diff --git a/tests/e2e/helpers/api.ts b/tests/e2e/helpers/api.ts
index 14840ba..8e480e6 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/helpers/api.ts
+++ b/tests/e2e/helpers/api.ts
@@ -181,6 +181,8 @@ export function markAllRead(): Promise<{ status: string; timestamp: number }> {
 
 // --- Settings ---
 
+export type Favorite = { type: string; id: string };
+
 export interface BotConfig {
   id: string;
   name: string;
@@ -190,7 +192,7 @@ export interface BotConfig {
 
 export interface AppSettings {
   max_radio_contacts: number;
-  favorites: { type: string; id: string }[];
+  favorites: Favorite[];
   auto_decrypt_dm_on_advert: boolean;
   sidebar_sort_order: string;
   last_message_times: Record<string, number>;
@@ -242,3 +244,34 @@ export async function waitForRadioConnected(
   }
   throw new Error(`Radio did not reconnect within ${timeoutMs}ms`);
 }
+
+// --- Contacts sync ---
+
+export function syncContacts(): Promise<{ synced: number }> {
+  return fetchJson('/contacts/sync', { method: 'POST' });
+}
+
+// --- Packets / Historical decryption ---
+
+export function getUndecryptedCount(): Promise<{ count: number }> {
+  return fetchJson('/packets/undecrypted/count');
+}
+
+export interface DecryptResult {
+  started: boolean;
+  total_packets: number;
+  message: string;
+}
+
+export function decryptHistorical(params: {
+  key_type: 'channel' | 'contact';
+  channel_key?: string;
+  channel_name?: string;
+  private_key?: string;
+  contact_public_key?: string;
+}): Promise<DecryptResult> {
+  return fetchJson('/packets/decrypt/historical', {
+    method: 'POST',
+    body: JSON.stringify(params),
+  });
+}
diff --git a/tests/e2e/helpers/seed.ts b/tests/e2e/helpers/seed.ts
index 43a3285..c6b6e46 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/helpers/seed.ts
+++ b/tests/e2e/helpers/seed.ts
@@ -78,6 +78,20 @@ def set_channel_last_read(key_hex: str, last_read: int | None):
     conn.commit()
 
 
+def inject_raw_packet(hex_data: str, payload_hash: str):
+    ts = int(time.time())
+    data_blob = bytes.fromhex(hex_data)
+    hash_blob = bytes.fromhex(payload_hash)
+    conn.execute(
+        """
+        INSERT OR IGNORE INTO raw_packets (timestamp, data, payload_hash)
+        VALUES (?, ?, ?)
+        """,
+        (ts, data_blob, hash_blob),
+    )
+    conn.commit()
+
+
 if payload['action'] == 'seed_channel':
     name = payload['name']
     key_hex = payload['key_hex']
@@ -102,6 +116,8 @@ elif payload['action'] == 'seed_unread':
             (key_hex, text, ts, ts),
         )
     set_channel_last_read(key_hex, now - 10_000)  # ensure unread
+elif payload['action'] == 'inject_raw_packet':
+    inject_raw_packet(payload['hex_data'], payload['payload_hash'])
 else:
     raise SystemExit('unknown action')
 
@@ -140,6 +156,92 @@ export function seedChannelMessages(options: SeedOptions) {
   return { key: keyHex };
 }
 
+interface EncryptedGroupTextOptions {
+  channelName: string; // e.g. "test" — will be prefixed with # if needed
+  senderName: string;
+  messageText: string;
+  timestamp?: number;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Build a raw MeshCore GROUP_TEXT packet encrypted with the channel key,
+ * matching the format expected by decoder.py `decrypt_group_text`.
