diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/account-operations.ts b/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/account-operations.ts
index 4e7bdbc8ea..7351a1b464 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/account-operations.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/account-operations.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import { atom } from 'nanostores'
 
 import type { ProfileScope } from '@/hermes'
 import { type ConnectionTarget, parseConnectionTarget } from '@/store/connection-request'
+import { noteFreeTierAppConnected } from '@/store/free-tier-sign-in'
 import { activeGatewayConnectionId } from '@/store/gateway'
 import { normalizeProfileKey } from '@/store/profile'
 
@@ -212,5 +213,11 @@ function refetchOnSettle(operation: AccountOperation): void {
     return
   }
 
-  invalidateConnectors(operation.scope, 'list', 'accounts')
+  // The first connect can create the identity the page opened without, so its bundled catalog and
+  // empty rules are re-read too.
+  invalidateConnectors(operation.scope, 'list', 'accounts', 'catalog', 'policy')
+
+  if (operation.targets.some(target => target.state === 'connected')) {
+    noteFreeTierAppConnected()
+  }
 }
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries-rules.test.tsx b/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries-rules.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..543d3af759
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries-rules.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+import { QueryClientProvider } from '@tanstack/react-query'
+import { cleanup, renderHook, waitFor } from '@testing-library/react'
+import type { ReactNode } from 'react'
+import { afterEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest'
+
+import { queryClient } from '@/lib/query-client'
+import { noteFreeTierTurnComplete } from '@/store/free-tier-sign-in'
+import { setPrimaryGateway, setPrimaryGatewayConnectionId } from '@/store/gateway'
+
+import { useHostedConnectors } from './queries'
+
+const row = { connected: false, connector: 'notion', enabled: true, gateway_disabled_tools: [] }
+
+function gateway(listed: object[]) {
+  const request = vi.fn(
+    async (method: string) =>
+      ({
+        'connectors.accounts': { accounts: [] },
+        'connectors.catalog': { connectors: [] },
+        'connectors.list': { available: true, connectors: [...listed] },
+        'connectors.policy.get': { effective: { mode: 'unrestricted' }, layers: [] }
+      })[method]
+  )
+
+  // SAFETY: the page's queries call only `request` on the primary socket.
+  setPrimaryGateway({ request } as never)
+  setPrimaryGatewayConnectionId('connection-1')
+
+  return request
+}
+
+// The page invalidates through the app's one query client, so the hook runs on it too.
+function mount() {
+  const wrapper = ({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) => (
+    <QueryClientProvider client={queryClient}>{children}</QueryClientProvider>
+  )
+
+  return renderHook(() => useHostedConnectors('default'), { wrapper })
+}
+
+const asked = (request: ReturnType<typeof gateway>, method: string) =>
+  request.mock.calls.some(([name]) => name === method)
+
+afterEach(() => {
+  cleanup()
+  queryClient.clear()
+})
+
+describe('connector rules on the Connectors page', () => {
+  it('are not asked for while the list is empty (no identity yet)', async () => {
+    const request = gateway([])
+    const { result } = mount()
+
+    await waitFor(() => expect(result.current.phase).toBe('ready'))
+    await waitFor(() => expect(asked(request, 'connectors.catalog')).toBe(true))
+
+    expect(asked(request, 'connectors.policy.get')).toBe(false)
+    expect(result.current.rulesFailed).toBe(false)
+  })
+
+  it('are asked for once the gateway lists apps', async () => {
+    const request = gateway([row])
+
+    mount()
+
+    await waitFor(() => expect(asked(request, 'connectors.policy.get')).toBe(true))
+  })
+
+  it('are asked for once an identity appears outside the page (an agent connect in a chat)', async () => {
+    const listed: object[] = []
+    const request = gateway(listed)
+    const { result } = mount()
+
+    await waitFor(() => expect(result.current.phase).toBe('ready'))
+    listed.push(row)
+    noteFreeTierTurnComplete()
+
+    await waitFor(() => expect(asked(request, 'connectors.policy.get')).toBe(true))
+    // The accounts read cached while there was no identity is re-read too, or the new account stays hidden.
+    expect(request.mock.calls.filter(([name]) => name === 'connectors.accounts')).toHaveLength(2)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries.ts b/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries.ts
index 593747b4cb..0355e7c3f1 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/app/capabilities/connectors/data/queries.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import type { ProfileScope } from '@/hermes'
 import { translateNow } from '@/i18n'
 import { isMissingRpcMethod, isOutOfSyncRpcParams } from '@/lib/gateway-rpc'
 import { queryClient } from '@/lib/query-client'
+import { $freeTierTurnCompleted } from '@/store/free-tier-sign-in'
 import { notifyError } from '@/store/notifications'
 
 import { hostedPhase } from '../derive'
@@ -102,8 +103,23 @@ export function useHostedConnectors(scope: ProfileScope): HostedConnectorsView {
     queryKey: connectorsAccountsQueryKey(scope)
   })
 
+  // Rules exist only for an identity. The page list is empty until one does (no token, no gateway
+  // read), so rules are asked for once it has rows.
+  const listed = (list.data?.connectors.length ?? 0) > 0
+
+  // The identity can appear outside this page (an agent connect in a chat). Until the list has rows,
+  // every finished turn or connect re-reads the list, catalog and accounts, which then move to the signed-in routes.
+  useEffect(
+    () =>
+      listed
+        ? undefined
+        : $freeTierTurnCompleted.listen(() => invalidateConnectors(scope, 'list', 'catalog', 'accounts')),
+    [listed, scope]
+  )
+
   const policy = useQuery({
     ...read('policy'),
+    enabled: listed,
     queryFn: () => connectorPolicy(scope),
     queryKey: connectorsPolicyQueryKey(scope)
   })
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/app/contrib/hooks/desktop-onboarding-metrics.test.ts b/apps/desktop/src/app/contrib/hooks/desktop-onboarding-metrics.test.ts
index 65f981f460..0fb01f4c83 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/app/contrib/hooks/desktop-onboarding-metrics.test.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/app/contrib/hooks/desktop-onboarding-metrics.test.ts
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ async function walk(...states: FreeTierSignInState[]): Promise<string[]> {
 }
 
 const CLOSED: FreeTierSignInState = { status: 'closed' }
-const OFFER: FreeTierSignInState = { status: 'offer' }
+const OFFER: FreeTierSignInState = { kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' }
 const SETTING_UP: FreeTierSignInState = { minting: false, status: 'setting_up' }
 
 beforeEach(() => {
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.test.tsx b/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.test.tsx
index ab598eec74..75f84794ee 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.test.tsx
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.test.tsx
@@ -185,14 +185,14 @@ describe('FreeTierSignInDialog', () => {
         $freeTierStatus.set({ ...dueNow, nudge_due_in: 0 })
       })
 
-      expect(requestGateway).not.toHaveBeenCalledWith('free_tier.claim_nudge')
+      expect(requestGateway).not.toHaveBeenCalledWith('free_tier.claim_nudge', undefined)
 
       await act(async () => {
         setOnboardingSurfaceActive('onboarding', false)
       })
 
       await waitFor(() => expect(screen.getByText('Keep going with Hermes')).toBeTruthy())
-      expect(requestGateway).toHaveBeenCalledWith('free_tier.claim_nudge')
+      expect(requestGateway).toHaveBeenCalledWith('free_tier.claim_nudge', undefined)
     })
 
     it('a finished free-tier turn re-reads the status, and a due offer opens with no user action', async () => {
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ describe('FreeTierSignInDialog', () => {
 
     it('Sign in continues into the normal sign-in flow', async () => {
       await renderDialog()
-      await act(async () => $freeTierSignIn.set({ status: 'offer' }))
+      await act(async () => $freeTierSignIn.set({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' }))
 
       await act(async () => screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'Sign in' }).click())
 
