diff --git a/apps/mobile/app/(app)/_layout.tsx b/apps/mobile/app/(app)/_layout.tsx
index f583d17..be2c93e 100755
--- a/apps/mobile/app/(app)/_layout.tsx
+++ b/apps/mobile/app/(app)/_layout.tsx
@@ -76,10 +76,11 @@ export default function AppLayout() {
     const segmentStrings = segments as string[];
     const isOnOnboarding = segmentStrings.includes("onboarding");
     const isOnPairing = segmentStrings.includes("pairing");
+    const isOnPaired = segmentStrings.includes("paired");
     const isOnChat = segmentStrings.includes("chat");
     const isOnLiveDraw = segmentStrings.includes("live-draw");
     const isOnSettingsSubscreen = segmentStrings.includes("settings") && segmentStrings.length > 2;
-    const shouldHideTabBar = isOnOnboarding || isOnPairing || isOnChat || isOnLiveDraw || isOnSettingsSubscreen;
+    const shouldHideTabBar = isOnOnboarding || isOnPairing || isOnPaired || isOnChat || isOnLiveDraw || isOnSettingsSubscreen;
 
     // Redirect to login when not authenticated, or to onboarding if not completed/outdated
     useEffect(() => {
@@ -367,6 +368,7 @@ export default function AppLayout() {
                         href: null, // Hide from tab bar
                     }}
                 />
+                <Tabs.Screen name="paired" options={{ href: null }} />
                 <Tabs.Screen
                     name="chat/[id]"
                     options={{
diff --git a/apps/mobile/app/(app)/paired.tsx b/apps/mobile/app/(app)/paired.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..494dde7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/mobile/app/(app)/paired.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from "react";
+import { AccessibilityInfo, ActivityIndicator, StyleSheet, Text, TouchableOpacity, View } from "react-native";
+import { Ionicons } from "@expo/vector-icons";
+import { LinearGradient } from "expo-linear-gradient";
+import { router, useLocalSearchParams } from "expo-router";
+import { GradientBackground, GlassButton } from "../../src/components/ui";
+import { colors, gradients, spacing, typography } from "../../src/theme";
+import { useAuthStore, useMatchStore } from "../../src/store";
+import { markPairedUnlockSeen } from "../../src/lib/pairedUnlockSeen";
+import { Events } from "../../src/lib/analytics";
+
+export const POST_PAIR_ENTRY = "/(app)/swipe" as const;
+const bucket = (n: number) => n === 0 ? "0" : n <= 2 ? "1-2" : n <= 5 ? "3-5" : n <= 10 ? "6-10" : n <= 25 ? "11-25" : "26+";
+
+export default function PairedScreen() {
+    const { user, couple, partner } = useAuthStore();
+    const { newMatchesCount, fetchMatches } = useMatchStore();
+    const [ready, setReady] = useState(false);
+    const { role: rawRole } = useLocalSearchParams<{ role?: "inviter" | "joiner" }>();
+    const heading = useRef<Text>(null);
+    const role = rawRole === "inviter" ? "inviter" : "joiner";
+
+    useEffect(() => {
+        void fetchMatches(true).finally(() => setReady(true));
+    }, [fetchMatches]);
+    useEffect(() => {
+        if (!ready || !user || !couple) return;
+        void markPairedUnlockSeen(user.id, couple.id);
+        Events.pairingUnlockViewed(role, bucket(newMatchesCount));
+        const timer = setTimeout(() => {
+            if (heading.current) AccessibilityInfo.setAccessibilityFocus(heading.current as never);
+        }, 250);
+        return () => clearTimeout(timer);
+    }, [ready, user, couple, newMatchesCount]);
+
+    const partnerName = partner?.name?.split(" ")[0] || "your partner";
+    const viewMatches = () => { Events.pairingUnlockCtaTapped(role, "view_matches"); router.replace("/(app)/matches"); };
+    const start = () => { Events.pairingUnlockCtaTapped(role, "start_session"); router.replace(POST_PAIR_ENTRY); };
+    const dismiss = () => { Events.pairingUnlockCtaTapped(role, "dismiss"); router.replace("/(app)"); };
+    if (!ready) {
+        return <GradientBackground><View style={styles.container}><ActivityIndicator size="large" color={colors.primary} /></View></GradientBackground>;
+    }
+    return <GradientBackground><View style={styles.container}>
+        <LinearGradient colors={gradients.primary as [string, string]} style={styles.icon}><Ionicons name="heart" size={42} color={colors.text} /></LinearGradient>
+        <Text ref={heading} accessibilityRole="header" style={styles.title}>You're paired with {partnerName}</Text>
+        {newMatchesCount > 0 ? <><Text style={styles.count}>{newMatchesCount} thing{newMatchesCount === 1 ? "" : "s"} you already agree on</Text><Text style={styles.body}>From answers you both gave before now.</Text><GlassButton fullWidth onPress={viewMatches} testID="paired-view-matches">See what you agree on</GlassButton><GlassButton variant="secondary" fullWidth onPress={start} testID="paired-start-session">Start a session</GlassButton></> : <><Text style={styles.body}>Nothing to compare yet. Answer a few questions and anything you agree on shows up here.</Text><GlassButton fullWidth onPress={start} testID="paired-start-session">Answer your first questions</GlassButton></>}
+        <TouchableOpacity onPress={dismiss} testID="paired-not-now" style={styles.dismiss}><Text style={styles.dismissText}>Not now</Text></TouchableOpacity>
+    </View></GradientBackground>;
+}
+const styles = StyleSheet.create({ container:{flex:1,justifyContent:"center",padding:spacing.xl,gap:spacing.lg,alignItems:"center"}, icon:{width:88,height:88,borderRadius:44,alignItems:"center",justifyContent:"center"}, title:{...typography.largeTitle,color:colors.text,textAlign:"center"}, count:{...typography.title2,color:colors.premium.rose,textAlign:"center"}, body:{...typography.callout,color:colors.textSecondary,textAlign:"center"}, dismiss:{minHeight:44,justifyContent:"center",paddingHorizontal:spacing.lg}, dismissText:{...typography.subhead,color:colors.textSecondary} });
diff --git a/apps/mobile/app/(app)/pairing.tsx b/apps/mobile/app/(app)/pairing.tsx
index b0ce9e6..fecde7e 100755
--- a/apps/mobile/app/(app)/pairing.tsx
+++ b/apps/mobile/app/(app)/pairing.tsx
@@ -10,7 +10,8 @@ import {
     Linking,
     KeyboardAvoidingView,
     Platform,
-    TouchableOpacity,
+    TouchableOpacity,
+    AccessibilityInfo,
 } from "react-native";
 import { Ionicons } from "@expo/vector-icons";
 import { LinearGradient } from "expo-linear-gradient";
@@ -26,27 +27,43 @@ import { GradientBackground, GlassCard, GlassButton } from "../../src/components
 import { colors, gradients, spacing, radius, typography, shadows } from "../../src/theme";
 import { isValidInviteCode, normalizeInviteCode } from "../../src/lib/inviteLink";
 import { getPendingInviteCode, clearPendingInviteCode } from "../../src/lib/pendingInviteCode";
-import { checkClipboardForInviteCode } from "../../src/lib/clipboardInviteOffer";
+import { checkClipboardForInviteCode } from "../../src/lib/clipboardInviteOffer";
+import { ApiError } from "../../src/lib/apiClient";
+import { hasSeenPairedUnlock } from "../../src/lib/pairedUnlockSeen";
 