+ *
+ * Packet layout:
+ *   header(1) + path_len(1) + payload
+ * Where payload = channel_hash(1) + mac(2) + ciphertext
+ *
+ * Header byte for FLOOD + GROUP_TEXT: route_type=0x01, payload_type=0x05 → (0x05 << 2) | 0x01 = 0x15
+ */
+function buildEncryptedGroupTextPacket(options: EncryptedGroupTextOptions): {
+  rawHex: string;
+  payloadHash: string;
+} {
+  const hashName = options.channelName.startsWith('#')
+    ? options.channelName
+    : `#${options.channelName}`;
+
+  // channel_key = SHA256("#name")[:16]
+  const channelKeyFull = crypto.createHash('sha256').update(hashName).digest();
+  const channelKey = channelKeyFull.subarray(0, 16);
+
+  // channel_hash = SHA256(channel_key)[0]
+  const channelHash = crypto.createHash('sha256').update(channelKey).digest()[0];
+
+  // Build plaintext: timestamp(4 LE) + flags(1) + "sender: message\0"
+  const ts = options.timestamp ?? Math.floor(Date.now() / 1000);
+  const tsBuf = Buffer.alloc(4);
+  tsBuf.writeUInt32LE(ts, 0);
+  const flagsBuf = Buffer.from([0x00]);
+  const textStr = `${options.senderName}: ${options.messageText}\0`;
+  const textBuf = Buffer.from(textStr, 'utf-8');
+
+  const plainLen = 4 + 1 + textBuf.length;
+  const paddedLen = Math.ceil(plainLen / 16) * 16;
+  const plaintext = Buffer.alloc(paddedLen, 0);
+  tsBuf.copy(plaintext, 0);
+  flagsBuf.copy(plaintext, 4);
+  textBuf.copy(plaintext, 5);
+
+  // Encrypt: AES-128-ECB
+  const cipher = crypto.createCipheriv('aes-128-ecb', channelKey, null);
+  cipher.setAutoPadding(false);
+  const ciphertext = Buffer.concat([cipher.update(plaintext), cipher.final()]);
+
+  // MAC: HMAC-SHA256(channel_key + 16_zero_bytes, ciphertext)[:2]
+  const channelSecret = Buffer.concat([channelKey, Buffer.alloc(16, 0)]);
+  const mac = crypto.createHmac('sha256', channelSecret).update(ciphertext).digest().subarray(0, 2);
+
+  // Payload: channel_hash + mac + ciphertext
+  const payload = Buffer.concat([Buffer.from([channelHash]), mac, ciphertext]);
+
+  // Raw packet: header(0x15 = FLOOD + GROUP_TEXT) + path_len(0x00) + payload
+  const rawPacket = Buffer.concat([Buffer.from([0x15, 0x00]), payload]);
+
+  // payload_hash for dedup: SHA256 of the payload portion
+  const payloadHash = crypto.createHash('sha256').update(payload).digest().toString('hex');
+
+  return {
+    rawHex: rawPacket.toString('hex'),
+    payloadHash,
+  };
+}
+
+/**
+ * Build an encrypted GROUP_TEXT packet and inject it into the raw_packets table.
+ */
+export function injectEncryptedGroupText(options: EncryptedGroupTextOptions) {
+  const { rawHex, payloadHash } = buildEncryptedGroupTextPacket(options);
+  runPython({
+    action: 'inject_raw_packet',
+    root: ROOT,
+    db_path: DB_PATH,
+    hex_data: rawHex,
+    payload_hash: payloadHash,
+  });
+  return { rawHex, payloadHash };
+}
+
 export function seedChannelUnread(options: SeedReadStateOptions) {
   const keyHex = channelKeyFromName(
     options.channelName.startsWith('#') ? options.channelName : `#${options.channelName}`
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/channel-message-persistence.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/channel-message-persistence.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3f9bf8b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/channel-message-persistence.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import {
+  createChannel,
+  deleteChannel,
+  sendChannelMessage,
+  getChannels,
+} from '../helpers/api';
+
+test.describe('Channel message persistence across delete/re-add', () => {
+  const suffix = Date.now().toString().slice(-6);
+  const channelName = `#persist${suffix}`;
+  let channelKey = '';
+
+  test.afterAll(async () => {
+    // Cleanup
+    if (channelKey) {
+      try {
+        await deleteChannel(channelKey);
+      } catch {
+        // Best-effort
+      }
+    }
+  });
+
+  test('messages persist after channel delete and re-create', async ({ page }) => {
+    // Create channel via API
+    const channel = await createChannel(channelName);
+    channelKey = channel.key;
+
+    // Send a message via API
+    const testMessage = `persist-test-${Date.now()}`;
+    await sendChannelMessage(channelKey, testMessage);
+
+    // Verify message appears in UI
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+    await page.getByText(channelName, { exact: true }).first().click();
+    await expect(page.getByText(testMessage)).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+
+    // Delete channel via API (only removes channels row, messages remain)
+    await deleteChannel(channelKey);
+
+    // Verify channel is gone from sidebar
+    await page.reload();
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText(channelName, { exact: true })).not.toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+
+    // Re-create the same hashtag channel (derives same key)
+    const recreated = await createChannel(channelName);
+    channelKey = recreated.key;
+
+    // Navigate to it
+    await page.reload();
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+    await page.getByText(channelName, { exact: true }).first().click();
+
+    // Verify original message is still visible as outgoing
+    await expect(page.getByText(testMessage)).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/contacts.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/contacts.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..323f7ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/contacts.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import { syncContacts, getContacts, type Contact } from '../helpers/api';
+
+/** Escape special regex characters in a string. */
+function escapeRegex(s: string): string {
+  return s.replace(/[.*+?^${}()|[\]\\]/g, '\\$&');
+}
+
+/** Find a named non-repeater contact (type 2 = repeater). */
+function findChatContact(contacts: Contact[]): Contact | undefined {
+  return contacts.find((c) => c.name && c.name.trim().length > 0 && c.type !== 2);
+}
+
+test.describe('Contacts sidebar & info pane', () => {
+  test.beforeAll(async () => {
+    await syncContacts();
+  });
+
+  test('contacts appear in sidebar and clicking opens conversation', async ({ page }) => {
+    const contacts = await getContacts();
+    const named = findChatContact(contacts);
+    if (!named) {
+      test.skip(true, 'No named non-repeater contacts synced from radio');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Click the contact in the sidebar
+    await page.getByText(named.name!, { exact: true }).first().click();
+
+    // Verify composer placeholder says "Message [name]..."
+    const escapedName = escapeRegex(named.name!.trim());
+    await expect(
+      page.getByPlaceholder(new RegExp(`message\\s+${escapedName}`, 'i'))
+    ).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+  });
+
+  test('contact info pane shows profile data', async ({ page }) => {
+    const contacts = await getContacts();
+    const named = findChatContact(contacts);
+    if (!named) {
+      test.skip(true, 'No named non-repeater contacts synced from radio');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Open contact conversation
+    await page.getByText(named.name!, { exact: true }).first().click();
+    const escapedName = escapeRegex(named.name!.trim());
+    await expect(
+      page.getByPlaceholder(new RegExp(`message\\s+${escapedName}`, 'i'))
+    ).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+
+    // Click avatar to open contact info sheet
+    await page.locator('[title="View contact info"]').click();
+
+    // Verify sheet opens with public key text and type badge
+    // Scope to the Contact Info pane to avoid matching the header pubkey
+    const infoPane = page.getByLabel('Contact Info');
+    await expect(infoPane.locator('[title="Click to copy"]')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+    await expect(infoPane.getByText(named.public_key.slice(0, 8))).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('copy public key from contact info pane', async ({ page }) => {
+    const contacts = await getContacts();
+    const named = findChatContact(contacts);
+    if (!named) {
+      test.skip(true, 'No named non-repeater contacts synced from radio');
+      return;
+    }
+
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    await page.getByText(named.name!, { exact: true }).first().click();
+    const escapedName = escapeRegex(named.name!.trim());
+    await expect(
+      page.getByPlaceholder(new RegExp(`message\\s+${escapedName}`, 'i'))
+    ).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+
+    await page.locator('[title="View contact info"]').click();
+
+    // Grant clipboard permissions
+    await page.context().grantPermissions(['clipboard-read', 'clipboard-write']);
+
+    // Click public key to copy (scope to Contact Info pane)
+    const infoPane = page.getByLabel('Contact Info');
+    const pubkeySpan = infoPane.locator('[title="Click to copy"]');
+    await expect(pubkeySpan).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+    await pubkeySpan.click();
+
+    // Verify toast
+    await expect(page.getByText('Public key copied!')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 5_000 });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/create-contact.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/create-contact.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bca96f6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/create-contact.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import { deleteContact } from '../helpers/api';
+
+test.describe('Create contact flow', () => {
+  // A random 64-char hex key for the test contact
+  const testKey = 'A'.repeat(64);
+  const testName = `e2econtact${Date.now().toString().slice(-6)}`;
+
+  test.afterAll(async () => {
+    try {
+      await deleteContact(testKey);
+    } catch {
+      // Best-effort cleanup
+    }
+  });
+
+  test('create a new contact via the new message modal', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Open new message modal
+    await page.getByTitle('New Message').click();
+    const dialog = page.getByRole('dialog');
+    await expect(dialog).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Click "Contact" tab
+    await dialog.getByRole('tab', { name: /Contact/i }).click();
+
+    // Fill in contact name and key
+    await dialog.locator('#contact-name').fill(testName);
+    await dialog.locator('#contact-key').fill(testKey);
+
+    // Submit
+    await dialog.getByRole('button', { name: /^Create$/ }).click();
+
+    // Verify contact appears (sidebar or header)
+    await expect(page.getByText(testName, { exact: true }).first()).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/create-hashtag.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/create-hashtag.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..22d2f98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/create-hashtag.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import { deleteChannel, getChannels } from '../helpers/api';
+
+test.describe('Create hashtag channel flow', () => {
+  const suffix = Date.now().toString().slice(-6);
+  const channelName1 = `e2echan${suffix}a`;
+  const channelName2 = `e2echan${suffix}b`;
+
+  test.afterAll(async () => {
+    // Cleanup: delete test channels
+    const channels = await getChannels();
+    for (const name of [`#${channelName1}`, `#${channelName2}`]) {
+      const ch = channels.find((c) => c.name === name);
+      if (ch) {
+        try {
+          await deleteChannel(ch.key);
+        } catch {
+          // Best-effort
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  });
+
+  test('create a hashtag channel via UI', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Open new message modal
+    await page.getByTitle('New Message').click();
+    const dialog = page.getByRole('dialog');
+    await expect(dialog).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Click "Hashtag" tab
+    await dialog.getByRole('tab', { name: /Hashtag/i }).click();
+
+    // Fill in channel name
+    await dialog.locator('#hashtag-name').fill(channelName1);
+
+    // Click "Create"
+    await dialog.getByRole('button', { name: /^Create$/ }).click();
+
+    // Verify channel appears (sidebar or header)
+    await expect(page.getByText(`#${channelName1}`, { exact: true }).first()).toBeVisible({
+      timeout: 10_000,
+    });
+  });
+
+  test('create & add another keeps modal open', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    await page.getByTitle('New Message').click();
+    const dialog = page.getByRole('dialog');
+    await expect(dialog).toBeVisible();
+
+    await dialog.getByRole('tab', { name: /Hashtag/i }).click();
+    await dialog.locator('#hashtag-name').fill(channelName2);
+
+    // Click "Create & Add Another"
+    await dialog.getByRole('button', { name: /Create & Add Another/i }).click();
+
+    // Dialog should stay open and input should be cleared
+    await expect(dialog).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(dialog.locator('#hashtag-name')).toHaveValue('');
+
+    // First channel should have been created
+    // Close dialog and verify
+    await dialog.getByRole('button', { name: /Cancel/i }).click();
+    await expect(page.getByText(`#${channelName2}`, { exact: true }).first()).toBeVisible({
+      timeout: 10_000,
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/historical-decryption.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/historical-decryption.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b9f1678
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/historical-decryption.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import { deleteChannel, getChannels, getUndecryptedCount } from '../helpers/api';
+import { injectEncryptedGroupText } from '../helpers/seed';
+
+test.describe('Historical packet decryption', () => {
+  const suffix = Date.now().toString().slice(-6);
+  const channelName = `decrypt${suffix}`;
+  const messageText = `hello from history ${suffix}`;
+
+  test.afterAll(async () => {
+    // Cleanup: delete the test channel
+    const channels = await getChannels();
+    const ch = channels.find((c) => c.name === `#${channelName}`);
+    if (ch) {
+      try {
+        await deleteChannel(ch.key);
+      } catch {
+        // Best-effort
+      }
+    }
+  });
+
+  test('historical decryption recovers channel message from stored packet', async ({ page }) => {
+    // Inject an encrypted GROUP_TEXT packet into raw_packets
+    injectEncryptedGroupText({
+      channelName,
+      senderName: 'TestBot',
+      messageText,
+    });
+
+    // Verify there are undecrypted packets
+    const { count } = await getUndecryptedCount();
+    expect(count).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+
+    // Open the UI
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Open new message modal → Hashtag tab
+    await page.getByTitle('New Message').click();
+    const dialog = page.getByRole('dialog');
+    await expect(dialog).toBeVisible();
+    await dialog.getByRole('tab', { name: /Hashtag/i }).click();
+
+    // Fill channel name
+    await dialog.locator('#hashtag-name').fill(channelName);
+
+    // Check "Try decrypting" checkbox
+    const tryHistorical = dialog.locator('#try-historical');
+    // The checkbox may be hidden until undecrypted count loads — wait for label
+    await expect(dialog.getByText(/Try decrypting.*stored packet/)).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+    await tryHistorical.check();
+
+    // Click Create
+    await dialog.getByRole('button', { name: /^Create$/ }).click();
+
+    // Wait for the decrypted message to appear in the conversation
+    // Background decryption runs via POST /packets/decrypt/historical
+    await expect(page.getByText(messageText)).toBeVisible({ timeout: 30_000 });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/incoming-message.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/incoming-message.spec.ts
index e0e7547..7719fae 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/specs/incoming-message.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/incoming-message.spec.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import { createChannel, getChannels, getMessages } from '../helpers/api';
 /**
  * These tests wait for real incoming messages from the mesh network.
  * They require a radio attached and other nodes actively transmitting.
- * Timeout is 10 minutes to allow for intermittent traffic.
+ * Timeout is 3 minutes to allow for intermittent traffic.
  */
 
 const ROOMS = [
@@ -34,9 +34,9 @@ const ROOMS = [
   '#vancouver', '#vashon', '#wardriving', '#wormhole', '#yelling', '#zork',
 ];
 
-// 10 minute timeout for waiting on mesh traffic
+// 3 minute timeout for waiting on mesh traffic
 test.describe('Incoming mesh messages', () => {
-  test.setTimeout(600_000);
+  test.setTimeout(180_000);
 
   test.beforeAll(async () => {
     // Ensure all rooms exist — create any that are missing
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ test.describe('Incoming mesh messages', () => {
         }
       }
       throw new Error('No new incoming messages yet');
-    }).toPass({ intervals: [5_000], timeout: 570_000 });
+    }).toPass({ intervals: [5_000], timeout: 160_000 });
 
     // Navigate to the channel that received a message
     console.log(`Received message in ${foundChannel}: "${foundMessageText}"`);
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ test.describe('Incoming mesh messages', () => {
         }
       }
       throw new Error('No new incoming messages with path data yet');
-    }).toPass({ intervals: [5_000], timeout: 570_000 });
+    }).toPass({ intervals: [5_000], timeout: 160_000 });
 
     console.log(`Found message with path in ${foundChannel}`);
 
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/mesh-visualizer.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/mesh-visualizer.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..acc7d6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/mesh-visualizer.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Mesh Visualizer page', () => {
+  test('mesh visualizer page loads', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/#visualizer');
+
+    // Verify heading (may appear in sidebar too, use first())
+    await expect(page.getByText('Mesh Visualizer').first()).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+
+    // Verify Three.js canvas element exists (may have 0x0 dimensions in headless mode,
+    // so check attachment rather than visibility)
+    await expect(page.locator('canvas[data-engine^="three.js"]').first()).toBeAttached({
+      timeout: 15_000,
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/node-map.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/node-map.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6d850c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/node-map.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Node Map page', () => {
+  test('node map page loads', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/#map');
+
+    // Verify heading (also appears in sidebar, so scope to main)
+    await expect(page.getByRole('main').getByText('Node Map')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+
+    // Verify legend elements
+    await expect(page.getByText('<1h')).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText('<1d')).toBeVisible();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/packet-feed.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/packet-feed.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6dca2a7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/packet-feed.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Packet Feed page', () => {
+  test('packet feed page loads and shows header', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/#raw');
+
+    await expect(page.getByText('Raw Packet Feed')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+  });
+
+  test('a packet appears in the raw packet feed', async ({ page }) => {
+    // This test waits for real RF traffic — needs 180s timeout
+    test.setTimeout(180_000);
+
+    await page.goto('/#raw');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Raw Packet Feed')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+
+    // Wait for any route-type badge to appear, confirming a packet rendered
+    const routeBadge = page.locator(
+      '[title="Flood"], [title="Direct"], [title="Transport Flood"], [title="Transport Direct"]'
+    );
+    await expect(routeBadge.first()).toBeVisible({ timeout: 170_000 });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/sidebar-search.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/sidebar-search.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5d49427
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/sidebar-search.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import { createChannel, deleteChannel, getChannels } from '../helpers/api';
+
+test.describe('Sidebar search/filter', () => {
+  const suffix = Date.now().toString().slice(-6);
+  const nameA = `#alpha${suffix}`;
+  const nameB = `#bravo${suffix}`;
+  let keyA = '';
+  let keyB = '';
+
+  test.beforeAll(async () => {
+    const chA = await createChannel(nameA);
+    const chB = await createChannel(nameB);
+    keyA = chA.key;
+    keyB = chB.key;
+  });
+
+  test.afterAll(async () => {
+    for (const key of [keyA, keyB]) {
+      try {
+        await deleteChannel(key);
+      } catch {
+        // Best-effort cleanup
+      }
+    }
+  });
+
+  test('search filters conversations by name', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Both channels should be visible
+    await expect(page.getByText(nameA, { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText(nameB, { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Type partial name to filter
+    const searchInput = page.getByPlaceholder('Search...');
+    await searchInput.fill(`alpha${suffix}`);
+
+    // Only nameA should be visible
+    await expect(page.getByText(nameA, { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText(nameB, { exact: true })).not.toBeVisible();
+
+    // Clear search
+    await page.getByTitle('Clear search').click();
+
+    // Both should return
+    await expect(page.getByText(nameA, { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText(nameB, { exact: true })).toBeVisible();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/sidebar-sort.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/sidebar-sort.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d2c79b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/sidebar-sort.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Sidebar sort toggle', () => {
+  test('toggle sort order between A-Z and recent', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // There are multiple sort toggles (Channels, Contacts, Repeaters sections).
+    // Use .first() to target the Channels sort toggle.
+    // When sort is 'alpha', button text is "A-Z" and title is "Sort by recent".
+    // When sort is 'recent', button text is "⏱" and title is "Sort alphabetically".
+    const sortByRecent = page.getByTitle('Sort by recent').first();
+    const sortAlpha = page.getByTitle('Sort alphabetically').first();
+
+    // Wait for at least one sort button to appear
+    await expect(sortByRecent.or(sortAlpha)).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+
+    const isAlpha = await sortByRecent.isVisible();
+
+    if (isAlpha) {
+      // Currently A-Z, clicking should switch to recent
+      await sortByRecent.click();
+      await expect(sortAlpha).toBeVisible({ timeout: 5_000 });
+
+      // Click again to revert
+      await sortAlpha.click();
+      await expect(sortByRecent).toBeVisible({ timeout: 5_000 });
+    } else {
+      // Currently recent, clicking should switch to A-Z
+      await sortAlpha.click();
+      await expect(sortByRecent).toBeVisible({ timeout: 5_000 });
+
+      // Click again to revert
+      await sortByRecent.click();
+      await expect(sortAlpha).toBeVisible({ timeout: 5_000 });
+    }
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/statistics.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/statistics.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..230143d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/statistics.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Statistics page', () => {
+  test('statistics section shows data', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Open settings
+    await page.getByText('Settings').click();
+
+    // Click the Statistics section
+    await page.getByRole('button', { name: /Statistics/i }).click();
+
+    // Verify section headings/labels are visible (use heading role or exact match to avoid ambiguity)
+    await expect(page.locator('h4').getByText('Network')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10_000 });
+    await expect(page.getByText('Contacts', { exact: true }).first()).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText('Channels', { exact: true }).first()).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.locator('h4').getByText('Packets')).toBeVisible();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/e2e/specs/unread-indicator.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/specs/unread-indicator.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f244b5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/e2e/specs/unread-indicator.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+import { seedChannelUnread } from '../helpers/seed';
+
+const CHANNEL_NAME = '#unread-e2e';
+
+test.describe('Unread badge/pip', () => {
+  test('unread badge appears for channel with new messages', async ({ page }) => {
+    // Seed unread messages for the channel
+    seedChannelUnread({ channelName: CHANNEL_NAME, unreadCount: 3 });
+
+    await page.goto('/');
+    await expect(page.getByText('Connected')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Find the channel in the sidebar
+    const channelRow = page.getByText(CHANNEL_NAME, { exact: true }).first();
+    await expect(channelRow).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+
+    // Verify unread badge (rounded-full pip) is visible within the channel's sidebar row
+    const sidebarRow = channelRow.locator('xpath=ancestor::div[contains(@class,"cursor-pointer")][1]');
+    const unreadBadge = sidebarRow.locator('span.rounded-full');
+    await expect(unreadBadge).toBeVisible();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/test_packet_pipeline.py b/tests/test_packet_pipeline.py
index 18df349..0344581 100644
--- a/tests/test_packet_pipeline.py
+++ b/tests/test_packet_pipeline.py
@@ -2218,3 +2218,206 @@ class TestHistoricalDMDirectionDetection:
         mock_create.assert_awaited_once()
         call_kwargs = mock_create.call_args[1]
         assert call_kwargs["outgoing"] is False
+
+
+class TestHistoricalChannelDecryptIntegration:
+    """Integration test: store undecrypted packet → add hashtag room → historical decrypt.
+
+    Exercises the full flow with real AES encryption (no mocked decryption),
+    verifying that _run_historical_channel_decryption can recover messages
+    from raw packets stored before the channel key was known.
+    """
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _build_group_text_packet(
+        channel_key: bytes, timestamp: int, sender: str, message: str
+    ) -> bytes:
+        """Build a complete raw FLOOD/GROUP_TEXT packet with real AES encryption.
+
+        Packet layout:
+          [header:1][path_length:1][payload...]
+        Header byte for FLOOD(1) + GROUP_TEXT(5) + version 0:
+          (0 << 6) | (5 << 2) | 1 = 0x15
+        """
+        import hashlib as _hashlib
+        import hmac as _hmac
+
+        from Crypto.Cipher import AES as _AES
+
+        # Build plaintext: timestamp(4 LE) + flags(1) + "sender: message\0" + padding
+        text = f"{sender}: {message}"
+        plaintext = (
+            timestamp.to_bytes(4, "little")
+            + b"\x00"  # flags
+            + text.encode("utf-8")
+            + b"\x00"  # null terminator
+        )
+        pad_len = (16 - len(plaintext) % 16) % 16
+        if pad_len == 0:
+            pad_len = 16
+        plaintext += bytes(pad_len)
+
+        # AES-128 ECB encrypt
+        ciphertext = _AES.new(channel_key, _AES.MODE_ECB).encrypt(plaintext)
+
+        # MAC: HMAC-SHA256(channel_secret, ciphertext)[:2]
+        channel_secret = channel_key + bytes(16)
+        mac = _hmac.new(channel_secret, ciphertext, _hashlib.sha256).digest()[:2]
+
+        # channel_hash: first byte of SHA256(key)
+        channel_hash = _hashlib.sha256(channel_key).digest()[0:1]
+
+        # Payload: channel_hash(1) + mac(2) + ciphertext
+        payload = channel_hash + mac + ciphertext
+
+        # Wrap in a FLOOD GROUP_TEXT packet: header=0x15, path_length=0
+        return bytes([0x15, 0x00]) + payload
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_store_then_add_room_then_historical_decrypt(
+        self, test_db, captured_broadcasts
+    ):
+        """Full flow: packet arrives for unknown channel, channel added later, historical decrypt recovers the message."""
+        import hashlib as _hashlib
+
+        from app.packet_processor import process_raw_packet
+        from app.routers.packets import _run_historical_channel_decryption
+
+        channel_name = "#testroom"
+        channel_key = _hashlib.sha256(channel_name.encode()).digest()[:16]
+        channel_key_hex = channel_key.hex().upper()
+        timestamp = 1700000000
+        sender = "Alice"
+        message_text = "Hello from the past"
+
+        raw_packet = self._build_group_text_packet(channel_key, timestamp, sender, message_text)
+
+        # --- Step 1: packet arrives but channel is unknown → stored undecrypted ---
+        broadcasts, mock_broadcast = captured_broadcasts
+
+        with patch("app.packet_processor.broadcast_event", mock_broadcast):
+            result = await process_raw_packet(raw_packet, timestamp=timestamp)
+
+        assert result is not None
+
+        # No message broadcast (channel unknown)
+        message_broadcasts = [b for b in broadcasts if b["type"] == "message"]
+        assert len(message_broadcasts) == 0
+
+        # Raw packet is in the undecrypted pool
+        undecrypted = await RawPacketRepository.get_all_undecrypted()
+        assert len(undecrypted) == 1
+        packet_id = undecrypted[0][0]
+
+        # --- Step 2: user adds the hashtag room ---
+        await ChannelRepository.upsert(
+            key=channel_key_hex, name=channel_name, is_hashtag=True
+        )
+
+        # --- Step 3: run historical channel decryption (real crypto, no mocks) ---
+        broadcasts.clear()
+
+        with patch("app.websocket.ws_manager") as mock_ws:
+            mock_ws.broadcast = AsyncMock()
+            await _run_historical_channel_decryption(
+                channel_key, channel_key_hex, channel_name
+            )
+
+        # --- Verify: message was created in DB ---
+        messages = await MessageRepository.get_all(
+            msg_type="CHAN", conversation_key=channel_key_hex, limit=10
+        )
+        assert len(messages) == 1
+        msg = messages[0]
+        assert msg.text == f"{sender}: {message_text}"
+        assert msg.sender_timestamp == timestamp
+        assert msg.conversation_key == channel_key_hex
+
+        # --- Verify: raw packet is now marked as decrypted ---
+        undecrypted_after = await RawPacketRepository.get_all_undecrypted()
+        remaining_ids = [p[0] for p in undecrypted_after]
+        assert packet_id not in remaining_ids
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_historical_decrypt_skips_wrong_channel(
+        self, test_db, captured_broadcasts
+    ):
+        """Historical decrypt with a different channel key does not decrypt the packet."""
+        import hashlib as _hashlib
+
+        from app.packet_processor import process_raw_packet
+        from app.routers.packets import _run_historical_channel_decryption
+
+        real_key = _hashlib.sha256(b"#real-room").digest()[:16]
+        wrong_key = _hashlib.sha256(b"#wrong-room").digest()[:16]
+        wrong_key_hex = wrong_key.hex().upper()
+
+        raw_packet = self._build_group_text_packet(real_key, 1700000000, "Bob", "Secret")
+
+        broadcasts, mock_broadcast = captured_broadcasts
+
+        with patch("app.packet_processor.broadcast_event", mock_broadcast):
+            await process_raw_packet(raw_packet, timestamp=1700000000)
+
+        # Packet stored undecrypted
+        assert len(await RawPacketRepository.get_all_undecrypted()) == 1
+
+        # Run historical decrypt with the wrong key
+        with patch("app.websocket.ws_manager") as mock_ws:
+            mock_ws.broadcast = AsyncMock()
+            await _run_historical_channel_decryption(wrong_key, wrong_key_hex, "#wrong-room")
+
+        # No message created
+        messages = await MessageRepository.get_all(
+            msg_type="CHAN", conversation_key=wrong_key_hex, limit=10
+        )
+        assert len(messages) == 0
+
+        # Packet still undecrypted
+        assert len(await RawPacketRepository.get_all_undecrypted()) == 1
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_historical_decrypt_multiple_packets(
+        self, test_db, captured_broadcasts
+    ):
+        """Historical decrypt recovers multiple messages from different senders."""
+        import hashlib as _hashlib
+
+        from app.packet_processor import process_raw_packet
+        from app.routers.packets import _run_historical_channel_decryption
+
+        channel_name = "#multi"
+        channel_key = _hashlib.sha256(channel_name.encode()).digest()[:16]
+        channel_key_hex = channel_key.hex().upper()
+
+        packets = [
+            self._build_group_text_packet(channel_key, 1700000001, "Alice", "First message"),
+            self._build_group_text_packet(channel_key, 1700000002, "Bob", "Second message"),
+            self._build_group_text_packet(channel_key, 1700000003, "Carol", "Third message"),
+        ]
+
+        broadcasts, mock_broadcast = captured_broadcasts
+
+        # Store all packets (channel unknown)
+        with patch("app.packet_processor.broadcast_event", mock_broadcast):
+            for pkt in packets:
+                await process_raw_packet(pkt, timestamp=1700000000)
+
+        assert len(await RawPacketRepository.get_all_undecrypted()) == 3
+
+        # Add channel, run historical decrypt
+        await ChannelRepository.upsert(key=channel_key_hex, name=channel_name, is_hashtag=True)
+
+        with patch("app.websocket.ws_manager") as mock_ws:
+            mock_ws.broadcast = AsyncMock()
+            await _run_historical_channel_decryption(channel_key, channel_key_hex, channel_name)
+
+        messages = await MessageRepository.get_all(
+            msg_type="CHAN", conversation_key=channel_key_hex, limit=10
+        )
+        assert len(messages) == 3
+        texts = sorted(m.text for m in messages)
+        assert texts == ["Alice: First message", "Bob: Second message", "Carol: Third message"]
+
+        # All packets now decrypted
+        assert len(await RawPacketRepository.get_all_undecrypted()) == 0