@@ -221,12 +221,27 @@ describe('FreeTierSignInDialog', () => {
 
     it('Not now closes the offer', async () => {
       await renderDialog()
-      await act(async () => $freeTierSignIn.set({ status: 'offer' }))
+      await act(async () => $freeTierSignIn.set({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' }))
 
       await act(async () => screen.getByRole('button', { name: 'Not now' }).click())
 
       expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ status: 'closed' })
       expect(screen.queryByText('Keep going with Hermes')).toBeNull()
     })
+
+    it('an app connected without the trial: claims the connector offer and shows its copy', async () => {
+      await renderDialog()
+      const ownKey = { ...dueNow, available: false, connector_nudge_due_in: null }
+      await act(async () => $freeTierStatus.set(ownKey))
+      requestGateway.mockImplementation(async (method?: string) =>
+        method === 'free_tier.claim_nudge' ? { claimed: true } : { ...ownKey, connector_nudge_due_in: 0 }
+      )
+
+      await act(async () => noteFreeTierTurnComplete())
+
+      await waitFor(() => expect(screen.getByText('Keep your connected apps')).toBeTruthy())
+      expect(requestGateway).toHaveBeenCalledWith('free_tier.claim_nudge', { kind: 'connector' })
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Keep going with Hermes')).toBeNull()
+    })
   })
 })
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.tsx b/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.tsx
index 8524abb288..7bd9537d03 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.tsx
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/components/free-tier/sign-in-dialog.tsx
@@ -145,7 +145,10 @@ export function FreeTierSignInDialog({ onSelectModel }: FreeTierSignInDialogProp
     <Dialog onOpenChange={open => !open && closeFreeTierSignIn()} open>
       <DialogContent onOpenAutoFocus={preventCloseButtonAutoFocus}>
         {state.status === 'offer' && (
-          <Screen body={copy.offer.body} heading={copy.offer.heading}>
+          <Screen
+            body={state.kind === 'connector' ? t.connectorOffer.body : copy.offer.body}
+            heading={state.kind === 'connector' ? t.connectorOffer.heading : copy.offer.heading}
+          >
             <Actions>
               <Button onClick={() => closeFreeTierSignIn()} size="sm" type="button" variant="text">
                 {copy.offer.notNow}
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/i18n/en_notices.ts b/apps/desktop/src/i18n/en_notices.ts
index 5e00deff5b..34d36eb096 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/i18n/en_notices.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/i18n/en_notices.ts
@@ -35,5 +35,12 @@ export const enNotices = {
     message:
       'Hermes can keep your computer awake while a task runs. The screen still turns off, and on battery your computer may still sleep.',
     action: 'Keep awake while working'
+  },
+  connectorOffer: {
+    heading: 'Keep your connected apps',
+    body: 'Sign in with a free Nous account to keep the apps you connected, like Gmail or Slack, on your account.'
   }
-} satisfies Pick<Translations, 'remoteDisplayBanner' | 'butterbar' | 'promptNotices' | 'keepAwakeOffer'>
+} satisfies Pick<
+  Translations,
+  'remoteDisplayBanner' | 'butterbar' | 'promptNotices' | 'keepAwakeOffer' | 'connectorOffer'
+>
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/i18n/overlay-gaps.json b/apps/desktop/src/i18n/overlay-gaps.json
index 4e0ec24767..9c3d5e06da 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/i18n/overlay-gaps.json
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/i18n/overlay-gaps.json
@@ -382,6 +382,8 @@
   "composer.wakeWordListening": ["ar"],
   "composer.wakeWordOff": ["ar"],
   "composer.wakeWordPausedVoice": ["ar"],
+  "connectorOffer.body": ["ar","de","es","fr","ja","ru","zh","zh-hant"],
+  "connectorOffer.heading": ["ar","de","es","fr","ja","ru","zh","zh-hant"],
   "connectors.authorizedToolsUnavailable": ["ar","ja","ru","zh-hant"],
   "connectors.cancel": ["ar","ja","ru","zh-hant"],
   "connectors.checking": ["ar","ja","ru","zh","zh-hant"],
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/i18n/types_notices.ts b/apps/desktop/src/i18n/types_notices.ts
index a3df684d18..6b256efa96 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/i18n/types_notices.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/i18n/types_notices.ts
@@ -32,6 +32,8 @@ export interface NoticeTranslations {
 
   /** Once per computer, after a timed sleep interrupted a turn with keep-awake off. */
   keepAwakeOffer: { title: string; message: string; action: string }
+  /** The sign-in offer after apps connect on the free tier without the welcome trial. */
+  connectorOffer: { heading: string; body: string }
 }
 
 export interface SessionCommandNotices {
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-offer.test.ts b/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-offer.test.ts
index d2acfae494..000441d7dd 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-offer.test.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-offer.test.ts
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ describe('sign-in offer after a finished task', () => {
     await vi.advanceTimersByTimeAsync(0)
 
     expect(claims(requestGateway)).toBe(1)
-    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ status: 'offer' })
+    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' })
   })
 
   it('due later: waits out nudge_due_in, re-reads the status, then claims', async () => {
@@ -107,7 +107,23 @@ describe('sign-in offer after a finished task', () => {
 
     expect(requestGateway).toHaveBeenCalledWith('free_tier.status')
     expect(claims(requestGateway)).toBe(1)
-    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ status: 'offer' })
+    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' })
+  })
+
+  it('an older backend that rejects unknown params still serves the trial offer', async () => {
+    const requestGateway = vi.fn(async (method: string, params?: Record<string, unknown>) => {
+      if (params !== undefined) {
+        throw new Error('unknown param')
+      }
+
+      return method === 'free_tier.claim_nudge' ? { claimed: true } : status(null)
+      // SAFETY: the code under test asks only these two methods and reads exactly these shapes back.
+    }) as ReturnType<typeof vi.fn> & FreeTierRequester
+
+    syncFreeTierOffer(status(0), requestGateway)
+    await vi.advanceTimersByTimeAsync(0)
+
+    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' })
   })
 
   it('a claim another window won leaves the dialog closed', async () => {
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.test.ts b/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.test.ts
index ee326587e6..0c80f5e84a 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.test.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.test.ts
@@ -218,9 +218,9 @@ describe('free-tier sign-in long-polls', () => {
     showFreeTierSignInResult({ handoff_status: null, session_id: 's', status: 'approved' })
     expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ status: 'closed' })
 
-    $freeTierSignIn.set({ status: 'offer' })
+    $freeTierSignIn.set({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' })
     showFreeTierSignInResult({ handoff_status: claimed, session_id: 's', status: 'approved' })
-    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ status: 'offer' })
+    expect($freeTierSignIn.get()).toEqual({ kind: 'trial', status: 'offer' })
 
     $freeTierSignIn.set({ status: 'closed' })
     showFreeTierSignInResult({
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.ts b/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.ts
index 2cb0e14d97..06b8c618ed 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/store/free-tier-sign-in.ts
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import { LONG_POLL_MIN_GAP_MS, pause, restOfLongPollGap } from '@/lib/long-poll'
 import { gatewayActivationEpoch } from '@/store/gateway'
 import type { AppHandoffStatus, FreeTierStatus, OAuthPollResponse } from '@/types/hermes'
 
-import { $freeTierStatus, type FreeTierRequester, NOUS_PROVIDER_ID, refreshFreeTierStatus } from './free-tier'
+import { type FreeTierRequester, NOUS_PROVIDER_ID, refreshFreeTierStatus } from './free-tier'
 import { $localModelOfferPending } from './local-model-offer'
 import { afterOnboardingSurfaceClear, onboardingSurfaceActive } from './onboarding-presence'
 
@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@ import { afterOnboardingSurfaceClear, onboardingSurfaceActive } from './onboardi
  *  not name lands on `error`, which carries its own message. */
 export type FreeTierSignInFailure = 'busy' | 'error' | 'timed_out' | 'unavailable' | 'unreachable'
 
+export type FreeTierOfferKind = 'connector' | 'trial'
+
 export type FreeTierSignInState =
   | { status: 'already_signed_in' }
   | { status: 'closed' }
@@ -34,10 +36,10 @@ export type FreeTierSignInState =
   // A "please open the dialog" request from an entry point that has no gateway
   // requester of its own. The mounted host picks it up and drives the flow.
   | { status: 'requested' }
-  // The "keep going" offer after a finished task (backend-timed, repeating with
-  // back-off). Unlike `requested` it waits for the user's Sign in before
-  // starting the transfer.
-  | { status: 'offer' }
+  // A sign-in offer the backend timed (repeating with back-off): `trial` after a
+  // finished free-tier task, `connector` after apps connect without the trial.
+  // Unlike `requested` it waits for the user's Sign in before starting the transfer.
+  | { kind: FreeTierOfferKind; status: 'offer' }
   // `handoff`: the free tier's apps moving to this account (null when the
   // sign-in replaced no free tier). Followed while it is still retrying.
   // `scope`: the profile the sign-in ran for when it is not the active one,
@@ -138,27 +140,45 @@ function clearOfferTimer() {
   }
 }
 