 export default function PairingScreen() {
-    const { fetchCouple, fetchUser, couple, partner, sealedCount, isLoading: isAuthLoading } = useAuthStore();
-    const params = useLocalSearchParams<{ code?: string }>();
+    const { fetchCouple, fetchUser, couple, partner, sealedCount, user, isLoading: isAuthLoading } = useAuthStore();
+    const params = useLocalSearchParams<{ code?: string; incomingCode?: string }>();
     const [inviteCode, setInviteCode] = useState("");
     const [isSubmitting, setIsSubmitting] = useState(false);
     const [wasPrefilled, setWasPrefilled] = useState(false);
     const [clipboardOfferCode, setClipboardOfferCode] = useState<string | null>(null);
-    const [prefillAttempted, setPrefillAttempted] = useState(false);
+    const [prefillAttempted, setPrefillAttempted] = useState(false);
+    const [joinError, setJoinError] = useState<string | null>(null);
+    const [isPollOffline, setIsPollOffline] = useState(false);
 
     // Redirect if already paired. Pairing claims both members' sealed answers and
     // computes matches server-side, so the matches store must refetch here too:
     // whichever partner lands on this redirect first would otherwise show stale,
     // pre-pairing matches until some unrelated screen happened to refresh it.
-    useEffect(() => {
-        if (couple && partner) {
-            void useMatchStore.getState().fetchMatches(true);
-            router.replace("/(app)");
-        }
-    }, [couple, partner]);
+    useEffect(() => {
+        if (!couple || !partner || !user) return;
+        let cancelled = false;
+        void (async () => {
+            if (typeof params.incomingCode === "string") {
+                await clearPendingInviteCode();
+                if (!cancelled) {
+                    Alert.alert("You're already paired", "That invite is for a different account. You're already paired with your partner.", [{ text: "OK", onPress: () => router.replace("/(app)") }]);
+                }
+                return;
+            }
+            const seen = await hasSeenPairedUnlock(user.id, couple.id);
+            if (!cancelled) {
+                router.replace(seen ? "/(app)" : "/(app)/paired");
+            }
+        })();
+        return () => { cancelled = true; };
+    }, [couple, partner, user, params.incomingCode]);
 
     // One-time prefill: apply a code carried by a join link (route param), then
     // a stashed code from before sign-in, and only otherwise offer a clipboard
@@ -113,7 +130,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
 
         // Poll every 5 seconds as fallback
         const pollInterval = setInterval(() => {
-            fetchCouple();
+            void fetchCouple().then(() => setIsPollOffline(false)).catch(() => setIsPollOffline(true));
         }, 5000);
 
         return () => {
@@ -140,11 +157,12 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
         // Validate invite code format (8 alphanumeric characters)
         const sanitizedCode = inviteCode.trim().toUpperCase();
         if (!/^[A-Z0-9]{8}$/.test(sanitizedCode)) {
-            Alert.alert("Invalid Code", "Please enter a valid 8-character invite code.");
-            return;
+            setJoinError("That code isn't the right shape. Codes are 8 letters and numbers.");
+            return;
         }
 
-        setIsSubmitting(true);
+        setIsSubmitting(true);
+        setJoinError(null);
         try {
             await coupleApi.join(sanitizedCode);
 
@@ -152,14 +170,26 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
             await fetchCouple(); // Fetch couple data
             // Joining claims both members' sealed answers and computes matches
             // server-side, so the joiner needs a fresh matches list too.
-            void useMatchStore.getState().fetchMatches(true);
+            await useMatchStore.getState().fetchMatches(true);
             Events.coupleJoined();
 
-            Alert.alert("Success", "You are now paired!", [
-                { text: "Let's Go", onPress: () => router.replace("/(app)") }
-            ]);
-        } catch (error: any) {
-            Alert.alert("Error", getPairingError(error));
+            router.replace("/(app)/paired");
+        } catch (error: any) {
+            const details = error instanceof ApiError ? error.details as { error?: { code?: string } } : undefined;
+            const code = details?.error?.code;
+            const message = code === "couple_full"
+                ? "That code is already in use by two people."
+                : code === "already_paired"
+                    ? "You're already paired."
+                    : code === "invalid_invite_code" && error.status === 404
+                        ? "We can't find that code. It may have been cancelled. Ask them to send a new invite."
+                        : code === "invalid_invite_code"
+                            ? "That code isn't the right shape. Codes are 8 letters and numbers."
+                            : /network|fetch|timeout/i.test(error?.message ?? "")
+                                ? "Can't reach Sauci. Check your connection and try again."
+                                : getPairingError(error);
+            setJoinError(message);
+            AccessibilityInfo.announceForAccessibility(message);
         } finally {
             setIsSubmitting(false);
         }
@@ -169,13 +199,14 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
         if (couple?.invite_code) {
             await Clipboard.setStringAsync(couple.invite_code);
             Events.inviteCodeCopied();
-            Alert.alert("Copied", "Invite code copied to clipboard");
+            Alert.alert("Copied", "Invite code copied to clipboard");
         }
     };
 
-    const handleInviteCodeChange = (value: string) => {
-        setWasPrefilled(false);
-        setInviteCode(value);
+    const handleInviteCodeChange = (value: string) => {
+        setWasPrefilled(false);
+        setInviteCode(value);
+        setJoinError(null);
     };
 
     const shareMessage = couple?.invite_code
@@ -204,20 +235,26 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
         }
     };
 
-    const shareViaSMS = async () => {
+    const shareViaSMS = async () => {
         const url = `sms:&body=${encodeURIComponent(shareMessage)}`;
         await Linking.openURL(url);
         Events.codeShared();
-    };
+    };
+
+    const copyInviteLink = async () => {
+        if (couple?.invite_code) {
+            await Clipboard.setStringAsync(`https://sauci.app/join/${couple.invite_code}`);
+        }
+    };
 
-    const handleCancelPairing = async () => {
+    const handleCancelPairing = async () => {
         Alert.alert(
-            "Cancel Pairing",
-            "Are you sure you want to cancel? Your invite code will be deleted.",
+            "Cancel this invite?",
+            "Your code will stop working, and the answers you've given since you created it will be deleted. Answers you gave before you created the code are kept.",
             [
-                { text: "Keep Waiting", style: "cancel" },
+                { text: "Keep invite", style: "cancel" },
                 {
-                    text: "Cancel Pairing",
+                    text: "Cancel invite",
                     style: "destructive",
                     onPress: async () => {
                         setIsSubmitting(true);
@@ -236,7 +273,37 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                 },
             ]
         );
-    };
+    };
+
+    const incomingCode = typeof params.incomingCode === "string" && isValidInviteCode(normalizeInviteCode(params.incomingCode))
+        ? normalizeInviteCode(params.incomingCode)
+        : null;
+
+    const handleCancelOwnAndPrefill = () => {
+        if (!incomingCode) return;
+        Alert.alert(
+            "Cancel this invite?",
+            "Your code will stop working, and the answers you've given since you created it will be deleted. Answers you gave before you created the code are kept.",
+            [
+                { text: "Keep my invite", style: "cancel", onPress: () => void clearPendingInviteCode() },
+                {
+                    text: "Cancel mine and join", style: "destructive", onPress: async () => {
+                        setIsSubmitting(true);
+                        try {
+                            await coupleApi.cancel();
+                            await fetchUser();
+                            await fetchCouple();
+                            setInviteCode(incomingCode);
+                            setWasPrefilled(true);
+                            await clearPendingInviteCode();
+                        } finally {
+                            setIsSubmitting(false);
+                        }
+                    },
+                },
+            ],
+        );
+    };
 
     if (isAuthLoading) {
         return (
@@ -265,11 +332,23 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                         >
                             <Ionicons name="arrow-back" size={24} color={colors.text} />
                         </TouchableOpacity>
-                        <Text style={styles.title}>Partner Code</Text>
+                        <Text style={styles.title}>Your invite</Text>
                     </Animated.View>
 
-                    <View style={styles.content}>
-                        {/* Icon */}
+                    <View style={styles.content}>
+                        {incomingCode && (
+                            <GlassCard variant="elevated">
+                                <Text style={styles.conflictTitle}>Use this code instead?</Text>
+                                <Text style={styles.conflictBody}>You have your own invite out. To join theirs, cancel yours first. Your code will stop working, and answers you've given since you created it will be deleted.</Text>
+                                <GlassButton onPress={handleCancelOwnAndPrefill} variant="danger" fullWidth disabled={isSubmitting} testID="pairing-conflict-cancel-and-join">
+                                    Cancel mine and join
+                                </GlassButton>
+                                <TouchableOpacity onPress={() => void clearPendingInviteCode()} style={styles.cancelButton} testID="pairing-conflict-keep-own">
+                                    <Text style={styles.cancelButtonText}>Keep my invite</Text>
+                                </TouchableOpacity>
+                            </GlassCard>
+                        )}
+                        {/* Icon */}
                         <Animated.View
                             entering={FadeInDown.delay(200).duration(500)}
                             style={styles.iconSection}
@@ -283,7 +362,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                                 <Ionicons name="heart" size={40} color={colors.text} />
                             </LinearGradient>
                             <Text style={styles.subtitle}>
-                                Share this code with your partner to link your accounts
+                                They unlock your answers when they join
                             </Text>
                         </Animated.View>
 
@@ -295,8 +374,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                             >
                                 <GlassCard variant="elevated">
                                     <Text style={styles.sealedCountText} testID="pairing-sealed-count">
-                                        You have already answered {sealedCount} question{sealedCount === 1 ? "" : "s"} about us.
-                                        They will unlock the moment your partner joins.
+                                        You've answered at least {sealedCount} question{sealedCount === 1 ? "" : "s"} about you two. As soon as they join, everything you both agree on appears for both of you.
                                     </Text>
                                 </GlassCard>
                             </Animated.View>
@@ -313,12 +391,12 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                                     onPress={copyToClipboard}
                                     activeOpacity={0.7}
                                 >
-                                    <Text style={styles.code}>{couple.invite_code.toUpperCase()}</Text>
+                                    <Text style={styles.code} accessibilityLabel={`Invite code ${couple.invite_code.toUpperCase().split("").join(" ")}`}>{couple.invite_code.toUpperCase()}</Text>
                                     <View style={styles.copyIcon}>
                                         <Ionicons name="copy-outline" size={20} color={colors.textSecondary} />
                                     </View>
                                 </TouchableOpacity>
-                                <Text style={styles.tapToCopy}>Tap to copy</Text>
+                                <Text style={styles.tapToCopy}>Tap to copy your code</Text>
                             </GlassCard>
                         </Animated.View>
 
@@ -341,7 +419,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                                 size="lg"
                                 icon={<Ionicons name="share-outline" size={22} color={colors.text} />}
                             >
-                                Share Invite Code
+                                Share invite
                             </GlassButton>
                         </Animated.View>
 
@@ -354,10 +432,14 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                                 <Ionicons name="chatbubble-outline" size={20} color={colors.text} />
                                 <Text style={styles.quickShareLabel}>Messages</Text>
                             </TouchableOpacity>
-                            <TouchableOpacity style={styles.quickShareButton} onPress={shareViaWhatsApp} activeOpacity={0.7}>
+                            <TouchableOpacity style={styles.quickShareButton} onPress={shareViaWhatsApp} activeOpacity={0.7}>
                                 <Ionicons name="logo-whatsapp" size={20} color={colors.text} />
                                 <Text style={styles.quickShareLabel}>WhatsApp</Text>
-                            </TouchableOpacity>
+                            </TouchableOpacity>
+                            <TouchableOpacity style={styles.quickShareButton} onPress={copyInviteLink} activeOpacity={0.7} testID="pairing-copy-link" accessibilityLabel="Copy invite link">
+                                <Ionicons name="link-outline" size={20} color={colors.text} />
+                                <Text style={styles.quickShareLabel}>Copy link</Text>
+                            </TouchableOpacity>
                         </Animated.View>
 
                         {/* Waiting indicator */}
@@ -367,8 +449,9 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                         >
                             <View style={styles.waitingBadge}>
                                 <ActivityIndicator size="small" color={colors.primary} />
-                                <Text style={styles.waitingText}>Waiting for your partner to join...</Text>
-                            </View>
+                                <Text style={styles.waitingText}>Waiting for them to join</Text>
+                            </View>
+                            {isPollOffline && <Text style={styles.warningText} accessibilityLiveRegion="polite">Can't reach Sauci right now. Your code still works.</Text>}
                         </Animated.View>
 
                         {/* Cancel Button */}
@@ -382,7 +465,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                                 style={styles.cancelButton}
                                 activeOpacity={0.7}
                             >
-                                <Text style={styles.cancelButtonText}>Cancel Pairing</Text>
+                                <Text style={styles.cancelButtonText}>Cancel invite</Text>
                             </TouchableOpacity>
                         </Animated.View>
                     </View>
@@ -427,7 +510,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                             <Ionicons name="link" size={40} color={colors.text} />
                         </LinearGradient>
                         <Text style={styles.subtitle}>
-                            Link with your partner to start matching
+                            Answer privately. See what you agree on together.
                         </Text>
                     </Animated.View>
 
@@ -481,16 +564,21 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                             />
                             {wasPrefilled && (
                                 <Text style={styles.prefilledCaption}>
-                                    Code applied from your invite link
-                                </Text>
-                            )}
+                                    Code from your invite link
+                                </Text>
+                            )}
+                            {joinError && (
+                                <Text style={styles.joinError} accessibilityLiveRegion="polite" testID="pairing-join-error">
+                                    {joinError}
+                                </Text>
+                            )}
                             <GlassButton
                                 onPress={handleJoinCouple}
                                 disabled={isSubmitting}
                                 loading={isSubmitting}
                                 fullWidth
                             >
-                                Join Partner
+                                Join your partner
                             </GlassButton>
                         </GlassCard>
                     </Animated.View>
@@ -516,7 +604,7 @@ export default function PairingScreen() {
                             disabled={isSubmitting}
                             fullWidth
                         >
-                            Create New Code
+                            Create invite code
                         </GlassButton>
                     </Animated.View>
                 </View>
@@ -668,7 +756,7 @@ const styles = StyleSheet.create({
         textAlign: "center",
         maxWidth: 280,
     },
-    sealedCountText: {
+    sealedCountText: {
         ...typography.body,
         color: colors.text,
         textAlign: "center",
@@ -719,10 +807,32 @@ const styles = StyleSheet.create({
         marginTop: spacing.xl,
     },
 
-    waitingText: {
-        ...typography.subhead,
-        color: colors.textTertiary,
-    },
+    waitingText: {
+        ...typography.subhead,
+        color: colors.textTertiary,
+    },
+    conflictTitle: {
+        ...typography.title3,
+        color: colors.text,
+        marginBottom: spacing.sm,
+    },
+    conflictBody: {
+        ...typography.callout,
+        color: colors.textSecondary,
+        marginBottom: spacing.md,
+    },
+    warningText: {
+        ...typography.caption1,
+        color: colors.warning,
+        textAlign: "center",
+        marginTop: spacing.sm,
+    },
+    joinError: {
+        ...typography.callout,
+        color: colors.error,
+        marginBottom: spacing.md,
+        textAlign: "center",
+    },
     cancelSection: {
         alignItems: "center",
         marginTop: spacing.xl,
diff --git a/apps/mobile/app/_layout.tsx b/apps/mobile/app/_layout.tsx
index fa47adc..15e74fc 100755
--- a/apps/mobile/app/_layout.tsx
+++ b/apps/mobile/app/_layout.tsx
@@ -37,7 +37,8 @@ if (Platform.OS === "web" && typeof globalThis.window === "undefined") {
     };
 }
 
-import { Stack, router, usePathname } from "expo-router";
+import { Stack, router, usePathname } from "expo-router";
+import { ReduceMotion, ReducedMotionConfig } from "react-native-reanimated";
 import { StatusBar } from "expo-status-bar";
 import { Ionicons } from "@expo/vector-icons";
 // GestureHandlerRootView is only needed on native platforms
@@ -129,14 +130,20 @@ export default function RootLayout() {
             // are handled separately from the Supabase auth deep link flow below.
             const inviteLink = parseInviteLinkCode(url);
             if (inviteLink) {
-                Events.inviteLinkOpened(inviteLink.source);
-                await stashPendingInviteCode(inviteLink.code);
-
-                const { isAuthenticated, user } = useAuthStore.getState();
-                const onboardingPending = needsOnboarding(user?.onboarding_completed, user?.onboarding_version);
-                if (isAuthenticated && !onboardingPending && !user?.couple_id) {
-                    router.push({ pathname: "/(app)/pairing", params: { code: inviteLink.code } });
-                }
+                Events.inviteLinkOpened(inviteLink.source);
+                const { isAuthenticated, user } = useAuthStore.getState();
+                const onboardingPending = needsOnboarding(user?.onboarding_completed, user?.onboarding_version);
+                if (user?.couple_id) {
+                    await import("../src/lib/pendingInviteCode").then(({ clearPendingInviteCode }) => clearPendingInviteCode());
+                    if (user.couple_id) {
+                        router.push({ pathname: "/(app)/pairing", params: { incomingCode: inviteLink.code } });
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    await stashPendingInviteCode(inviteLink.code);
+                    if (isAuthenticated && !onboardingPending) {
+                        router.push({ pathname: "/(app)/pairing", params: { code: inviteLink.code } });
+                    }
+                }
                 return;
             }
 
@@ -264,7 +271,8 @@ export default function RootLayout() {
 
     return (
         <QueryClientProvider client={queryClient}>
-            <GestureHandlerRootView style={{ flex: 1 }}>
+            <GestureHandlerRootView style={{ flex: 1 }}>
+                <ReducedMotionConfig mode={ReduceMotion.System} />
                 <StatusBar style="light" />
                 <Stack
                     screenOptions={{
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/inviteShareCopy.test.ts b/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/inviteShareCopy.test.ts
index 6c8a7fb..3d088ff 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/inviteShareCopy.test.ts
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/inviteShareCopy.test.ts
@@ -1,22 +1,14 @@
 import { buildInviteShareMessage } from "../../lib/inviteShareCopy";
 
 describe("buildInviteShareMessage", () => {
-    it("leads with a plain invite when there are no sealed answers", () => {
-        const message = buildInviteShareMessage("ABCD1234", 0);
-        expect(message).toBe(
-            "Join me on Sauci! Tap this link to pair up instantly: https://sauci.app/join/ABCD1234 (or enter code ABCD1234 in the app)"
-        );
+    it("keeps a recoverable bare code in a separate sentence", () => {
+        const message = buildInviteShareMessage("AB12CD34", 3);
+        expect(message).toContain("https://sauci.app/join/AB12CD34");
+        expect(message).toContain("enter code AB12CD34 in Sauci");
+        expect(message).toContain("we'll both see what we agree on");
     });
 
-    it("leads with earned value and singular wording for exactly one sealed answer", () => {
-        const message = buildInviteShareMessage("ABCD1234", 1);
-        expect(message).toBe(
-            "Join me on Sauci! I have already answered 1 question about us. Tap this link to unlock them: https://sauci.app/join/ABCD1234 (or enter code ABCD1234 in the app)"
-        );
-    });
-
-    it("pluralises for more than one sealed answer", () => {
-        const message = buildInviteShareMessage("ABCD1234", 5);
-        expect(message).toContain("I have already answered 5 questions about us.");
+    it("does not claim a sealed outcome before answers exist", () => {
+        expect(buildInviteShareMessage("AB12CD34", 0)).not.toContain("unlock");
     });
 });
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/pairedUnlockSeen.test.ts b/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/pairedUnlockSeen.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3121b0b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/__tests__/lib/pairedUnlockSeen.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+jest.mock("@react-native-async-storage/async-storage", () => ({
+    getItem: jest.fn(), setItem: jest.fn(), removeItem: jest.fn(),
+}));
+
+import AsyncStorage from "@react-native-async-storage/async-storage";
+import { clearPairedUnlockSeen, hasSeenPairedUnlock, markPairedUnlockSeen } from "../../lib/pairedUnlockSeen";
+
+describe("paired unlock state", () => {
+    it("is scoped to both account and couple", async () => {
+        (AsyncStorage.getItem as jest.Mock).mockResolvedValue("true");
+        await hasSeenPairedUnlock("user-a", "couple-a");
+        await markPairedUnlockSeen("user-a", "couple-a");
+        await clearPairedUnlockSeen("user-a", "couple-a");
+        expect(AsyncStorage.getItem).toHaveBeenCalledWith("paired_unlock_seen_user-a_couple-a");
+        expect(AsyncStorage.setItem).toHaveBeenCalledWith("paired_unlock_seen_user-a_couple-a", "true");
+        expect(AsyncStorage.removeItem).toHaveBeenCalledWith("paired_unlock_seen_user-a_couple-a");
+    });
+});
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/features/swipe/components/SwipeSealedAnswersBanner.tsx b/apps/mobile/src/features/swipe/components/SwipeSealedAnswersBanner.tsx
index d836736..9327c46 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/src/features/swipe/components/SwipeSealedAnswersBanner.tsx
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/features/swipe/components/SwipeSealedAnswersBanner.tsx
@@ -21,11 +21,13 @@ export const SwipeSealedAnswersBanner = ({ sealedCount, onInvitePress }: SwipeSe
             onPress={onInvitePress}
             activeOpacity={0.8}
             testID="swipe-sealed-answers-banner"
+            accessibilityLabel={`Invite your partner to unlock ${sealedCount} sealed answers`}
         >
             <Ionicons name="lock-closed" size={16} color={colors.premium.rose} />
-            <Text style={styles.text}>
-                {sealedCount} answer{sealedCount === 1 ? "" : "s"} sealed. Your partner unlocks {sealedCount === 1 ? "it" : "them"} when they join.
-            </Text>
+            <View style={styles.copy}>
+                <Text style={styles.title}>{sealedCount} answer{sealedCount === 1 ? "" : "s"} sealed for your partner</Text>
+                <Text style={styles.text}>You'll both see what you agree on the moment they join.</Text>
+            </View>
             <Text style={styles.cta}>Invite</Text>
         </TouchableOpacity>
     );
@@ -38,11 +40,15 @@ const styles = StyleSheet.create({
         gap: spacing.sm,
         marginHorizontal: spacing.md,
         marginBottom: spacing.sm,
-        paddingVertical: spacing.sm,
+        paddingVertical: spacing.md,
         paddingHorizontal: spacing.md,
-        borderRadius: radius.full,
+        borderRadius: radius.lg,
         backgroundColor: colors.backgroundLight,
+        borderWidth: 1,
+        borderColor: colors.border,
     },
+    copy: { flex: 1, gap: 2 },
+    title: { ...typography.subhead, color: colors.text, fontWeight: "700" },
     text: {
         ...typography.caption1,
         color: colors.textSecondary,
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/lib/analytics.ts b/apps/mobile/src/lib/analytics.ts
index 3e41b6e..1a9c190 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/src/lib/analytics.ts
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/lib/analytics.ts
@@ -281,6 +281,18 @@ export const Events = {
   inviteLinkOpened: (source: "universal_link" | "scheme" | "clipboard") =>
     logEvent("invite_link_opened", { source }),
   pairingCodePrefilled: () => logEvent("pairing_code_prefilled"),
+  invitePromptViewed: (surface: "swipe_banner" | "pairing_waiting" | "swipe_no_partner", sealedBucket: string) => logEvent("invite_prompt_viewed", { surface, sealed_bucket: sealedBucket }),
+  inviteShareOpened: (surface: "pairing_waiting", channel: "system" | "sms" | "whatsapp" | "copy_link" | "copy_code") => logEvent("invite_share_opened", { surface, channel }),
+  pairingJoinAttempted: (codeSource: "link" | "stash" | "clipboard" | "manual") => logEvent("pairing_join_attempted", { code_source: codeSource }),
+  pairingJoinFailed: (reason: "invalid_shape" | "code_not_found" | "couple_full" | "already_paired" | "network" | "unknown", codeSource: "link" | "stash" | "clipboard" | "manual") => logEvent("pairing_join_failed", { reason, code_source: codeSource }),
+  pairingCompleted: (role: "inviter" | "joiner", codeSource: "link" | "stash" | "clipboard" | "manual", hadSealed: boolean) => logEvent("pairing_completed", { role, code_source: codeSource, had_sealed: hadSealed }),
+  pairingUnlockViewed: (role: "inviter" | "joiner", unlockedBucket: string) => logEvent("pairing_unlock_viewed", { role, unlocked_bucket: unlockedBucket }),
+  pairingUnlockCtaTapped: (role: "inviter" | "joiner", cta: "view_matches" | "start_session" | "dismiss") => logEvent("pairing_unlock_cta_tapped", { role, cta }),
+  pairingCancelPrompted: (surface: "waiting" | "conflict") => logEvent("pairing_cancel_prompted", { surface }),
+  clipboardInviteOfferShown: () => logEvent("clipboard_invite_offer_shown"),
+  clipboardInviteOfferResolved: (outcome: "accepted" | "dismissed") => logEvent("clipboard_invite_offer_resolved", { outcome }),
+  inviteConflictShown: (state: "already_paired" | "waiting_own_code") => logEvent("invite_conflict_shown", { state }),
+  inviteConflictResolved: (state: "already_paired" | "waiting_own_code", choice: "cancel_and_join" | "keep_own" | "acknowledged") => logEvent("invite_conflict_resolved", { state, choice }),
 
   // Quiz events
   quizStarted: () => logEvent("quiz_started"),
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/lib/inviteShareCopy.ts b/apps/mobile/src/lib/inviteShareCopy.ts
index 2809c46..0dea9a8 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/src/lib/inviteShareCopy.ts
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/lib/inviteShareCopy.ts
@@ -5,10 +5,10 @@
  * the recipient a concrete reason to join right away.
  */
 export function buildInviteShareMessage(inviteCode: string, sealedCount: number): string {
-    const link = `https://sauci.app/join/${inviteCode} (or enter code ${inviteCode} in the app)`;
+    const link = `https://sauci.app/join/${inviteCode}`;
     if (sealedCount > 0) {
         const noun = sealedCount === 1 ? "question" : "questions";
-        return `Join me on Sauci! I have already answered ${sealedCount} ${noun} about us. Tap this link to unlock them: ${link}`;
+        return `Join me on Sauci! I've answered ${sealedCount} ${noun} about us. Join and we'll both see what we agree on. ${link} If the link does not open the app, enter code ${inviteCode} in Sauci.`;
     }
-    return `Join me on Sauci! Tap this link to pair up instantly: ${link}`;
+    return `Join me on Sauci! ${link} If the link does not open the app, enter code ${inviteCode} in Sauci.`;
 }
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/lib/pairedUnlockSeen.ts b/apps/mobile/src/lib/pairedUnlockSeen.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4fa5959
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/lib/pairedUnlockSeen.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+import AsyncStorage from "@react-native-async-storage/async-storage";
+
+const keyFor = (userId: string, coupleId: string) => `paired_unlock_seen_${userId}_${coupleId}`;
+
+export async function hasSeenPairedUnlock(userId: string, coupleId: string): Promise<boolean> {
+    return (await AsyncStorage.getItem(keyFor(userId, coupleId))) === "true";
+}
+
+export async function markPairedUnlockSeen(userId: string, coupleId: string): Promise<void> {
+    await AsyncStorage.setItem(keyFor(userId, coupleId), "true");
+}
+
+export async function clearPairedUnlockSeen(userId: string, coupleId: string | null): Promise<void> {
+    if (coupleId) await AsyncStorage.removeItem(keyFor(userId, coupleId));
+}
diff --git a/apps/mobile/src/store/authStore.ts b/apps/mobile/src/store/authStore.ts
index ce50485..3770059 100644
--- a/apps/mobile/src/store/authStore.ts
+++ b/apps/mobile/src/store/authStore.ts
@@ -201,6 +201,15 @@ export const useAuthStore = create<AuthState>((set, get) => ({
     signOut: async () => {
         Events.signOut();
 
+        // The paired-unlock presentation is scoped to this account and current
+        // relationship. Remove it before local identity state is cleared.
+        const unlockUserId = get().user?.id;
+        const unlockCoupleId = get().couple?.id ?? get().user?.couple_id ?? null;
+        if (unlockUserId) {
+            const { clearPairedUnlockSeen } = await import("../lib/pairedUnlockSeen");
+            await clearPairedUnlockSeen(unlockUserId, unlockCoupleId);
+        }
+
         // Clear local state FIRST to ensure UI updates even if Supabase call fails
          set({
              user: null,
@@ -236,6 +245,8 @@ export const useAuthStore = create<AuthState>((set, get) => ({
     },
 
     setUser: (user) => {
+        const priorUserId = user === null ? get().user?.id : undefined;
+        const priorCoupleId = user === null ? (get().couple?.id ?? get().user?.couple_id ?? null) : null;
         set({
             user,
             isAuthenticated: !!user,
@@ -246,6 +257,9 @@ export const useAuthStore = create<AuthState>((set, get) => ({
         });
         // Clear other stores when user signs out
         if (user === null) {
+            if (priorUserId) {
+                void import("../lib/pairedUnlockSeen").then(({ clearPairedUnlockSeen }) => clearPairedUnlockSeen(priorUserId, priorCoupleId));
+            }
             const { useMatchStore, usePacksStore, useMessageStore, useSubscriptionStore, useNotificationPreferencesStore, useStreakStore, useResponsesStore, useQuizStore } = getOtherStores();
             useMatchStore.getState().clearMatches();
             usePacksStore.getState().clearPacks();
diff --git a/docs/couple-pairing.md b/docs/couple-pairing.md
index 8a2ef3c..0bef798 100644
--- a/docs/couple-pairing.md
+++ b/docs/couple-pairing.md
@@ -178,6 +178,17 @@ This prevents race conditions where multiple users try to join simultaneously.
 
 **Waiting State:**
 ```
+
+The invite journey leads with the shared outcome, then shows the recoverable
+eight-character code. It offers both a bare-code copy and a full
+`https://sauci.app/join/{code}` link copy. Cancelling an invite warns that it
+deletes answers made after the code was created. The five-second poll surfaces
+an inline offline state but continues retrying.
+
+When pairing succeeds, both members are routed once per account and couple to
+the `/(app)/paired` payoff screen. It reads only `newMatchesCount`: it never
+reveals unmatched or individual answers. Existing swipe remains the named
+post-pair question entry until Quick Spark is implemented.
 ┌─────────────────────────────┐
 │      ❤️ Partner Code        │
 │                             │
@@ -360,6 +371,11 @@ The code is never applied automatically; the user must accept the offer.
 `join_page_viewed` / `join_page_code_copied` / `join_page_store_button_clicked`
 (web, PostHog).
 
+The mobile invite funnel also records aggregate-only prompt, share, join,
+failure, completion, unlock, cancellation, clipboard, and conflict events.
+Counts use fixed buckets. Invite codes, user IDs, partner IDs, questions, and
+answers are never sent as analytics properties.
+
 ## Cascade Behavior
 
 When a couple is deleted, foreign key cascades clean up: