-          y += 10;
+          y += composeLH;
         }
       }
 
@@ -827,7 +830,7 @@ public:
     int cnt = smsContacts.count();
 
     if (cnt == 0) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.setCursor(0, 25);
       display.print("No contacts saved");
@@ -837,8 +840,8 @@ public:
       display.print("and press A to add");
       display.setTextSize(1);
     } else {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
-      int lineHeight = 10;
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
+      int lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
       int y = 14;
 
       int visibleCount = (display.height() - 14 - 14) / (lineHeight * 2 + 2);
@@ -900,7 +903,7 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     // Phone number (read-only)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.setCursor(0, 16);
     display.print("Phone: ");
@@ -956,7 +959,7 @@ public:
     display.print(dispName);
 
     // Phone number below name (smaller, dimmer)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.setCursor(4, 36);
     display.print(_callPhone);
@@ -1011,7 +1014,7 @@ public:
     display.print(dispName);
 
     // Phone number below name (smaller, dimmer)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.setCursor(4, 36);
     display.print(_callPhone);
@@ -1070,7 +1073,7 @@ public:
     display.print(dispName);
 
     // Phone number below name (smaller, dimmer)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.setCursor(4, 36);
     display.print(_callPhone);
@@ -1090,7 +1093,7 @@ public:
     display.print(timeBuf);
 
     // Volume (left-aligned)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     char volLabel[12];
     snprintf(volLabel, sizeof(volLabel), "Vol: %d/5", _callVolume);
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Settingsscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Settingsscreen.h
index 14327cbd..7acc3d69 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Settingsscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Settingsscreen.h
@@ -112,6 +112,7 @@ enum SettingsRowType : uint8_t {
   ROW_UTC_OFFSET,     // UTC offset (-12 to +14)
   ROW_MSG_NOTIFY,     // Keyboard flash on new msg toggle
   ROW_DARK_MODE,      // Dark mode toggle (inverted display)
+  ROW_LARGE_FONT,     // Font size toggle: 0=tiny (default), 1=larger
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
   ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE,  // Portrait orientation toggle
 #endif
@@ -352,12 +353,12 @@ private:
       }
     } else if (_subScreen == SUB_CHANNELS) {
       // --- Channels sub-screen: only channel-related rows ---
+      // Scan ALL slots — companion app may write non-contiguously, and
+      // gaps can appear after channel deletion if compaction is incomplete.
       for (uint8_t i = 0; i < MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS; i++) {
         ChannelDetails ch;
         if (the_mesh.getChannel(i, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
           addRow(ROW_CHANNEL, i);
-        } else {
-          break;
         }
       }
       addRow(ROW_ADD_CHANNEL);
@@ -375,6 +376,7 @@ private:
       addRow(ROW_GPS_BAUD);
       addRow(ROW_PATH_HASH_SIZE);
       addRow(ROW_DARK_MODE);
+      addRow(ROW_LARGE_FONT);
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
       addRow(ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE);
 #endif
@@ -504,14 +506,12 @@ private:
     ChannelDetails empty;
     memset(&empty, 0, sizeof(empty));
 
-    // Find total channel count
+    // Find highest used channel slot (scan all — gaps may exist)
     int total = 0;
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i < MAX_GROUP_CHANNELS; i++) {
       ChannelDetails ch;
       if (the_mesh.getChannel(i, ch) && ch.name[0] != '\0') {
         total = i + 1;
-      } else {
-        break;
       }
     }
 
@@ -606,13 +606,13 @@ public:
   // and move cursor there. Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved to new row, 2=tapped current row.
   int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
     if (_editMode != EDIT_NONE) return 0;  // Don't change cursor while editing
-    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = 9;
-    // T-Deck Pro render offsets fillRect by +5 (GxEPD baseline compensation),
-    // so visual rows start 5 units below headerH. T5S3 renders at y directly.
+    const int headerH = 14, footerH = 14, lineH = _prefs->smallLineH();
+    // bodyTop must match where the visual rows start (highlight bar position).
+    // T5S3 renders highlight at y directly. T-Deck Pro offsets by smallHighlightOff().
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     const int bodyTop = headerH;
 #else
-    const int bodyTop = headerH + 5;
+    const int bodyTop = headerH + _prefs->smallHighlightOff();
 #endif
     if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;  // Outside body area
 
@@ -979,7 +979,7 @@ public:
         display.fillRect(2, 14, display.width() - 4, display.height() - 28);
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
         display.drawRect(2, 14, display.width() - 4, display.height() - 28);
-        display.setTextSize(0);
+        display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, 22, "Flashing Firmware");
         snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "%d / %d KB", (int)(totalWritten / 1024), (int)(fileSize / 1024));
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, 42, tmp);
@@ -1053,7 +1053,7 @@ public:
     display.fillRect(2, 14, display.width() - 4, display.height() - 28);
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.drawRect(2, 14, display.width() - 4, display.height() - 28);
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
     display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, 30, "Update Complete!");
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -1133,8 +1133,8 @@ public:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     // === Body ===
-    display.setTextSize(0);  // tiny font
-    int lineHeight = 9;
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());  // tiny font
+    int lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH();
     int headerH = 14;
     int footerH = 14;
     int maxY = display.height() - footerH;
@@ -1159,7 +1159,7 @@ public:
         // Highlight needs to start above the baseline to cover ascenders.
         display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), lineHeight);
 #else
-        display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), lineHeight);
+        display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), lineHeight);
 #endif
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
       } else {
@@ -1252,7 +1252,7 @@ public:
           break;
 
         case ROW_MSG_NOTIFY:
-          snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Msg Rcvd LED Light Pulse: %s",
+          snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Msg LED Flash: %s",
                    _prefs->kb_flash_notify ? "ON" : "OFF");
           display.print(tmp);
           break;
@@ -1285,6 +1285,12 @@ public:
           display.print(tmp);
           break;
 
+        case ROW_LARGE_FONT:
+          snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Font Size: %s",
+                   _prefs->large_font ? "LARGER" : "TINY");
+          display.print(tmp);
+          break;
+
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
         case ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE:
           snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Portrait Mode: %s",
@@ -1525,7 +1531,7 @@ public:
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.drawRect(bx, by, bw, bh);
 
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       if (_confirmAction == 1) {
         uint8_t chIdx = _rows[_cursor].param;
         ChannelDetails ch;
@@ -1553,7 +1559,7 @@ public:
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.drawRect(bx, by, bw, bh);
 
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       int wy = by + 4;
 
       if (_wifiPhase == WIFI_PHASE_SCANNING) {
@@ -1639,7 +1645,7 @@ public:
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.drawRect(bx, by, bw, bh);
 
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       int oy = by + 4;
 
       if (_otaPhase == OTA_PHASE_CONFIRM) {
@@ -2330,6 +2336,12 @@ public:
           Serial.printf("Settings: Dark mode = %s\n",
                         _prefs->dark_mode ? "ON" : "OFF");
           break;
+        case ROW_LARGE_FONT:
+          _prefs->large_font = _prefs->large_font ? 0 : 1;
+          the_mesh.savePrefs();
+          Serial.printf("Settings: Font size = %s\n",
+                        _prefs->large_font ? "LARGER" : "TINY");
+          break;
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
         case ROW_PORTRAIT_MODE:
           _prefs->portrait_mode = _prefs->portrait_mode ? 0 : 1;
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Textreaderscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Textreaderscreen.h
index 69902e92..1b0fbd66 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Textreaderscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Textreaderscreen.h
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #include <vector>
 #include "Utf8CP437.h"
 #include "EpubProcessor.h"
+#include "../NodePrefs.h"
 
 // Forward declarations
 class UITask;
@@ -327,12 +328,13 @@ inline int indexPagesWordWrap(File& file, long startPos,
 inline int indexPagesWordWrapPixel(File& file, long startPos,
                                     std::vector<long>& pagePositions,
                                     int linesPerPage, int maxChars,
-                                    DisplayDriver* display, int maxPages) {
+                                    DisplayDriver* display, int maxPages,
+                                    NodePrefs* prefs = nullptr) {
   const int BUF_SIZE = READER_BUF_SIZE;  // Match page buffer to avoid chunk boundary wrap mismatches
   char buffer[BUF_SIZE];
 
   // Ensure body font is active for pixel measurement
-  display->setTextSize(0);
+  display->setTextSize(prefs ? prefs->smallTextSize() : 0);
 
   file.seek(startPos);
   int pagesAdded = 0;
@@ -396,9 +398,11 @@ public:
 
 private:
   UITask* _task;
+  NodePrefs* _prefs;
   Mode _mode;
   bool _sdReady;
   bool _initialized;       // Layout metrics calculated
+  uint8_t _lastFontPref;   // Font preference at last layout init (detect changes)
   bool _bootIndexed;       // Boot-time pre-indexing done
   DisplayDriver* _display; // Stored reference for splash screens
 
@@ -1084,8 +1088,8 @@ private:
       display.setCursor(0, 42);
       display.print("/books/ on SD card");
     } else {
-      display.setTextSize(0);  // Tiny font for file list
-      int listLineH = 8;  // Approximate tiny font line height in virtual coords
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());  // Tiny font for file list
+      int listLineH = _prefs->smallLineH();
       int startY = 14;
       int maxVisible = (display.height() - startY - _footerHeight) / listLineH;
       if (maxVisible < 3) maxVisible = 3;
@@ -1106,7 +1110,7 @@ private:
 #else
           // setCursor adds +5 to y internally, but fillRect does not.
           // Offset fillRect by +5 to align highlight bar with text.
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), listLineH);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), listLineH);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
@@ -1114,8 +1118,6 @@ private:
         }
 
         // Set cursor AFTER fillRect so text draws on top of highlight
-        display.setCursor(0, y);
-
         int type = itemTypeAt(i);
         String line = selected ? "> " : "  ";
 
@@ -1125,10 +1127,6 @@ private:
         } else if (type == 1) {
           // Subdirectory
           line += "/" + dirNameAt(i);
-          // Truncate if needed
-          if ((int)line.length() > _charsPerLine) {
-            line = line.substring(0, _charsPerLine - 3) + "...";
-          }
         } else {
           // File
           int fi = fileIndexAt(i);
@@ -1141,16 +1139,11 @@ private:
               suffix = " *";
             }
           }
-
-          // Truncate if needed
-          int maxLen = _charsPerLine - 4 - suffix.length();
-          if ((int)name.length() > maxLen) {
-            name = name.substring(0, maxLen - 3) + "...";
-          }
           line += name + suffix;
         }
 
-        display.print(line.c_str());
+        // Pixel-aware ellipsis — small margin prevents GxEPD edge wrapping
+        display.drawTextEllipsized(0, y, display.width() - 4, line.c_str());
         y += listLineH;
       }
       display.setTextSize(1);  // Restore
@@ -1163,7 +1156,7 @@ private:
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
 
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, footerY, "Swipe: Scroll   Tap: Open   Boot: home");
 #else
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
@@ -1177,7 +1170,7 @@ private:
 
   void renderPage(DisplayDriver& display) {
     // Use tiny font for maximum text density
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
 
     int y = 0;
@@ -1270,7 +1263,7 @@ private:
     }
 
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setCursor(0, footerY);
     display.print(status);
     const char* right = "Swipe:Page  Tap:GoTo  Hold:Close";
@@ -1287,8 +1280,8 @@ private:
   }
 
 public:
-  TextReaderScreen(UITask* task)
-    : _task(task), _mode(FILE_LIST), _sdReady(false), _initialized(false),
+  TextReaderScreen(UITask* task, NodePrefs* prefs = nullptr)
+    : _task(task), _prefs(prefs), _mode(FILE_LIST), _sdReady(false), _initialized(false), _lastFontPref(0),
       _bootIndexed(false), _display(nullptr),
       _charsPerLine(38), _linesPerPage(22), _lineHeight(5),
       _textAreaHeight(100), _headerHeight(14), _footerHeight(14),
@@ -1313,16 +1306,24 @@ public:
 
   // Call once after display is available to calculate layout metrics
   void initLayout(DisplayDriver& display) {
+    // Re-init if font preference changed since last layout
+    uint8_t curFont = _prefs ? _prefs->large_font : 0;
+    if (_initialized && curFont != _lastFontPref) {
+      _initialized = false;
+      Serial.println("TextReader: font changed, recalculating layout");
+    }
     if (_initialized) return;
+    _lastFontPref = curFont;
 
     // Store display reference for splash screens during openBook
     _display = &display;
 
     // Measure tiny font metrics using the display driver
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
 
-    // Measure character width: use 10 M's for monospace (T-Deck Pro).
-    // T5S3 overrides this below with average-width measurement.
+    // Measure character width: use 10 M's for monospace (T-Deck Pro tiny font).
+    // Proportional fonts (T5S3 and T-Deck Pro large_font) override below with
+    // average-width measurement since M is the widest glyph (~40% wider than average).
     uint16_t tenCharsW = display.getTextWidth("MMMMMMMMMM");
     if (tenCharsW > 0) {
       _charsPerLine = (display.width() * 10) / tenCharsW;
@@ -1343,6 +1344,15 @@ public:
     if (_charsPerLine < 15) _charsPerLine = 15;
     if (_charsPerLine > 80) _charsPerLine = 80;
 #else
+    // T-Deck Pro: large_font uses FreeSans9pt (proportional) — same fix
+    if (_prefs && _prefs->large_font) {
+      const char* sample = "the quick brown fox jumps over lazy dog";
+      uint16_t sampleW = display.getTextWidth(sample);
+      int sampleLen = strlen(sample);
+      if (sampleW > 0 && sampleLen > 0) {
+        _charsPerLine = (display.width() * sampleLen * 70) / ((int)sampleW * 100);
+      }
+    }
     if (_charsPerLine < 15) _charsPerLine = 15;
     if (_charsPerLine > 60) _charsPerLine = 60;
 #endif
@@ -1362,13 +1372,17 @@ public:
 
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     // T5S3 uses FreeSans12pt/FreeSerif12pt for size 0 (yAdvance=29px).
-    // Line height in virtual coords depends on orientation:
-    //   Landscape: 29px / scale_y(4.22) ≈ 7 + 1 spacing = 8
-    //   Portrait:  29px / scale_y(7.50) ≈ 4 + 1 spacing = 5
     {
       extern DISPLAY_CLASS display;
       _lineHeight = display.isPortraitMode() ? 5 : 8;
     }
+#else
+    // T-Deck Pro large_font uses FreeSans9pt (yAdvance=22px at scale 1.5625×).
+    // The 6x8 formula above gives ~5-7 which is way too small — lines overlap.
+    // Use smallLineH() which is already tuned for this font.
+    if (_prefs && _prefs->large_font) {
+      _lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH();
+    }
 #endif
 
     _headerHeight = 0;  // No header in reading mode (maximize text area)
@@ -1574,11 +1588,12 @@ public:
   // Returns: 0=miss, 1=moved, 2=tapped current row.
   int selectRowAtVY(int vy) {
     if (_mode != FILE_LIST) return 0;
-    const int startY = 14, footerH = 14, listLineH = 8;
+    const int startY = 14, footerH = 14;
+    const int listLineH = _prefs ? _prefs->smallLineH() : 9;
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     const int bodyTop = startY;
 #else
-    const int bodyTop = startY + 5;  // GxEPD baseline offset
+    const int bodyTop = startY + (_prefs ? _prefs->smallHighlightOff() : 5);
 #endif
     if (vy < bodyTop || vy >= 128 - footerH) return 0;
 
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.cpp b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.cpp
index 2aa0abb6..e58948d7 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.cpp
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.cpp
@@ -159,7 +159,7 @@ void renderBatteryIndicator(DisplayDriver& display, uint16_t batteryMilliVolts,
     }
 
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
 
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
     // T5S3: text-only battery indicator — "Batt 99% 4.1v"
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ void renderBatteryIndicator(DisplayDriver& display, uint16_t batteryMilliVolts,
     display.print(battStr);
     display.setTextSize(1);  // restore default text size
 #else
-    // T-Deck Pro: icon + percentage text
+    // T-Deck Pro: icon + percentage text (icon hidden in large font)
     int iconWidth = 16;
     int iconHeight = 6;
     int iconY = 0;
@@ -184,26 +184,35 @@ void renderBatteryIndicator(DisplayDriver& display, uint16_t batteryMilliVolts,
     sprintf(pctStr, "%d%%", batteryPercentage);
     uint16_t textWidth = display.getTextWidth(pctStr);
 
-    // layout: [icon][cap 2px][gap 2px][text][margin 2px]
-    int totalWidth = iconWidth + 2 + 2 + textWidth + 2;
-    int iconX = display.width() - totalWidth;
+    if (_node_prefs->large_font) {
+      // Large font: text only — no room for icon in header
+      int textX = display.width() - textWidth - 2;
+      if (outIconX) *outIconX = textX;
+      display.setCursor(textX, textY);
+      display.print(pctStr);
+    } else {
+      // Tiny font: icon + text
+      // layout: [icon][cap 2px][gap 2px][text][margin 2px]
+      int totalWidth = iconWidth + 2 + 2 + textWidth + 2;
+      int iconX = display.width() - totalWidth;
 
-    if (outIconX) *outIconX = iconX;
+      if (outIconX) *outIconX = iconX;
 
-    // battery outline
-    display.drawRect(iconX, iconY, iconWidth, iconHeight);
+      // battery outline
+      display.drawRect(iconX, iconY, iconWidth, iconHeight);
 
-    // battery "cap"
-    display.fillRect(iconX + iconWidth, iconY + (iconHeight / 4), 2, iconHeight / 2);
+      // battery "cap"
+      display.fillRect(iconX + iconWidth, iconY + (iconHeight / 4), 2, iconHeight / 2);
 
-    // fill the battery based on the percentage
-    int fillWidth = (batteryPercentage * (iconWidth - 4)) / 100;
-    display.fillRect(iconX + 2, iconY + 2, fillWidth, iconHeight - 4);
+      // fill the battery based on the percentage
+      int fillWidth = (batteryPercentage * (iconWidth - 4)) / 100;
+      display.fillRect(iconX + 2, iconY + 2, fillWidth, iconHeight - 4);
 
-    // draw percentage text after the battery cap
-    int textX = iconX + iconWidth + 2 + 2;  // after cap + gap
-    display.setCursor(textX, textY);
-    display.print(pctStr);
+      // draw percentage text after the battery cap
+      int textX = iconX + iconWidth + 2 + 2;  // after cap + gap
+      display.setCursor(textX, textY);
+      display.print(pctStr);
+    }
     display.setTextSize(1);  // restore default text size
 #endif
   }
@@ -218,7 +227,7 @@ void renderBatteryIndicator(DisplayDriver& display, uint16_t batteryMilliVolts,
     if (!_task->isAudioPlayingInBackground()) return;
 
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-    display.setTextSize(0); // tiny font (same as clock & battery %)
+    display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize()); // tiny font (same as clock & battery %)
     int x = batteryLeftX - display.getTextWidth(">>") - 2;
     display.setCursor(x, -3); // align vertically with battery text
     display.print(">>");
@@ -235,7 +244,7 @@ void renderBatteryIndicator(DisplayDriver& display, uint16_t batteryMilliVolts,
     // Calculate X: shift left past audio indicator if it's showing
     int rightEdge = batteryLeftX;
     if (_task->isAudioPlayingInBackground()) {
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
       rightEdge = rightEdge - display.getTextWidth(">>") - 2;
     }
 
@@ -298,7 +307,7 @@ public:
     _task->setHomeShowingTiles(false);  // Reset — only set true on FIRST page
 #endif
     // node name (tinyfont to avoid overlapping clock)
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
     char filtered_name[sizeof(_node_prefs->node_name)];
     display.translateUTF8ToBlocks(filtered_name, _node_prefs->node_name, sizeof(filtered_name));
@@ -312,7 +321,7 @@ public:
     display.setCursor(0, HOME_HDR_Y);
     display.print(filtered_name);
 
-    // battery voltage
+    // battery voltage + status icons
 #ifdef MECK_AUDIO_VARIANT
     int battLeftX = display.width(); // default if battery doesn't render
     renderBatteryIndicator(display, _task->getBattMilliVolts(), &battLeftX);
@@ -326,7 +335,7 @@ public:
     renderBatteryIndicator(display, _task->getBattMilliVolts());
 #endif
 
-    // centered clock (tinyfont) - only show when time is valid
+    // centered clock — only show when time is valid
     {
       uint32_t now = _rtc->getCurrentTime();
       if (now > 1700000000) {  // valid timestamp (after ~Nov 2023)
@@ -340,11 +349,14 @@ public:
         char timeBuf[6];
         sprintf(timeBuf, "%02d:%02d", hrs, mins);
 
-        display.setTextSize(0);  // tinyfont
+        display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
         uint16_t tw = display.getTextWidth(timeBuf);
         int clockX = (display.width() - tw) / 2;
-        display.setCursor(clockX, HOME_HDR_Y);  // align with node name Y
+        // Ensure clock doesn't overlap the node name
+        int nameRight = display.getTextWidth(filtered_name) + 4;
+        if (clockX < nameRight) clockX = nameRight;
+        display.setCursor(clockX, HOME_HDR_Y);
         display.print(timeBuf);
         display.setTextSize(1);  // restore
       }
@@ -387,17 +399,17 @@ public:
         IPAddress ip = WiFi.localIP();
         if (ip != IPAddress(0,0,0,0)) {
           snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "IP: %d.%d.%d.%d:%d", ip[0], ip[1], ip[2], ip[3], TCP_PORT);
-          display.setTextSize(0);  // Tiny font for IP
+          display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());  // Tiny font for IP
           display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, tmp);
-          y += 8;
+          y += _node_prefs->smallLineH() - 1;
         }
       #endif
       #if defined(BLE_PIN_CODE) || defined(WIFI_SSID) || defined(MECK_WIFI_COMPANION)
       if (_task->hasConnection()) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-        display.setTextSize(0);  // Tiny font for Connected
+        display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());  // Tiny font for Connected
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "< Connected >");
-        y += 8;  // Reduced from 12
+        y += _node_prefs->smallLineH() - 1;
 #ifdef BLE_PIN_CODE
       } else if (_task->isSerialEnabled() && the_mesh.getBLEPin() != 0) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::RED);
@@ -448,7 +460,7 @@ public:
             display.drawXbm(iconX, iconY, tiles[row][col].icon, HOME_ICON_W, HOME_ICON_H);
 
             // Label centered below icon
-            display.setTextSize(0);
+            display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
             display.drawTextCentered(tx + tileW / 2, ty + 18, tiles[row][col].label);
           }
         }
@@ -456,51 +468,99 @@ public:
         // Nav hint below grid
         y = gridY + 2 * tileH + gapY + 2;
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-        display.setTextSize(0);
+        display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "Tap tile to open");
       }
       display.setTextSize(1);
 
 #else
       // ----- T-Deck Pro: Keyboard shortcut text menu -----
-      // Menu shortcuts - tinyfont monospaced grid
-      y += 6;
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-      display.setTextSize(0);  // tinyfont 6x8 monospaced
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "Press:");
-      y += 12;
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[M] Messages    [C] Contacts  ");
-      y += 10;
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[N] Notes       [S] Settings  ");
-      y += 10;
+      display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
+      int menuLH = _node_prefs->smallLineH();
+
+      if (_node_prefs->large_font) {
+        // Proportional font: two-column layout with fixed X positions
+        y += 2;
+        int col1 = 2;
+        int col2 = display.width() / 2;
+
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[M] Messages");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[C] Contacts");
+        y += menuLH;
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[N] Notes");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[S] Settings");
+        y += menuLH;
 #if HAS_GPS
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[E] Reader      [G] Maps      ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[E] Reader");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[G] Maps");
 #else
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[E] Reader                    ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[E] Reader");
 #endif
-      y += 10;
+        y += menuLH;
 #if defined(HAS_4G_MODEM) && defined(MECK_WEB_READER)
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[T] Phone       [B] Browser   ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[T] Phone");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[B] Browser");
 #elif defined(HAS_4G_MODEM)
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[T] Phone       [F] Discover  ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[T] Phone");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[F] Discover");
 #elif defined(MECK_AUDIO_VARIANT)
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[P] Audiobooks  [K] Alarm     ");
-      y += 10;
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[P] Audio");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[K] Alarm");
+        y += menuLH;
   #ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[B] Browser     [F] Discover  ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[B] Browser");
+        display.setCursor(col2, y); display.print("[F] Discover");
   #else
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[F] Discover                  ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[F] Discover");
   #endif
 #elif defined(MECK_WEB_READER)
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[B] Browser                   ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[B] Browser");
 #else
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[F] Discover                  ");
+        display.setCursor(col1, y); display.print("[F] Discover");
 #endif
-      y += 14;
+        y += menuLH + 2;
+      } else {
+        // Monospaced built-in font: centered space-padded strings
+        y += 6;
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "Press:");
+        y += 12;
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[M] Messages    [C] Contacts  ");
+        y += 10;
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[N] Notes       [S] Settings  ");
+        y += 10;
+#if HAS_GPS
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[E] Reader      [G] Maps      ");
+#else
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[E] Reader                    ");
+#endif
+        y += 10;
+#if defined(HAS_4G_MODEM) && defined(MECK_WEB_READER)
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[T] Phone       [B] Browser   ");
+#elif defined(HAS_4G_MODEM)
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[T] Phone       [F] Discover  ");
+#elif defined(MECK_AUDIO_VARIANT)
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[P] Audiobooks  [K] Alarm     ");
+        y += 10;
+  #ifdef MECK_WEB_READER
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[B] Browser     [F] Discover  ");
+  #else
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[F] Discover                  ");
+  #endif
+#elif defined(MECK_WEB_READER)
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[B] Browser                   ");
+#else
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "[F] Discover                  ");
+#endif
+        y += 14;
+      }
 
-      // Nav hint
-      display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
-      display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y, "Press A/D to cycle home views");
+      // Nav hint (only if room)
+      if (y < display.height() - 14) {
+        display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
+        display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, y,
+          _node_prefs->large_font ? "A/D: cycle views" : "Press A/D to cycle home views");
+      }
       display.setTextSize(1);  // restore
 #endif
     } else if (_page == HomePage::RECENT) {
@@ -530,7 +590,7 @@ public:
       }
       // Hint for full Last Heard screen
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
       display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, display.height() - 24,
                                "Tap here for full Last Heard list");
@@ -600,19 +660,20 @@ public:
       display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, 18, "WiFi Companion");
 
       int wy = 36;
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
+      int wLH = _node_prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
       if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
         snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "SSID: %s", WiFi.SSID().c_str());
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, wy, tmp);
-        wy += 10;
+        wy += wLH;
         IPAddress ip = WiFi.localIP();
         snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "IP: %d.%d.%d.%d", ip[0], ip[1], ip[2], ip[3]);
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, wy, tmp);
-        wy += 10;
+        wy += wLH;
         snprintf(tmp, sizeof(tmp), "Port: %d", TCP_PORT);
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, wy, tmp);
-        wy += 12;
+        wy += wLH + 2;
         if (_task->hasConnection()) {
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
           display.setTextSize(1);
@@ -625,7 +686,7 @@ public:
       } else {
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::RED);
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, wy, "Not connected");
-        wy += 12;
+        wy += wLH + 2;
         display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, wy, "Configure in Settings");
       }
@@ -726,7 +787,7 @@ public:
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, by + 4, buf);
 
         // Show controls hint
-        display.setTextSize(0);
+        display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
         display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, by + bh - 10, "W/S:adj Enter:ok Q:cancel");
         display.setTextSize(1);
       }
@@ -1136,12 +1197,10 @@ public:
     }
 
     // ---- Unlock hint ----
-    display.setTextSize(0);
-    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
+    display.setTextSize(_node_prefs->smallTextSize());
+    display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
     display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, 120, "Hold button to unlock");
-#else
-    display.drawTextCentered(display.width() / 2, 120, "Dbl-press to unlock");
 #endif
 
     return 30000;
@@ -1227,8 +1286,8 @@ void UITask::begin(DisplayDriver* display, SensorManager* sensors, NodePrefs* no
   ((ChannelScreen*)channel_screen)->setDMUnreadPtr(_dmUnread);
   contacts_screen = new ContactsScreen(this, &rtc_clock);
   ((ContactsScreen*)contacts_screen)->setDMUnreadPtr(_dmUnread);
-  text_reader = new TextReaderScreen(this);
-  notes_screen = new NotesScreen(this);
+  text_reader = new TextReaderScreen(this, node_prefs);
+  notes_screen = new NotesScreen(this, node_prefs);
   settings_screen = new SettingsScreen(this, &rtc_clock, node_prefs);
   repeater_admin = nullptr;  // Lazy-initialized on first use to preserve heap for audio
   discovery_screen = new DiscoveryScreen(this, &rtc_clock);
@@ -1241,7 +1300,7 @@ void UITask::begin(DisplayDriver* display, SensorManager* sensors, NodePrefs* no
   alarm_screen = nullptr;      // Created and assigned from main.cpp if audio hardware present
 #endif
 #ifdef HAS_4G_MODEM
-  sms_screen = new SMSScreen(this);
+  sms_screen = new SMSScreen(this, node_prefs);
 #endif
 #if HAS_GPS
   map_screen = new MapScreen(this);
@@ -2727,7 +2786,7 @@ void UITask::gotoWebReader() {
   if (web_reader == nullptr) {
     Serial.printf("WebReader: lazy init - free heap: %d, largest block: %d\n",
                    ESP.getFreeHeap(), ESP.getMaxAllocHeap());
-    web_reader = new WebReaderScreen(this);
+    web_reader = new WebReaderScreen(this, _node_prefs);
     Serial.printf("WebReader: init complete - free heap: %d\n", ESP.getFreeHeap());
   }
   WebReaderScreen* wr = (WebReaderScreen*)web_reader;
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.h
index e4973212..876c852e 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/UITask.h
@@ -306,6 +306,7 @@ public:
   UIScreen* getContactsScreen() const { return contacts_screen; }
   UIScreen* getChannelScreen() const { return channel_screen; }
   UIScreen* getSettingsScreen() const { return settings_screen; }
+  NodePrefs* getNodePrefs() const { return _node_prefs; }
   UIScreen* getAudiobookScreen() const { return audiobook_screen; }
   void setAudiobookScreen(UIScreen* s) { audiobook_screen = s; }
 #ifdef MECK_AUDIO_VARIANT
diff --git a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Webreaderscreen.h b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Webreaderscreen.h
index 1b30c772..0f3fcf47 100644
--- a/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Webreaderscreen.h
+++ b/examples/companion_radio/ui-new/Webreaderscreen.h
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@
 #include "ModemManager.h"
 #endif
 #include "Utf8CP437.h"
+#include "../NodePrefs.h"
 
 // Forward declarations
 class UITask;
@@ -1030,8 +1031,10 @@ public:
 
 private:
   UITask* _task;
+  NodePrefs* _prefs;
   Mode _mode;
   bool _initialized;
+  uint8_t _lastFontPref;
   DisplayDriver* _display;
 
   // Display layout (calculated once)
@@ -1424,7 +1427,7 @@ private:
       _display->print("WiFi Setup");
       _display->drawRect(0, 11, _display->width(), 1);
       _display->setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-      _display->setTextSize(0);
+      _display->setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       _display->setCursor(0, 18);
       _display->print("Scanning for networks...");
       _display->endFrame();
@@ -1524,7 +1527,7 @@ private:
       _display->print("Web Reader");
       _display->drawRect(0, 11, _display->width(), 1);
 
-      _display->setTextSize(0);
+      _display->setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       _display->setCursor(0, 18);
       _display->print("Connected!");
       _display->setCursor(0, 30);
@@ -2306,7 +2309,7 @@ private:
         _display->print("Web Reader");
         _display->drawRect(0, 11, _display->width(), 1);
         _display->setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
-        _display->setTextSize(0);
+        _display->setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
         _display->setCursor(0, 18);
         _display->print("Fetch failed:");
         _display->setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
@@ -2442,7 +2445,7 @@ private:
           _display->setTextSize(2);
           _display->setCursor(10, 20);
           _display->print("Logging in...");
-          _display->setTextSize(0);
+          _display->setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
           _display->setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
           _display->setCursor(10, 45);
           _display->print("Refreshing session...");
@@ -2656,14 +2659,14 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
 
     if (_wifiState == WIFI_SCANNING) {
       display.setCursor(0, 18);
       display.print("Scanning for networks...");
     } else if (_wifiState == WIFI_SCAN_DONE) {
       int y = 14;
-      int listLineH = 8;
+      int listLineH = _prefs ? _prefs->smallLineH() : 9;
       for (int i = 0; i < _ssidCount && y < display.height() - 24; i++) {
         bool selected = (i == _selectedSSID);
         if (selected) {
@@ -2671,7 +2674,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width(), listLineH);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width(), listLineH);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width(), listLineH);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
@@ -2695,7 +2698,7 @@ private:
       y += 12;
       display.setCursor(0, y);
       display.print("Password:");
-      y += 10;
+      y += _prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
       display.setCursor(0, y);
       // Show masked password with brief reveal of last char
       char passBuf[WEB_WIFI_PASS_LEN + 2];
@@ -2771,7 +2774,7 @@ private:
 
     if (isNetworkAvailable()) {
       display.print("Web Reader");
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
       if (isWiFiConnected()) {
         IPAddress ip = WiFi.localIP();
@@ -2797,7 +2800,7 @@ private:
     const int footerY = display.height() - 12;
     const int viewportH = display.height() - headerY - footerH;
     const int scrollbarW = 4;
-    const int listLineH = 8;
+    const int listLineH = _prefs ? _prefs->smallLineH() : 9;
     const int sepH = 8;            // Separator between IRC and web sections
     const int sectionH = listLineH; // Section header height
     int maxChars = _charsPerLine - 2; // Account for "> " prefix
@@ -2875,7 +2878,7 @@ private:
     if (totalContentH <= viewportH) _homeScrollY = 0;
 
     // ---- Render pass (with scroll offset) ----
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     int y = headerY - _homeScrollY;  // Start Y in screen coords
     itemIdx = 0;
     bool needsScroll = (totalContentH > viewportH);
@@ -2895,7 +2898,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
@@ -2934,7 +2937,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
@@ -2971,7 +2974,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
           display.fillRect(0, y, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
 #else
-          display.fillRect(0, y + 5, display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
+          display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), display.width() - (needsScroll ? scrollbarW + 1 : 0), listLineH);
 #endif
           display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
         } else {
@@ -3024,7 +3027,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
             display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, itemH);
 #else
-            display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, itemH);
+            display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), contentW, itemH);
 #endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
@@ -3076,7 +3079,7 @@ private:
 #if defined(LilyGo_T5S3_EPaper_Pro)
             display.fillRect(0, y, contentW, itemH);
 #else
-            display.fillRect(0, y + 5, contentW, itemH);
+            display.fillRect(0, y + _prefs->smallHighlightOff(), contentW, itemH);
 #endif
             display.setColor(DisplayDriver::DARK);
           } else {
@@ -3198,7 +3201,7 @@ private:
     display.setCursor(10, 20);
     display.print("Loading...");
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
 
     // Word-wrap the URL across multiple lines
@@ -3243,7 +3246,7 @@ private:
       display.print("Download Complete");
       display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.setCursor(0, 16);
       display.print("Saved to /books/:");
@@ -3277,7 +3280,7 @@ private:
       display.print("Download Failed");
       display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.setCursor(0, 18);
       display.print(_fetchError.c_str());
@@ -3314,7 +3317,7 @@ private:
       return;
     }
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
 
     // Determine page bounds
@@ -3476,9 +3479,16 @@ private:
   // ---- Layout Initialization ----
 
   void initLayout(DisplayDriver& display) {
+    // Re-init if font preference changed since last layout
+    uint8_t curFont = _prefs ? _prefs->large_font : 0;
+    if (_initialized && curFont != _lastFontPref) {
+      _initialized = false;
+      Serial.println("WebReader: font changed, recalculating layout");
+    }
     if (_initialized) return;
+    _lastFontPref = curFont;
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     uint16_t mWidth = display.getTextWidth("M");
     if (mWidth > 0) {
       _charsPerLine = display.width() / mWidth;
@@ -3487,6 +3497,19 @@ private:
       _charsPerLine = 40;
       _lineHeight = 5;
     }
+    // Proportional font: use average-width measurement instead of M-width
+    if (_prefs && _prefs->large_font && mWidth > 0) {
+      const char* sample = "the quick brown fox jumps over lazy dog";
+      uint16_t sampleW = display.getTextWidth(sample);
+      int sampleLen = strlen(sample);
+      if (sampleW > 0 && sampleLen > 0) {
+        _charsPerLine = (display.width() * sampleLen * 70) / ((int)sampleW * 100);
+      }
+    }
+    // Large font: formula above assumes built-in 6x8 ratio — too small for 9pt
+    if (_prefs && _prefs->large_font) {
+      _lineHeight = _prefs->smallLineH();
+    }
 
     _footerHeight = 14;
     int textAreaHeight = display.height() - _footerHeight;
@@ -3931,7 +3954,7 @@ private:
     if (_activeForm < 0 || _activeForm >= _formCount) return;
     WebForm& form = _forms[_activeForm];
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
 
     // Header
     display.setColor(DisplayDriver::GREEN);
@@ -3954,7 +3977,7 @@ private:
     display.drawRect(0, 9, display.width(), 1);
 
     int y = 12;
-    int lineH = 10; // Taller lines for form fields
+    int lineH = _prefs->smallLineH() + 1; // Taller lines for form fields
     int visCount = getVisibleFieldCount(form);
 
     // Render each visible field
@@ -4662,9 +4685,9 @@ private:
     display.print("IRC Setup");
     display.drawRect(0, 11, display.width(), 1);
 
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     int y = 16;
-    int lineH = 10;
+    int lineH = _prefs->smallLineH() + 1;
 
     const char* labels[] = {"Server:", "Port:", "Nick:", "Channel:", "[ Connect ]"};
     const char* chanDisp = (_ircChannel[0] != '\0') ? _ircChannel : "(none)";
@@ -4822,7 +4845,7 @@ private:
     display.print(header);
 
     // Connection indicator on right
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     if (!_ircConnected) {
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::YELLOW);
       display.setCursor(display.width() - 42, -3);
@@ -4848,7 +4871,7 @@ private:
 
     if (_ircComposing) {
       // Compose text just above separator (tiny font to match messages)
-      display.setTextSize(0);
+      display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       display.setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
       display.setCursor(0, footerY - 12);
       char compDisp[IRC_COMPOSE_MAX + 4];
@@ -4878,10 +4901,10 @@ private:
     }
 
     // Message area
-    display.setTextSize(0);
+    display.setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
     int msgAreaTop = 14;
     int msgAreaBottom = _ircComposing ? footerY - 16 : footerY - 4;
-    int lineH = 8;
+    int lineH = _prefs->smallLineH() - 1;
     int scrollBarW = 4;
     int lineW = _charsPerLine - 1;  // Reserve space for scroll bar
     _ircLinesPerPage = (msgAreaBottom - msgAreaTop) / lineH;
@@ -5065,8 +5088,8 @@ private:
   }
 
 public:
-  WebReaderScreen(UITask* task)
-    : _task(task), _mode(HOME), _initialized(false), _display(nullptr),
+  WebReaderScreen(UITask* task, NodePrefs* prefs = nullptr)
+    : _task(task), _prefs(prefs), _mode(HOME), _initialized(false), _lastFontPref(0), _display(nullptr),
       _charsPerLine(40), _linesPerPage(15), _lineHeight(5), _footerHeight(14),
       _wifiState(WIFI_IDLE), _ssidCount(0), _selectedSSID(0), _wifiPassLen(0),
       _urlLen(0), _urlCursor(0),
@@ -5150,7 +5173,7 @@ public:
       _display->print("Web Reader");
       _display->drawRect(0, 11, _display->width(), 1);
       _display->setColor(DisplayDriver::LIGHT);
-      _display->setTextSize(0);
+      _display->setTextSize(_prefs->smallTextSize());
       _display->setCursor(0, 18);
       _display->print("Connecting to WiFi...");
       _display->endFrame();
diff --git a/variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/T5S3Board.cpp b/variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/T5S3Board.cpp
index 4d60ace7..7704d8e0 100644
--- a/variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/T5S3Board.cpp
+++ b/variants/lilygo_t5s3_epaper_pro/T5S3Board.cpp
@@ -188,9 +188,15 @@ int16_t T5S3Board::getBattTemperature() {
 }
 
 // ---- BQ27220 Design Capacity configuration ----
-// Identical procedure to TDeckBoard — sets 1500 mAh for T5S3's larger cell.
-// The BQ27220 ships with 3000 mAh default. This writes once on first boot
-// and persists in battery-backed RAM.
+// The BQ27220 ships with a 3000 mAh default. T5S3 uses a 1500 mAh cell.
+// This function checks on boot and writes the correct value via the
+// MAC Data Memory interface if needed. The value persists in battery-backed
+// RAM, so this typically only writes once (or after a full battery disconnect).
+//
+// When DC and DE are already correct but FCC is stuck (common after initial
+// flash), the root cause is Qmax Cell 0 (0x9106) and stored FCC (0x929D)
+// retaining factory 3000 mAh defaults. This function detects and fixes all
+// three layers: DC/DE, Qmax, and stored FCC.
 
 bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
 #if HAS_BQ27220
@@ -198,23 +204,169 @@ bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
   Serial.printf("BQ27220: Design Capacity = %d mAh (target %d)\n", currentDC, designCapacity_mAh);
 
   if (currentDC == designCapacity_mAh) {
+    // Design Capacity correct, but check if Full Charge Capacity is sane.
     uint16_t fcc = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_FULL_CAP);
-    Serial.printf("BQ27220: Design Capacity correct, FCC=%d mAh\n", fcc);
-    if (fcc < designCapacity_mAh * 3 / 2) {
-      return true;  // FCC is sane, nothing to do
+    Serial.printf("BQ27220: Design Capacity already correct, FCC=%d mAh\n", fcc);
+    if (fcc >= designCapacity_mAh * 3 / 2) {
+      // FCC is >=150% of design — stale from factory defaults (typically 3000 mAh).
+      uint16_t designEnergy = (uint16_t)((uint32_t)designCapacity_mAh * 37 / 10);
+      Serial.printf("BQ27220: FCC %d >> DC %d, checking Design Energy (target %d mWh)\n",
+                    fcc, designCapacity_mAh, designEnergy);
+
+      // Unseal to read data memory and issue RESET
+      bq27220_writeControl(0x0414); delay(2);
+      bq27220_writeControl(0x3672); delay(2);
+      // Full Access
+      bq27220_writeControl(0xFFFF); delay(2);
+      bq27220_writeControl(0xFFFF); delay(2);
+
+      // Enter CFG_UPDATE to access data memory
+      bq27220_writeControl(0x0090);
+      bool ready = false;
+      for (int i = 0; i < 50; i++) {
+        delay(20);
+        uint16_t opSt = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_OP_STATUS);
+        if (opSt & 0x0400) { ready = true; break; }
+      }
+      if (ready) {
+        // Read Design Energy at data memory address 0x92A1
+        Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+        Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0xA1); Wire.write(0x92);
+        Wire.endTransmission();
+        delay(10);
+        uint8_t oldMSB = bq27220_read8(0x40);
+        uint8_t oldLSB = bq27220_read8(0x41);
+        uint16_t currentDE = (oldMSB << 8) | oldLSB;
+
+        if (currentDE != designEnergy) {
+          // Design Energy actually needs updating — write it
+          uint8_t oldChk = bq27220_read8(0x60);
+          uint8_t dLen   = bq27220_read8(0x61);
+          uint8_t newMSB = (designEnergy >> 8) & 0xFF;
+          uint8_t newLSB = designEnergy & 0xFF;
+          uint8_t temp = (255 - oldChk - oldMSB - oldLSB);
+          uint8_t newChk = 255 - ((temp + newMSB + newLSB) & 0xFF);
+
+          Serial.printf("BQ27220: DE old=%d new=%d mWh, writing\n", currentDE, designEnergy);
+
+          Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+          Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0xA1); Wire.write(0x92);
+          Wire.write(newMSB); Wire.write(newLSB);
+          Wire.endTransmission();
+          delay(5);
+          Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+          Wire.write(0x60); Wire.write(newChk); Wire.write(dLen);
+          Wire.endTransmission();
+          delay(10);
+
+          // Exit with reinit since we actually changed data
+          bq27220_writeControl(0x0091);  // EXIT_CFG_UPDATE_REINIT
+          delay(200);
+          Serial.println("BQ27220: Design Energy written, exited CFG_UPDATE");
+        } else {
+          // DC and DE are both correct, but FCC is stuck.
+          // Root cause: Qmax Cell 0 (0x9106) and stored FCC (0x929D) retain
+          // factory 3000 mAh defaults. Overwrite both with designCapacity_mAh.
+          Serial.printf("BQ27220: DE correct (%d mWh) — fixing Qmax + stored FCC\n", currentDE);
+
+          // --- Helper lambda for MAC data memory 2-byte write ---
+          // Reads old value + checksum, computes differential checksum, writes new value.
+          auto writeDM16 = [](uint16_t addr, uint16_t newVal) -> bool {
+            // Select address
+            Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+            Wire.write(0x3E);
+            Wire.write(addr & 0xFF);
+            Wire.write((addr >> 8) & 0xFF);
+            Wire.endTransmission();
+            delay(10);
+
+            uint8_t oldMSB = bq27220_read8(0x40);
+            uint8_t oldLSB = bq27220_read8(0x41);
+            uint8_t oldChk = bq27220_read8(0x60);
+            uint8_t dLen   = bq27220_read8(0x61);
+            uint16_t oldVal = (oldMSB << 8) | oldLSB;
+
+            if (oldVal == newVal) {
+              Serial.printf("BQ27220:   [0x%04X] already %d, skip\n", addr, newVal);
+              return true;  // already correct
+            }
+
+            uint8_t newMSB = (newVal >> 8) & 0xFF;
+            uint8_t newLSB = newVal & 0xFF;
+            uint8_t temp = (255 - oldChk - oldMSB - oldLSB);
+            uint8_t newChk = 255 - ((temp + newMSB + newLSB) & 0xFF);
+
+            Serial.printf("BQ27220:   [0x%04X] %d -> %d\n", addr, oldVal, newVal);
+
+            // Write new value
+            Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+            Wire.write(0x3E);
+            Wire.write(addr & 0xFF);
+            Wire.write((addr >> 8) & 0xFF);
+            Wire.write(newMSB);
+            Wire.write(newLSB);
+            Wire.endTransmission();
+            delay(5);
+
+            // Write checksum
+            Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
+            Wire.write(0x60);
+            Wire.write(newChk);
+            Wire.write(dLen);
+            Wire.endTransmission();
+            delay(10);
+            return true;
+          };
+
+          // Overwrite Qmax Cell 0 (IT Cfg) — this is what FCC is derived from
+          writeDM16(0x9106, designCapacity_mAh);
+
+          // Overwrite stored FCC reference (Gas Gauging, 2 bytes before DC)
+          writeDM16(0x929D, designCapacity_mAh);
+
+          // Exit with reinit to apply the new values
+          bq27220_writeControl(0x0091);  // EXIT_CFG_UPDATE_REINIT
+          delay(200);
+          Serial.println("BQ27220: Qmax + stored FCC updated, exited CFG_UPDATE");
+        }
+      } else {
+        Serial.println("BQ27220: Failed to enter CFG_UPDATE for DE check");
+      }
+
+      // Seal first, then issue RESET.
+      // RESET forces the gauge to fully reinitialize its Impedance Track
+      // algorithm and recalculate FCC from the current DC/DE values.
+      bq27220_writeControl(0x0030);  // SEAL
+      delay(5);
+      Serial.println("BQ27220: Issuing RESET to force FCC recalculation...");
+      bq27220_writeControl(0x0041);  // RESET
+      delay(2000);  // Full reset needs generous settle time
+
+      fcc = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_FULL_CAP);
+      Serial.printf("BQ27220: FCC after RESET: %d mAh (target <= %d)\n", fcc, designCapacity_mAh);
+
+      if (fcc > designCapacity_mAh * 3 / 2) {
+        // RESET didn't fix FCC — the gauge IT algorithm is stubbornly
+        // retaining its learned value. This typically resolves after one
+        // full charge/discharge cycle. Software clamp in
+        // getFullChargeCapacity() ensures correct display regardless.
+        Serial.printf("BQ27220: FCC still stale at %d — software clamp active\n", fcc);
+      }
     }
-    // FCC is stale from factory — fall through to reconfigure
-    Serial.printf("BQ27220: FCC %d >> DC %d, reconfiguring\n", fcc, designCapacity_mAh);
+    return true;
   }
 
-  // Unseal
+  Serial.printf("BQ27220: Updating Design Capacity from %d to %d mAh\n", currentDC, designCapacity_mAh);
+
+  // Step 1: Unseal (default unseal keys)
   bq27220_writeControl(0x0414); delay(2);
   bq27220_writeControl(0x3672); delay(2);
-  // Full Access
+
+  // Step 2: Full Access
   bq27220_writeControl(0xFFFF); delay(2);
   bq27220_writeControl(0xFFFF); delay(2);
 
-  // Enter CFG_UPDATE
+  // Step 3: Enter CFG_UPDATE
   bq27220_writeControl(0x0090);
   bool cfgReady = false;
   for (int i = 0; i < 50; i++) {
@@ -229,7 +381,7 @@ bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
     return false;
   }
 
-  // Write Design Capacity at 0x929F
+  // Step 4: Write Design Capacity at 0x929F
   Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
   Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0x9F); Wire.write(0x92);
   Wire.endTransmission();
@@ -255,7 +407,7 @@ bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
   Wire.endTransmission();
   delay(10);
 
-  // Write Design Energy at 0x92A1
+  // Step 4a: Write Design Energy at 0x92A1
   {
     uint16_t designEnergy = (uint16_t)((uint32_t)designCapacity_mAh * 37 / 10);
     Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
@@ -271,6 +423,9 @@ bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
     uint8_t deTemp = (255 - deOldChk - deOldMSB - deOldLSB);
     uint8_t deNewChk = 255 - ((deTemp + deNewMSB + deNewLSB) & 0xFF);
 
+    Serial.printf("BQ27220: Design Energy: old=%d new=%d mWh\n",
+                  (deOldMSB << 8) | deOldLSB, designEnergy);
+
     Wire.beginTransmission(BQ27220_I2C_ADDR);
     Wire.write(0x3E); Wire.write(0xA1); Wire.write(0x92);
     Wire.write(deNewMSB); Wire.write(deNewLSB);
@@ -282,16 +437,17 @@ bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
     delay(10);
   }
 
-  // Exit CFG_UPDATE with reinit
+  // Step 5: Exit CFG_UPDATE with reinit
   bq27220_writeControl(0x0091);
+  Serial.println("BQ27220: Sent EXIT_CFG_UPDATE_REINIT, waiting...");
   delay(200);
 
-  // Seal
+  // Step 6: Seal
   bq27220_writeControl(0x0030);
   delay(5);
 
-  // Force RESET to reinitialize FCC
-  bq27220_writeControl(0x0041);
+  // Step 7: Force RESET to reinitialize FCC from new DC/DE
+  bq27220_writeControl(0x0041);  // RESET
   delay(1000);
 
   uint16_t verifyDC = bq27220_read16(BQ27220_REG_DESIGN_CAP);
@@ -302,4 +458,4 @@ bool T5S3Board::configureFuelGauge(uint16_t designCapacity_mAh) {
 #else
   return false;
 #endif
-}
+}
\ No newline at end of file