-// Bumped when a turn completes on the free tier. The backend records the finished task before it
-// sends message.complete, so the dialog owner's re-read on this signal learns when the next offer is due.
+// Bumped when a turn completes or an app connects. The backend records the finished task (or the
+// connected app) before it reports either, so the dialog owner's re-read on this signal learns when
+// the next offer is due. Not gated on the cached status: a turn's own connect can create the identity
+// the cache predates, and the re-read is local and zero-network.
 export const $freeTierTurnCompleted = atom(0)
 
 export function noteFreeTierTurnComplete() {
-  if ($freeTierStatus.get()?.available) {
-    $freeTierTurnCompleted.set($freeTierTurnCompleted.get() + 1)
-  }
+  $freeTierTurnCompleted.set($freeTierTurnCompleted.get() + 1)
 }
 
+/** An app connected from the Connectors page, outside any turn. */
+export const noteFreeTierAppConnected = noteFreeTierTurnComplete
+
 /** Stop a pending offer timer (the dialog owner unmounted). */
 export function stopFreeTierOffer() {
   clearOfferTimer()
 }
 
+// The trial offer rides on the trial being live; the connector offer is for users without it, so
+// the backend owes at most one of the two.
+function dueOffer(status: FreeTierStatus | null): { dueIn: number; kind: FreeTierOfferKind } | null {
+  const trial = status?.available ? (status.nudge_due_in ?? null) : null
+
+  if (trial !== null) {
+    return { dueIn: trial, kind: 'trial' }
+  }
+
+  const connector = status?.connector_nudge_due_in ?? null
+
+  return connector === null ? null : { dueIn: connector, kind: 'connector' }
+}
+
 /**
- * Act on the backend's `nudge_due_in` (it alone decides when the next
- * offer is due). Later: one timer that re-reads the status, whose fresh answer
- * comes back through here. Due now: claim it, and only the one caller the
- * backend says `claimed` opens the offer. Called on every status read and when
- * guided onboarding leaves the screen; a guarded call simply waits for the next.
+ * Act on the backend's `nudge_due_in` / `connector_nudge_due_in` (it alone
+ * decides when the next offer is due). Later: one timer that re-reads the
+ * status, whose fresh answer comes back through here. Due now: claim it, and
+ * only the one caller the backend says `claimed` opens the offer. Called on
+ * every status read and when guided onboarding leaves the screen; a guarded
+ * call simply waits for the next.
  */
 export function syncFreeTierOffer(status: FreeTierStatus | null, requestGateway: FreeTierRequester) {
   // A re-sync on the same read (an onboarding change) keeps its running timer, so it is not pushed back.
@@ -167,12 +187,14 @@ export function syncFreeTierOffer(status: FreeTierStatus | null, requestGateway:
   }
 
   clearOfferTimer()
-  const dueIn = status?.available ? (status.nudge_due_in ?? null) : null
+  const due = dueOffer(status)
 
-  if (dueIn === null) {
+  if (due === null) {
     return
   }
 
+  const { dueIn, kind } = due
+
   if (dueIn > 0) {
     const isCurrent = sameGatewayRoute()
     offerTimerFor = status
@@ -188,7 +210,7 @@ export function syncFreeTierOffer(status: FreeTierStatus | null, requestGateway:
     return
   }
 
-  void claimFreeTierOffer(requestGateway)
+  void claimFreeTierOffer(requestGateway, kind)
 }
 
 // The local-model offer after onboarding goes first; the sign-in offer is claimed once it is answered.
@@ -198,7 +220,7 @@ const offerBlocked = () =>
   $localModelOfferPending.get() ||
   $freeTierSignIn.get().status !== 'closed'
 
-async function claimFreeTierOffer(requestGateway: FreeTierRequester) {
+async function claimFreeTierOffer(requestGateway: FreeTierRequester, kind: FreeTierOfferKind) {
   if (offerBlocked()) {
     return
   }
@@ -208,7 +230,9 @@ async function claimFreeTierOffer(requestGateway: FreeTierRequester) {
   let claimed: boolean
 
   try {
-    claimed = (await requestGateway<FreeTierClaimNudgeResult>('free_tier.claim_nudge'))?.claimed === true
+    // A trial claim sends no `kind`: an older backend rejects the unknown key, and defaults to the trial.
+    const params = kind === 'trial' ? undefined : { kind }
+    claimed = (await requestGateway<FreeTierClaimNudgeResult>('free_tier.claim_nudge', params))?.claimed === true
   } catch {
     // Not claimed; the next status read tries again. No re-read here, or a failing call would loop.
     return
@@ -221,10 +245,10 @@ async function claimFreeTierOffer(requestGateway: FreeTierRequester) {
   }
 
   if (claimed && $freeTierSignIn.get().status === 'closed') {
-    set({ status: 'offer' })
+    set({ kind, status: 'offer' })
   }
 
-  // The claim settled the offer either way; re-read so the cached `nudge_due_in` drops.
+  // The claim settled the offer either way; re-read so the cached due time drops.
   void refreshFreeTierStatus(requestGateway, isCurrent)
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/desktop/src/types/hermes.ts b/apps/desktop/src/types/hermes.ts
index dbbb1f22e7..927c98b200 100644
--- a/apps/desktop/src/types/hermes.ts
+++ b/apps/desktop/src/types/hermes.ts
@@ -201,6 +201,8 @@ export interface FreeTierStatus {
   challenge?: FreeTierChallengePayload | null
   /** Seconds until the one-time first-task sign-in offer is due (0 = now); null when none is owed. */
   nudge_due_in?: number | null
+  /** The same for the connector offer: no trial, and apps connected on the free tier. */
+  connector_nudge_due_in?: number | null
 }
 
 export interface MemoryProviderOAuthStatus {
diff --git a/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.generated.ts b/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.generated.ts
index 19bbc924e3..57a5f6d677 100644
--- a/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.generated.ts
+++ b/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.generated.ts
@@ -678,6 +678,7 @@ export interface FreeTierStatusResult {
   retry_after?: number | null
   challenge?: FreeTierChallengePayload | null
   nudge_due_in?: number | null
+  connector_nudge_due_in?: number | null
 }
 /** ``hermes_cli/anon_challenge.py::BrowserChallenge.as_payload``: the ``free_tier.challenge`` event, and ``free_tier.status``'s ``challenge`` field for a client that connected after it. */
 export interface FreeTierChallengePayload {
@@ -709,6 +710,10 @@ export interface FreeTierProvisionResult {
 export interface FreeTierAckNoticeResult {
   acked: boolean
 }
+export interface FreeTierClaimNudgeParams {
+  profile?: string | null
+  kind?: 'trial' | 'connector'
+}
 export interface FreeTierClaimNudgeResult {
   claimed: boolean
 }
@@ -6169,7 +6174,7 @@ export interface RpcMethods {
   /** Report a browser window outcome for the matching pending attempt; mint remains authoritative. */
   'free_tier.challenge_result': { params: FreeTierChallengeResultParams; result: FreeTierChallengeResult }
   /** Claim the due sign-in offer; true for exactly one caller each time an offer comes due. */
-  'free_tier.claim_nudge': { params: ProfileParams; result: FreeTierClaimNudgeResult }
+  'free_tier.claim_nudge': { params: FreeTierClaimNudgeParams; result: FreeTierClaimNudgeResult }
   /** Explicit retry of the free-tier identity mint when the boot bootstrap could not create it. */
   'free_tier.provision': { params: ProfileParams; result: FreeTierProvisionResult }
   /** Pure read of the focused profile's free-tier identity state (no network, no side effects). */
diff --git a/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.openrpc.json b/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.openrpc.json
index 96b343ba04..0e7e02c8a9 100644
--- a/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.openrpc.json
+++ b/apps/shared/src/gateway-contract.openrpc.json
@@ -1075,7 +1075,7 @@
         {
           "name": "params",
           "schema": {
-            "$ref": "#/components/schemas/ProfileParams"
+            "$ref": "#/components/schemas/FreeTierClaimNudgeParams"
           }
         }
       ],
@@ -18636,6 +18636,34 @@
         "title": "FreeTierChallengeResultParams",
         "type": "object"
       },
+      "FreeTierClaimNudgeParams": {
+        "additionalProperties": false,
+        "properties": {
+          "profile": {
+            "anyOf": [
+              {
+                "type": "string"
+              },
+              {
+                "type": "null"
+              }
+            ],
+            "default": null,
+            "title": "Profile"
+          },
+          "kind": {
+            "default": "trial",
+            "enum": [
+              "trial",
+              "connector"
+            ],
+            "title": "Kind",
+            "type": "string"
+          }
+        },
+        "title": "FreeTierClaimNudgeParams",
+        "type": "object"
+      },
       "FreeTierClaimNudgeResult": {
         "additionalProperties": false,
         "properties": {
@@ -18815,6 +18843,18 @@
             ],
             "default": null,
             "title": "Nudge Due In"
+          },
+          "connector_nudge_due_in": {
+            "anyOf": [
+              {
+                "type": "integer"
+              },
+              {
+                "type": "null"
+              }
+            ],
+            "default": null,
+            "title": "Connector Nudge Due In"
           }
         },
         "required": [
diff --git a/hermes_cli/connectors_cmd.py b/hermes_cli/connectors_cmd.py
index 581c86bda2..1118edac18 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/connectors_cmd.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/connectors_cmd.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from typing import Any, Callable, NoReturn
 
 _POLL_SECONDS = 2.0
 _DONE_STATES = frozenset({"connected", "skipped", "failed", "expired", "not_connected"})
-_SIGN_IN = "Sign in with `hermes login` to manage connectors."
+_SIGN_IN = "Run `hermes auth upgrade` to sign in."
 
 
 class _CommandError(Exception):
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ def _match_named(app: str, rows: list[dict[str, Any]], name: str) -> dict[str, A
 def _list(args) -> int:
     from tools.connectors.managed import managed_client
 
-    rows = managed_client().list_connectors()
+    rows = managed_client(creates_guest=True).list_connectors()
     if not rows:
         print("No connectors are available.")
         return 0
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ def cmd_connectors(args) -> int:
         print(f"Unknown connectors action: {args.connectors_action}", file=sys.stderr)
         return 2
     if not connectors_available():
-        print("Connectors are not available. Sign in with `hermes login` first.", file=sys.stderr)
+        print(f"Connectors are not available. {_SIGN_IN}", file=sys.stderr)
         return 1
     try:
         return handler(args)
diff --git a/hermes_cli/free_tier_offer.py b/hermes_cli/free_tier_offer.py
index 89ca624741..bc0facfa8d 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/free_tier_offer.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/free_tier_offer.py
@@ -1,53 +1,72 @@
-"""When the free tier's "sign in for more" offer is due: after finished tasks, backing off.
+"""When a free-tier "sign in" offer is due: after finished tasks, backing off.
+
+Two offers share one schedule. ``trial`` is the welcome trial's "sign in for more"; a finished task
+is ``tui_gateway.free_tier_task_done``'s call. ``connector`` is for a guest that has connected an app
+on its own model key; each app that connects counts as a finished task (``note_app_connected``).
 
 The first offer comes ``OFFER_DELAY_S`` after the first finished task. Each later offer needs another
 finished task after the previous offer, comes ``OFFER_DELAY_S`` after that task, and never sooner than
 ``REOFFER_AFTER_S[n]`` after the previous offer, so a user who keeps saying "Not now" hears it less
-often. "Finished task" is ``tui_gateway.free_tier_task_done``'s call. The record is install-wide, at
-``<default root>/free_tier/sign_in_offer.json``. Signing in ends the free tier, and with it every offer.
+often. Each record is install-wide, under ``<default root>/free_tier/``. Signing in ends the guest,
+and with it every offer.
 """
 
 from __future__ import annotations
 
 import json
+import logging
 import math
 import threading
 import time
 from contextlib import contextmanager
-from typing import Any, Dict, Iterator, Optional
+from typing import Any, Iterator, Optional
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 OFFER_DELAY_S = 180
 REOFFER_AFTER_S = (60 * 60, 4 * 60 * 60, 24 * 60 * 60)  # after the 1st, 2nd, then every later offer
 
+TRIAL = "trial"
+CONNECTOR = "connector"
+CONNECTED_APP_FLAG = "has_connected_app"
+
+_RECORDS = {TRIAL: "sign_in_offer.json", CONNECTOR: "connector_offer.json"}
+
 _LOCK = threading.local()
 _clock = time.time  # tests swap this for a fake clock
 
 
-def _path():
+def _path(kind: str):
     from hermes_constants import get_default_hermes_root
-    return get_default_hermes_root() / "free_tier" / "sign_in_offer.json"
+    return get_default_hermes_root() / "free_tier" / _RECORDS[kind]
 
 
-def _read() -> dict[str, Any]:
+def _read(kind: str) -> dict[str, Any]:
     try:
-        data = json.loads(_path().read_text(encoding="utf-8-sig"))
+        data = json.loads(_path(kind).read_text(encoding="utf-8-sig"))
     except (OSError, ValueError):
         return {}
     return data if isinstance(data, dict) and isinstance(data.get("first_task_at"), (int, float)) else {}
 
 
 @contextmanager
-def _transaction() -> Iterator[tuple[dict[str, Any], Any]]:
+def _transaction(kind: str) -> Iterator[tuple[dict[str, Any], Any]]:
     from hermes_cli.auth import _file_lock
     from utils import atomic_write_text
-    path = _path()
+    path = _path(kind)
     with _file_lock(path.with_suffix(".lock"), _LOCK, 5.0, f"Timed out waiting for the sign-in offer record ({path})"):
-        yield _read(), lambda data: atomic_write_text(path, json.dumps(data))
+        yield _read(kind), lambda data: atomic_write_text(path, json.dumps(data))
 
 
-def _on_free_tier() -> bool:
+def _eligible(kind: str) -> bool:
+    """``trial``: the welcome trial carries inference. ``connector``: a guest that connected an app,
+    guests are still allowed (``nous.guest``), and no trial makes its own offer."""
     from hermes_cli import anon_auth
-    return anon_auth.free_inference_active()
+    if kind == TRIAL:
+        return anon_auth.free_inference_active()
+    state = anon_auth.current_nous_state()
+    return (anon_auth.is_guest_state(state) and state.get(CONNECTED_APP_FLAG) is True and anon_auth.guest_allowed()
+            and not anon_auth.free_inference_active(state))
 
 
 def _due_at(state: dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[float]:
@@ -63,30 +82,55 @@ def _due_at(state: dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[float]:
     return max(last_task + OFFER_DELAY_S, last_offer + REOFFER_AFTER_S[min(offers, len(REOFFER_AFTER_S)) - 1])
 
 
-def _due_in(state: dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[int]:
+def _due_in(kind: str, state: dict[str, Any]) -> Optional[int]:
     due_at = _due_at(state)
-    if due_at is None or not _on_free_tier():
+    if due_at is None or not _eligible(kind):
         return None
     return max(0, math.ceil(due_at - _clock()))
 
 
-def record_task_done() -> None:
-    """A task finished on the free tier: the first one starts the offer clock, later ones re-arm it."""
-    with _transaction() as (state, write):
+def record_task_done(kind: str = TRIAL) -> None:
+    """A task finished: the first one starts the offer clock, later ones re-arm it."""
+    with _transaction(kind) as (state, write):
         now = _clock()
         write({**state, "first_task_at": state.get("first_task_at", now), "last_task_at": now})
 
 
-def offer_due_in() -> Optional[int]:
-    """Seconds until the offer is due (0 = now); None when none is pending or the user is not on the
-    free tier. A pure read."""
-    return _due_in(_read())
+def note_app_connected() -> None:
+    """An app finished connecting. On a guest identity, count a finished task for the connector offer,
+    then flag the guest (so the flag dies with it). The flag ends list-read sightings, so it is set only
+    once the task is recorded. Never fails the connection."""
+    from hermes_cli import anon_auth
+    try:
+        if anon_auth.is_guest_state(anon_auth.current_nous_state()):
+            record_task_done(CONNECTOR)
+            anon_auth.set_guest_flag(CONNECTED_APP_FLAG)
+    except Exception:
+        logger.debug("connector sign-in offer record failed", exc_info=True)
 
 
-def claim_offer() -> bool:
+def note_connected_apps_seen(rows: list[Any]) -> None:
+    """A connector list read (agent status, the Connectors page). The first one that shows a guest an
+    app connected counts as the connect: a connect by link (messaging, one-shot runs) never passes the
+    operation watcher, and an older Hermes connected apps without setting the flag."""
+    from hermes_cli import anon_auth
+    if not any(isinstance(row, dict) and row.get("connected") for row in rows):
+        return
+    state = anon_auth.current_nous_state()
+    if anon_auth.is_guest_state(state) and not state.get(CONNECTED_APP_FLAG):
+        note_app_connected()
+
+
+def offer_due_in(kind: str = TRIAL) -> Optional[int]:
+    """Seconds until the offer is due (0 = now); None when none is pending or the user is not
+    eligible for it. A pure read."""
+    return _due_in(kind, _read(kind))
+
+
+def claim_offer(kind: str = TRIAL) -> bool:
     """Compare-and-set under the lock: True for exactly one caller each time an offer comes due."""
-    with _transaction() as (state, write):
-        if _due_in(state) != 0:
+    with _transaction(kind) as (state, write):
+        if _due_in(kind, state) != 0:
             return False
         write({**state, "offers": int(state.get("offers") or 0) + 1, "last_offered_at": _clock()})
     return True
diff --git a/locales/_keys.desktop.json b/locales/_keys.desktop.json
index 0e82256f4f..ae0fe91d33 100644
--- a/locales/_keys.desktop.json
+++ b/locales/_keys.desktop.json
@@ -1089,6 +1089,8 @@
     "composer.wakeWordOff",
     "composer.wakeWordPausedVoice",
     "composer.wakingProfile",
+    "connectorOffer.body",
+    "connectorOffer.heading",
     "connectors.authorizedToolsUnavailable",
     "connectors.cancel",
     "connectors.checking",
diff --git a/tests/hermes_cli/test_free_tier_offer.py b/tests/hermes_cli/test_free_tier_offer.py
index 4cb9439e69..584a55ca05 100644
--- a/tests/hermes_cli/test_free_tier_offer.py
+++ b/tests/hermes_cli/test_free_tier_offer.py
@@ -111,3 +111,23 @@ def test_never_offered_off_the_free_tier(clock, monkeypatch):
     monkeypatch.setattr(anon_auth, "free_inference_active", lambda state=None: False)
     assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in() is None
     assert free_tier_offer.claim_offer() is False
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("guest,connected,trial,allowed,offered", [
+    (True, True, False, True, True),     # a guest on its own key that connected an app
+    (True, False, False, True, False),   # a guest that connected nothing
+    (True, True, True, True, False),     # the trial makes its own offer
+    (False, True, False, True, False),   # signed in: no guest, no offer
+    (True, True, False, False, False),   # nous.guest: false, the guest left on disk
+], ids=["connector-guest", "nothing-connected", "on-trial", "signed-in", "guests-off"])
+def test_connector_offer_is_only_for_a_guest_that_connected_an_app_without_the_trial(
+        clock, monkeypatch, guest, connected, trial, allowed, offered):
+    state = {"auth_method": anon_auth.ANON_AUTH_METHOD if guest else "device_code"}
+    if connected:
+        state[free_tier_offer.CONNECTED_APP_FLAG] = True
+    monkeypatch.setattr(anon_auth, "current_nous_state", lambda: state)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(anon_auth, "free_inference_active", lambda state=None: trial)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(anon_auth, "guest_allowed", lambda: allowed)
+    free_tier_offer.record_task_done(free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR)
+    assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in(free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR) == (DELAY if offered else None)
+    assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in() is None  # the trial's record is its own
diff --git a/tests/tools/test_connector_wire_identity.py b/tests/tools/test_connector_wire_identity.py
index 65251921a2..93cfe0b6a1 100644
--- a/tests/tools/test_connector_wire_identity.py
+++ b/tests/tools/test_connector_wire_identity.py
@@ -145,7 +145,8 @@ def test_each_connect_path_names_its_initiator(monkeypatch):
 
     for initiator in (managed.AGENT_TOOL, managed.DESKTOP_PAGE):
         operation = ConnectionOperation([Target("gmail", "connector", "connect")])
-        client = managed.managed_client() if initiator == managed.AGENT_TOOL else managed.managed_client(initiator=initiator)
+        client = (managed.managed_client(creates_guest=True) if initiator == managed.AGENT_TOOL
+                  else managed.managed_client(creates_guest=True, initiator=initiator))
         managed.mint(client, operation, ["gmail"], reinitiate=False, actor=Actor.backend_watcher)
 
     operation.transition("gmail", TargetState.failed, Actor.backend_watcher)
diff --git a/tests/tui_gateway/test_connectors_page_identity.py b/tests/tui_gateway/test_connectors_page_identity.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d3e6101170
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/tui_gateway/test_connectors_page_identity.py
@@ -0,0 +1,188 @@
+"""The desktop Connectors page, the CLI and the agent tool, and the guest identity behind hosted connectors.
+
+Contracts, for a user with no Nous identity (the fake account service in
+``tests.hermes_cli.anon_portal``, Hermes' real RPC handlers and CLI):
+- opening the page (list, catalog, accounts) creates no identity; the catalog comes from the Portal's
+  public route, asked once and without a bearer, and rules are refused rather than invented
+- ``hermes connectors list`` and the agent's ``manage_connections`` status each create exactly one
+  identity and make the gateway list call, as before
+- the first connect creates one identity, arms the connector sign-in offer, and the page then reads
+  the signed-in routes; a connect by link that a later status read sees connected arms it too, and
+  so does a page list that shows a guest's app connected on an older Hermes
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+from argparse import Namespace
+
+import pytest
+
+import tui_gateway.server as srv
+from hermes_cli import free_tier_offer
+from tests.hermes_cli.anon_portal import install_portal
+from tests.waiting import wait_until
+from tools.connectors import live
+
+ACCOUNT = {"owner": {"type": "account"}}
+CATALOG = {"connectors": [{"slug": "notion", "name": "Notion", "description": "Docs", "category": "Productivity",
+                           "logoUrl": None, "state": "live"}]}
+
+
+class _Response:
+    def __init__(self, body):
+        self.status_code, self._body, self.headers = 200, body, {}
+
+    def json(self):
+        return self._body
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def portal(monkeypatch, tmp_path):
+    fake = install_portal(monkeypatch, tmp_path)
+    live.reset_for_tests()
+    yield fake
+    live.reset_for_tests()
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def connector_portal(monkeypatch):
+    """The Portal's connector routes: every request as ``(path, sent a bearer)``."""
+    requests = []
+
+    class Transport:
+        def request(self, method, url, *, headers=None, json=None, timeout=None):
+            path = "/" + url.split("://", 1)[1].split("/", 1)[1]
+            requests.append((path, "Authorization" in (headers or {})))
+            return _Response({"accounts": []} if path.endswith("/accounts") else CATALOG)
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr("tools.connectors.portal.client._default_transport", Transport)
+    return requests
+
+
+class _Lists(list):
+    connected = False
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def gateway(monkeypatch):
+    """The connector gateway: every list call, and an instant connect. ``connected`` is what it lists."""
+    lists = _Lists()
+
+    class Gateway:
+        def __init__(self, **_):
+            pass
+
+        def list_connectors(self, *, timeout=None):
+            lists.append(1)
+            return [{"connector": "notion", "enabled": True, "connected": lists.connected}]
+
+        def connections(self, names, **_):
+            return {"results": [{"connector": name, "status": "active", "connection_id": "c1"} for name in names]}
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr("tools.connectors.gateway.client.ConnectorClient", Gateway)
+    return lists
+
+
+def _call(method: str, params: dict | None = None) -> dict:
+    return srv.handle_request({"jsonrpc": "2.0", "id": 1, "method": method, "params": params or {}})
+
+
+def _result(method: str, params: dict | None = None) -> dict:
+    response = _call(method, params)
+    assert "result" in response, response
+    return response["result"]
+
+
+def test_opening_the_page_creates_no_identity_and_reads_the_public_catalog(portal, connector_portal, gateway):
+    assert _result("connectors.list", ACCOUNT) == {"available": True, "connectors": []}
+    assert [row["slug"] for row in _result("connectors.catalog")["connectors"]] == ["notion"]
+    assert _result("connectors.accounts") == {"accounts": []}
+    assert _call("connectors.policy.get")["error"]["code"] == 4032
+
+    assert connector_portal == [("/api/v1/connectors/catalog/public", False)]
+    assert portal.creates() == 0 and gateway == []
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("entry", ["cli", "agent"])
+def test_explicit_lists_still_create_one_identity_and_list_from_the_gateway(portal, gateway, entry):
+    from hermes_cli.connectors_cmd import cmd_connectors
+    from tools.connectors.gateway.config import connectors_available
+    from tools.connectors.tool import manage_connections
+
+    if entry == "cli":
+        assert cmd_connectors(Namespace(connectors_action="list")) == 0
+    else:
+        result = json.loads(manage_connections({"action": "status"}, connectors_available=connectors_available))
+        assert result["connectors"][0]["connector"] == "notion"
+
+    assert portal.creates() == 1 and gateway == [1]
+
+
+def test_first_connect_creates_one_identity_then_the_page_reads_signed_in(
+        portal, connector_portal, gateway, monkeypatch):
+    monkeypatch.setattr(free_tier_offer, "_clock", lambda: 1_000_000.0)
+
+    _result("connectors.connect", {**ACCOUNT, "connectors": ["notion"]})
+
+    assert wait_until(lambda: "connector_nudge_due_in" in _result("free_tier.status"), timeout=5)
+    status = _result("free_tier.status")
+    assert status["connector_nudge_due_in"] == free_tier_offer.OFFER_DELAY_S
+    assert "nudge_due_in" not in status and status["has_guest"] and not status["available"]
+
+    assert _result("connectors.list", ACCOUNT)["connectors"][0]["connector"] == "notion"
+    _result("connectors.catalog")
+    assert connector_portal == [("/api/v1/connectors/catalog", True)]
+    assert portal.creates() == 1
+
+
+def test_a_connect_by_link_seen_by_a_status_read_arms_the_connector_offer(portal, gateway, monkeypatch):
+    """Messaging and one-shot runs connect by link and check with status; no operation watcher runs."""
+    from tools.connectors.gateway.config import connectors_available
+    from tools.connectors.tool import manage_connections
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(free_tier_offer, "_clock", lambda: 1_000_000.0)
+    gateway.connected = True
+
+    for _ in range(2):
+        manage_connections({"action": "status"}, connectors_available=connectors_available)
+
+    assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in(free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR) == free_tier_offer.OFFER_DELAY_S
+    assert portal.creates() == 1
+
+
+def test_the_page_list_arms_the_offer_for_apps_a_guest_connected_on_an_older_hermes(portal, gateway, monkeypatch):
+    """The guest exists without the connected-app flag (an older Hermes connected its apps); the
+    first page read that lists one connected must still arm the connector offer."""
+    from tools.connectors import ensure_guest_identity
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(free_tier_offer, "_clock", lambda: 1_000_000.0)
+    assert ensure_guest_identity() is None
+    gateway.connected = True
+
+    assert _result("connectors.list", ACCOUNT)["connectors"][0]["connected"] is True
+
+    assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in(free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR) == free_tier_offer.OFFER_DELAY_S
+    assert portal.creates() == 1
+
+
+def test_a_failed_offer_write_is_retried_on_the_next_sighting(portal, gateway, monkeypatch):
+    """The flag that ends the sightings is written only once the offer's schedule is, so a failed
+    schedule write leaves the next list read to try again."""
+    from tools.connectors import ensure_guest_identity
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(free_tier_offer, "_clock", lambda: 1_000_000.0)
+    assert ensure_guest_identity() is None
+    gateway.connected = True
+    real_record = free_tier_offer.record_task_done
+
+    def fail_once(kind=free_tier_offer.TRIAL):
+        monkeypatch.setattr(free_tier_offer, "record_task_done", real_record)
+        raise TimeoutError("offer record locked")
+
+    monkeypatch.setattr(free_tier_offer, "record_task_done", fail_once)
+    _result("connectors.list", ACCOUNT)
+    assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in(free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR) is None
+
+    _result("connectors.list", ACCOUNT)
+    assert free_tier_offer.offer_due_in(free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR) == free_tier_offer.OFFER_DELAY_S
diff --git a/tests/tui_gateway/test_legacy_fallback_ticket_profile_verbs.py b/tests/tui_gateway/test_legacy_fallback_ticket_profile_verbs.py
index 50b1b37ffe..5c07bba8e7 100644
--- a/tests/tui_gateway/test_legacy_fallback_ticket_profile_verbs.py
+++ b/tests/tui_gateway/test_legacy_fallback_ticket_profile_verbs.py
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@ def test_secondary_ticket_runs_connectors_and_billing_in_its_own_profile(homes,
     import hermes_cli.nous_billing
     import tools.connectors
     import tools.connectors.managed
+    import tools.managed_tool_gateway
     from hermes_constants import get_hermes_home
     server, launch, bee = homes
     seen = []
@@ -45,8 +46,9 @@ def test_secondary_ticket_runs_connectors_and_billing_in_its_own_profile(homes,
         seen.append((label, Path(str(get_hermes_home())).resolve()))
 
     monkeypatch.setattr(tools.connectors, 'connectors_available', lambda *a, **k: True)
+    monkeypatch.setattr(tools.managed_tool_gateway, 'read_nous_access_token', lambda: 'token')
     monkeypatch.setattr(tools.connectors.managed, 'managed_client',
-                        lambda: types.SimpleNamespace(list_connectors=lambda: rec('list') or []))
+                        lambda **_: types.SimpleNamespace(list_connectors=lambda: rec('list') or []))
     monkeypatch.setattr(hermes_cli.nous_billing, 'post_charge', lambda **k: rec('charge') or {'chargeId': 'c'})
     for method, params in (('connectors.list', {'owner': {'type': 'account'}}), ('billing.charge', {'amount_usd': 5})):
         _call(server, bee, method, params)
diff --git a/tools/connectors/account.py b/tools/connectors/account.py
index 5374b8f3b4..922af03550 100644
--- a/tools/connectors/account.py
+++ b/tools/connectors/account.py
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ def _run(start: AccountOperationStart, action: str, initiator: str | None) -> No
     try:
         drive_operation(
             start.operation,
-            managed.managed_kind(managed.managed_client(initiator=initiator), action, force=False),
+            managed.managed_kind(managed.managed_client(creates_guest=True, initiator=initiator), action, force=False),
             connection_callback=lambda _payload: start.done.set(),
             tick_seconds=managed.WATCH_TICK_SECONDS,
             with_urls_in_result=False,
diff --git a/tools/connectors/managed.py b/tools/connectors/managed.py
index 10b6f97bbf..21ab8925a1 100644
--- a/tools/connectors/managed.py
+++ b/tools/connectors/managed.py
@@ -51,20 +51,40 @@ DESKTOP_PAGE = "desktop_page"
 CARD_RETRY = "card_retry"
 
 
-def managed_client(*, initiator: Optional[str] = AGENT_TOOL, call: Optional[Any] = None):
-    """The real gateway client for a user action. The first one creates the guest identity when the
-    user has none: every hosted action is a request for an app. ``initiator`` names who asked, so
-    every link the client mints is attributed."""
+def managed_client(*, creates_guest: bool, initiator: Optional[str] = AGENT_TOOL, call: Optional[Any] = None):
+    """The real gateway client for a user action. ``creates_guest`` is the caller's declaration that
+    it may create the guest identity when the user has none (a connect, an explicit list); a page
+    read passes False and holds a token already. ``initiator`` names who asked, so every link the
+    client mints is attributed."""
     from tools.connectors.gateway.client import ConnectorClient
     from tools.connectors.gateway.errors import ToolGatewayError
 
-    if setup_error := ensure_guest_identity():
+    if creates_guest and (setup_error := ensure_guest_identity()):
         raise ToolGatewayError(setup_error, code=GUEST_SETUP_FAILED, retryable=True)
     return ConnectorClient(initiator=initiator, call=call)
 
 
 def managed_kind(client: Any, action: str, force: bool) -> Kind:
-    return Kind(prepare=_prepare(client, action, force), observe=lambda operation: _observe(client, operation), note=NOTE)
+    noted: set[str] = set()
+
+    def noting(step: Callable[[ConnectionOperation], None]) -> Callable[[ConnectionOperation], None]:
+        def run(operation: ConnectionOperation) -> None:
+            step(operation)
+            _note_connected(operation, noted)
+        return run
+
+    return Kind(prepare=noting(_prepare(client, action, force)),
+                observe=noting(lambda operation: _observe(client, operation)), note=NOTE)
+
+
+def _note_connected(operation: ConnectionOperation, noted: set[str]) -> None:
+    """Each app that connects counts once toward the connector sign-in offer."""
+    fresh = {t.name for t in operation.targets if t.state == TargetState.connected} - noted
+    if fresh:
+        from hermes_cli.free_tier_offer import note_app_connected
+
+        noted.update(fresh)
+        note_app_connected()
 
 
 def _status_by_slug(client: Any) -> dict[str, dict[str, Any]]:
@@ -336,6 +356,9 @@ def _no_card_result(client: Any, action: str, targets: list[HostedTarget], force
 
 def _status_result(client: Any, connectors: list[str]) -> str:
     items = client.list_connectors()
+    from hermes_cli.free_tier_offer import note_connected_apps_seen
+
+    note_connected_apps_seen(items)
     known = {str(i.get("connector", "")).lower() for i in items}
     unknown = {name: _unknown_slug(name, known) for name in connectors if name not in known}
     if connectors:
@@ -427,7 +450,7 @@ def run_managed_action(
         if action == "rename":
             return _rename_result(targets[0])
         call = CallRef(turn_id=turn_id, tool_call_id=tool_call_id)
-        client = client_factory() if client_factory else managed_client(call=call)
+        client = client_factory() if client_factory else managed_client(creates_guest=True, call=call)
         if action == "display":
             return _display_result(client, [t.name for t in targets], session_id=session_id, tool_call_id=tool_call_id,
                                    connection_callback=connection_callback if card_surface else None, call=call)
diff --git a/tools/connectors/portal/client.py b/tools/connectors/portal/client.py
index 40c159ff77..3af5506953 100644
--- a/tools/connectors/portal/client.py
+++ b/tools/connectors/portal/client.py
@@ -124,6 +124,12 @@ class PortalConnectorClient:
         response, status, route = self._request("GET", "/api/v1/connectors/catalog")
         return self._parse(ConnectorCatalogResponse, response, status, route, PortalConnectorUnavailable, "portal catalog unavailable")
 
+    def public_catalog(self) -> ConnectorCatalogResponse:
+        """The catalog a new guest would get, for a caller with no token yet. Sent without a bearer so
+        every caller gets the one cached answer."""
+        response, status, route = self._request("GET", "/api/v1/connectors/catalog/public", public=True)
+        return self._parse(ConnectorCatalogResponse, response, status, route, PortalConnectorUnavailable, "portal catalog unavailable")
+
     def list_accounts(self) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
         response, status, route = self._request("GET", "/api/v1/connectors/accounts")
         inventory = self._parse(ConnectorAccountsResponse, response, status, route, PortalConnectorUnavailable, "portal accounts unavailable")
@@ -156,11 +162,15 @@ class PortalConnectorClient:
         body: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
         *,
         headers: dict[str, str] | None = None,
+        public: bool = False,
     ) -> tuple[Any, int, str]:
         """The answer, its status and route key. A failed status is logged and raised here; a 2xx is
-        logged by ``_parse`` once its body is checked."""
+        logged by ``_parse`` once its body is checked. ``public`` routes get no Authorization."""
         url = f"{self.origin()}{path}"
-        headers = self._authorized_headers(url, headers)
+        if public:
+            headers = {"Accept": "application/json", **(headers or {}), **connector_headers()}
+        else:
+            headers = self._authorized_headers(url, headers)
         try:
             response = self._transport.request(method, url, headers=headers, json=body, timeout=DEFAULT_TIMEOUT_SECONDS)
         except Exception as exc:
@@ -199,7 +209,7 @@ def _route_key(path: str) -> str:
     return ".".join(["portal", *named]) or "portal"
 
 
-_PORTAL_ROUTE_WORDS = frozenset({"connectors", "tools", "catalog", "accounts", "policy"})
+_PORTAL_ROUTE_WORDS = frozenset({"connectors", "tools", "catalog", "public", "accounts", "policy"})
 
 
 def _safe_json(response: Any) -> Any:
diff --git a/tools/connectors/run.py b/tools/connectors/run.py
index c0a8a49a63..3f682ae5d4 100644
--- a/tools/connectors/run.py
+++ b/tools/connectors/run.py
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ def reissue(operation: ConnectionOperation, names: Sequence[str], *, initiator:
     if targets[0].kind == "connector":
         from tools.connectors.managed import CARD_RETRY, managed_client, mint
 
-        client = managed_client(initiator=initiator or CARD_RETRY, call=operation.call)
+        client = managed_client(creates_guest=True, initiator=initiator or CARD_RETRY, call=operation.call)
         mint(client, operation, stale, reinitiate=True, actor=Actor.user)
         return None
     from tools.connectors import catalog
diff --git a/tui_gateway/contracts/config_free_tier_control.py b/tui_gateway/contracts/config_free_tier_control.py
index ee0cf94c2d..a7346e3f0a 100644
--- a/tui_gateway/contracts/config_free_tier_control.py
+++ b/tui_gateway/contracts/config_free_tier_control.py
@@ -207,6 +207,8 @@ class FreeTierStatusResult(Result):
     # Seconds until the sign-in offer after a finished task is due (0 = due now); absent when none is
     # pending (no finished task since the last offer, or not on the free tier).
     nudge_due_in: int | None = None
+    # The same for the connector offer: a guest with no trial that has connected an app.
+    connector_nudge_due_in: int | None = None
 
 
 method("free_tier.status", params=ProfileParams, result=FreeTierStatusResult,
@@ -248,11 +250,15 @@ method("free_tier.ack_notice", params=ProfileParams, result=FreeTierAckNoticeRes
        doc="Mark the one-time availability notice as shown on the free-tier identity.")
 
 
+class FreeTierClaimNudgeParams(ProfileParams):
+    kind: Literal["trial", "connector"] = "trial"
+
+
 class FreeTierClaimNudgeResult(Result):
     claimed: bool
 
 
-method("free_tier.claim_nudge", params=ProfileParams, result=FreeTierClaimNudgeResult,
+method("free_tier.claim_nudge", params=FreeTierClaimNudgeParams, result=FreeTierClaimNudgeResult,
        doc="Claim the due sign-in offer; true for exactly one caller each time an offer comes due.")
 
 
diff --git a/tui_gateway/methods_connectors.py b/tui_gateway/methods_connectors.py
index 18ccbda5bf..47f9735478 100644
--- a/tui_gateway/methods_connectors.py
+++ b/tui_gateway/methods_connectors.py
@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ def _account_gate_closed(rid):
 
 
 def _account_identity_error(rid):
-    """Opening the Connectors page or connecting from it is the user asking for apps: create the
-    guest identity here when the user has none. Operation polls never call this."""
+    """Connecting from the Connectors page is the user asking for apps: create the guest identity
+    here when the user has none. Page reads and operation polls never call this."""
     from tools.connectors import ensure_guest_identity
     from tui_gateway.contracts.connectors import ConnectorErrorReason
 
@@ -190,10 +190,18 @@ def _connector_rows(rows):
     ])
 
 
-def _account_connector_list(rid):
-    from tools.connectors.managed import managed_client
+# Whether each account-owned action of the Connectors page may create the guest identity.
+_ACCOUNT_CREATES_GUEST = {"status": False, "connect": True}
 
-    return _ok(rid, {"available": True, "connectors": _connector_rows(managed_client().list_connectors())})
+
+def _account_connector_list(rid):
+    from hermes_cli.free_tier_offer import note_connected_apps_seen
+    from tools.connectors.managed import managed_client
+    from tools.managed_tool_gateway import read_nous_access_token
+
+    rows = managed_client(creates_guest=False).list_connectors() if read_nous_access_token() else []
+    note_connected_apps_seen(rows)
+    return _ok(rid, {"available": True, "connectors": _connector_rows(rows)})
 
 
 def _account_connector_connect(rid, request):
@@ -232,7 +240,7 @@ def _connector_rpc(rid, params, action):
         with _account_scope(request):
             if closed := _account_gate_closed(rid):
                 return _ok(rid, {"available": False, "connectors": []}) if action == "status" else closed
-            if setup_error := _account_identity_error(rid):
+            if _ACCOUNT_CREATES_GUEST[action] and (setup_error := _account_identity_error(rid)):
                 return setup_error
             return _account_connector_list(rid) if action == "status" else _account_connector_connect(rid, request)
 
diff --git a/tui_gateway/methods_connectors_account.py b/tui_gateway/methods_connectors_account.py
index 3a7d86a75c..4194c20052 100644
--- a/tui_gateway/methods_connectors_account.py
+++ b/tui_gateway/methods_connectors_account.py
@@ -14,20 +14,24 @@ method = _registry.method
 _profile_scoped = _registry.profile_scoped
 
 
-def _account_method(params_model=None, *, invalid="", invalid_reason=ConnectorErrorReason.invalid_params,
+def _account_method(params_model=None, *, creates_guest, invalid="", invalid_reason=ConnectorErrorReason.invalid_params,
                     unavailable, unavailable_message):
+    """``creates_guest``: whether this entry point may create the guest identity when the user has
+    none. The page's reads never do; they answer from what a caller without a token can see."""
     def decorate(fn):
         def handler(rid, params):
             from pydantic import ValidationError
             from tools.connectors.gateway.errors import GatewayAuthError
 
             with _desktop_page_vars():
-                if gate_error := _account_gate_closed(rid) or _account_identity_error(rid):
+                if gate_error := _account_gate_closed(rid):
                     return gate_error
                 try:
                     request = params if params_model is None else params_model.model_validate(params)
                 except ValidationError:
                     return _connector_rpc_error(rid, 4000, invalid_reason, invalid)
+                if creates_guest and (identity_error := _account_identity_error(rid)):
+                    return identity_error
                 try:
                     return fn(rid, request)
                 except GatewayAuthError as exc:
@@ -48,6 +52,7 @@ def _account_method(params_model=None, *, invalid="", invalid_reason=ConnectorEr
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
     ConnectorToolsParams,
+    creates_guest=True,
     invalid="slug and refresh are required parameters",
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.tools_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector tools are unavailable.",
@@ -71,16 +76,17 @@ def _(rid, request):
 @method("connectors.catalog")
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
+    creates_guest=False,
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.catalog_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector catalog is unavailable.",
 )
 def _(rid, _params):
     from tools.connectors.portal.client import PortalConnectorClient
+    from tools.managed_tool_gateway import read_nous_access_token
     from tui_gateway.contracts.connectors import ConnectorsCatalogResult
 
     client = PortalConnectorClient()
-    client.require_authentication()
-    catalog = client.catalog()
+    catalog = client.catalog() if read_nous_access_token() else client.public_catalog()
     return _ok(rid, ConnectorsCatalogResult.model_validate(catalog, from_attributes=True).model_dump(mode="json"))
 
 
@@ -88,15 +94,17 @@ def _(rid, _params):
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
     ConnectorAccountsParams,
+    creates_guest=False,
     invalid="connector must be a slug.",
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.accounts_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector accounts are unavailable.",
 )
 def _(rid, request):
     from tools.connectors.portal.client import PortalConnectorClient
+    from tools.managed_tool_gateway import read_nous_access_token
     from tui_gateway.contracts.connectors import ConnectorAccountRow, ConnectorAccountsResult
 
-    accounts = PortalConnectorClient().list_accounts()
+    accounts = PortalConnectorClient().list_accounts() if read_nous_access_token() else []
     rows = [account for account in accounts if request.connector is None or account["connector"] == request.connector]
     result = ConnectorAccountsResult(accounts=[_account_row(account) for account in rows])
     return _ok(rid, result.model_dump(mode="json"))
@@ -123,6 +131,7 @@ def _account_row(account):
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
     ConnectorAccountsRenameParams,
+    creates_guest=True,
     invalid="connection_id and a valid alias are required.",
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.accounts_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector accounts are unavailable.",
@@ -160,6 +169,7 @@ def _(rid, request):
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
     ConnectorAccountsRemoveParams,
+    creates_guest=True,
     invalid="connection_id is required.",
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.accounts_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector accounts are unavailable.",
@@ -192,6 +202,7 @@ def _(rid, request):
 @method("connectors.policy.get")
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
+    creates_guest=False,
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.policy_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector policy is unavailable.",
 )
@@ -222,6 +233,7 @@ def _(rid, _params):
 @_profile_scoped
 @_account_method(
     ConnectorPolicySetParams,
+    creates_guest=True,
     invalid="Connector parameters are invalid.",
     unavailable=ConnectorErrorReason.policy_unavailable,
     unavailable_message="Connector policy is unavailable.",
diff --git a/tui_gateway/methods_free_tier.py b/tui_gateway/methods_free_tier.py
index 2047ce003a..66c0884f19 100644
--- a/tui_gateway/methods_free_tier.py
+++ b/tui_gateway/methods_free_tier.py
@@ -26,7 +26,8 @@ def _(rid, params: dict) -> dict:
     inference actually runs on it is a ROUTE question answered by ``setup.runtime_check.free_tier``.
     ``notice_pending`` is true until ``free_tier.ack_notice`` ran for this identity.
     ``nudge_due_in``: seconds until the sign-in offer after a finished task is due (install-wide,
-    ``hermes_cli.free_tier_offer``); absent when none is pending.
+    ``hermes_cli.free_tier_offer``); absent when none is pending. ``connector_nudge_due_in``: the
+    same for a guest without the trial that has connected an app.
 
     A pure read: an identity is never created as a side effect of polling this (NS-845 Q1.2)."""
     try:
@@ -39,8 +40,9 @@ def _(rid, params: dict) -> dict:
             "notice_pending": bool(available and anon_auth.guest_notice_pending()),
             "model": anon_auth.GUEST_MODEL, "label": anon_auth.FREE_TIER_LABEL}
         from hermes_cli import free_tier_offer
-        if (nudge_due_in := free_tier_offer.offer_due_in()) is not None:
-            payload["nudge_due_in"] = nudge_due_in
+        for key, kind in (("nudge_due_in", free_tier_offer.TRIAL), ("connector_nudge_due_in", free_tier_offer.CONNECTOR)):
+            if (due_in := free_tier_offer.offer_due_in(kind)) is not None:
+                payload[key] = due_in
         if enabled and not has_guest:
             # Why there is no identity, when the last claim failed:
             # ``{error, error_code, retryable, retry_after}`` (the mint memo's verdict).
@@ -103,11 +105,12 @@ def _(rid, params: dict) -> dict:
 @method("free_tier.claim_nudge")
 @_profile_scoped
 def _(rid, params: dict) -> dict:
-    """Claim the due sign-in offer. Claim before showing, so two windows never both show it:
-    ``claimed`` is true for exactly one caller each time an offer comes due."""
+    """Claim the due sign-in offer of ``kind`` (``trial`` or ``connector``). Claim before showing,
+    so two windows never both show it: ``claimed`` is true for exactly one caller each time an offer
+    comes due."""
     try:
         from hermes_cli import free_tier_offer
-        return _ok(rid, {"claimed": bool(free_tier_offer.claim_offer())})
+        return _ok(rid, {"claimed": bool(free_tier_offer.claim_offer(params.get("kind") or free_tier_offer.TRIAL))})
     except Exception as e:  # the RPC boundary: report it, never crash the dispatcher
         logger.warning("free_tier.claim_nudge failed", exc_info=True)
         return _err(rid, 5093, str(e))
diff --git a/website/docs/user-guide/features/tool-search.md b/website/docs/user-guide/features/tool-search.md
index 75ed580ff3..81c1017e7a 100644
--- a/website/docs/user-guide/features/tool-search.md
+++ b/website/docs/user-guide/features/tool-search.md
@@ -183,9 +183,12 @@ tools:
 ```
 
 Connectors need a Nous identity. You do not have to sign in for one: if you
-have no Nous account, the first `manage_connections` action (or opening the
-desktop Connectors page) creates a free Nous identity for you, on every
-surface. It does not change your model provider: outside builds that ship
+have no Nous account, the first `manage_connections` action (or connecting an
+app from the desktop Connectors page) creates a free Nous identity for you, on
+every surface. Opening the Connectors page creates none: until an identity
+exists it lists the hosted apps from the Nous Portal's public catalog, which
+needs no sign-in.
+It does not change your model provider: outside builds that ship
 the Nous free tier it is used for connectors and managed tools only. Until it exists, `tool_search` sends nothing to the
 gateway and its result says that hosted connectors are not set up yet and
 that `manage_connections` sets them up. To opt out, set: