diff --git a/apps/calendar-macos/CompassKit/Sources/CompassKit/Auth/AccountChoiceCopy.swift b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassKit/Sources/CompassKit/Auth/AccountChoiceCopy.swift
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c7d1e097f3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassKit/Sources/CompassKit/Auth/AccountChoiceCopy.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+import Foundation
+
+/// Web parity: `apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.ts`.
+public enum AccountChoiceCopy {
+    public static let localDeviceOnlyLabel = "On this device only"
+    public static let localDeviceOnlySubtitle =
+        "Events stay in this browser until you connect an account."
+    public static let connectCalendarAccountLabel = "Connect a calendar account"
+    public static let connectCalendarAccountHelper =
+        "Pick Google, Microsoft, or Apple. Or keep using this device only from the calendar list."
+}
diff --git a/apps/calendar-macos/CompassKitTests/AccountChoiceCopyTests.swift b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassKitTests/AccountChoiceCopyTests.swift
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..47868351fc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassKitTests/AccountChoiceCopyTests.swift
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+import XCTest
+@testable import CompassKit
+
+final class AccountChoiceCopyTests: XCTestCase {
+    func testAccountChoiceCopyMatchesWeb() {
+        XCTAssertEqual(AccountChoiceCopy.localDeviceOnlyLabel, "On this device only")
+        XCTAssertEqual(
+            AccountChoiceCopy.localDeviceOnlySubtitle,
+            "Events stay in this browser until you connect an account.")
+        XCTAssertEqual(
+            AccountChoiceCopy.connectCalendarAccountLabel,
+            "Connect a calendar account")
+        XCTAssertEqual(
+            AccountChoiceCopy.connectCalendarAccountHelper,
+            "Pick Google, Microsoft, or Apple. Or keep using this device only from the calendar list.")
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Onboarding/WelcomeModalView.swift b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Onboarding/WelcomeModalView.swift
index 3d1473e31f..7a3af21cff 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Onboarding/WelcomeModalView.swift
+++ b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Onboarding/WelcomeModalView.swift
@@ -106,7 +106,21 @@ struct WelcomeModalView: View {
                     .foregroundStyle(theme.textMutedColor)
             }
             VStack(spacing: 12) {
-                primaryButton(title: "Explore without an account", hint: "S") { model.welcomeExplore() }
+                primaryButton(title: AccountChoiceCopy.localDeviceOnlyLabel, hint: "S") {
+                    model.welcomeExplore()
+                }
+                Text(AccountChoiceCopy.localDeviceOnlySubtitle)
+                    .font(.rubik(14))
+                    .foregroundStyle(theme.textMutedColor)
+                VStack(spacing: 4) {
+                    Text(AccountChoiceCopy.connectCalendarAccountLabel)
+                        .font(.rubik(14, weight: .semibold))
+                        .foregroundStyle(theme.textColor)
+                    Text(AccountChoiceCopy.connectCalendarAccountHelper)
+                        .font(.rubik(14))
+                        .foregroundStyle(theme.textMutedColor)
+                }
+                .frame(maxWidth: .infinity)
                 Text("Ready to keep it? Start your free 7-day trial.")
                     .font(.rubik(14))
                     .foregroundStyle(theme.textMutedColor)
diff --git a/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Settings/SettingsAccountsSectionView.swift b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Settings/SettingsAccountsSectionView.swift
index 4ed5640ca9..27acd52544 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Settings/SettingsAccountsSectionView.swift
+++ b/apps/calendar-macos/CompassUI/Sources/CompassUI/Settings/SettingsAccountsSectionView.swift
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@ struct SettingsAccountsSectionView: View {
 
     private var connectButtons: some View {
         VStack(alignment: .leading, spacing: 6) {
+            Text(AccountChoiceCopy.connectCalendarAccountLabel)
+                .font(.rubik(13, weight: .semibold))
+                .foregroundStyle(theme.textColor)
+            Text(AccountChoiceCopy.connectCalendarAccountHelper)
+                .font(.rubik(11))
+                .foregroundStyle(theme.textMutedColor)
             Button("Connect Google") {
                 Task { await syncStore.connect(provider: .google) }
             }
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/posthog/signup-funnel.ts b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/posthog/signup-funnel.ts
index f1be6e252d..47e05bfa4d 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/posthog/signup-funnel.ts
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/posthog/signup-funnel.ts
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ export async function trackSignupStartedAtClick(
   trackSignupStarted(source, anon_events_created);
 }
 
-/** Anonymous visitor chose local-only mode (e.g. sidebar "This browser"). */
+/** Anonymous visitor chose local-only mode (e.g. sidebar "On this device only"). */
 export function trackLocalModeSelected(source: LocalModeSource): void {
   track("local_mode_selected", { source });
 }
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/ConnectProviderChooser.test.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/ConnectProviderChooser.test.tsx
index eaa55a4268..b6b277c17b 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/ConnectProviderChooser.test.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/ConnectProviderChooser.test.tsx
@@ -155,9 +155,13 @@ describe("ConnectProviderChooser", () => {
     const user = userEvent.setup();
     available = ["google", "microsoft", "apple"];
 
-    renderChooser(<ConnectProviderChooser idleLabel="Add account" />);
+    renderChooser(
+      <ConnectProviderChooser idleLabel="Connect a calendar account" />,
+    );
 
-    await user.click(screen.getByRole("button", { name: /Add account/ }));
+    await user.click(
+      screen.getByRole("button", { name: /Connect a calendar account/ }),
+    );
 
     for (const name of ["Google", "Microsoft"] as const) {
       const item = screen.getByRole("menuitem", { name });
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/connect.types.ts b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/connect.types.ts
index 58533ed398..2f60993b8e 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/connect.types.ts
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/connect.types.ts
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ export type UseConnectGoogleOptions = {
   connection?: SyncConnectionSummary | null;
   /**
    * Always start a new-account OAuth round-trip (`{}`), even when some other
-   * account is `RECONNECT_REQUIRED`. Settings "Add account" must never bind
+   * account is `RECONNECT_REQUIRED`. Settings "Connect a calendar account" must never bind
    * to a reconnect.
    */
   newAccount?: boolean;
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.test.ts b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.test.ts
index 7ef103dc3f..7e367b4315 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.test.ts
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.test.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,14 @@
 import { ArrowsClockwiseIcon } from "@phosphor-icons/react/dist/csr/ArrowsClockwise";
 import {
   bookingConnectPromptCopy,
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER,
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL,
   CONNECT_CALENDAR_LABEL,
   calendarProductName,
   connectionProvider,
   emptyCalendarsCopy,
+  LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL,
+  LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE,
   openingProviderCopy,
   RECONNECT_BANNER_MESSAGE,
   RECONNECT_CALENDAR_LABEL,
@@ -112,4 +116,15 @@ describe("provider copy", () => {
     );
     expect(reconnect?.label).toBe("Reconnect Microsoft Calendar");
   });
+
+  it("keeps Tyler-approved account-choice copy byte-identical", () => {
+    expect(LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL).toBe("On this device only");
+    expect(LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE).toBe(
+      "Events stay in this browser until you connect an account.",
+    );
+    expect(CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL).toBe("Connect a calendar account");
+    expect(CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER).toBe(
+      "Pick Google, Microsoft, or Apple. Or keep using this device only from the calendar list.",
+    );
+  });
 });
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.ts b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.ts
index cf92d4b731..c24472303f 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.ts
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/auth/providers/provider-copy.util.ts
@@ -27,6 +27,18 @@ export const CONNECT_CALENDAR_REASSURANCE =
 export const CALENDAR_HOST_EXPLAINER =
   "If you view your calendar in Apple Calendar, it may still be hosted by Google or Microsoft.";
 
+/** Anonymous local-only calendar row and onboarding device-only path. */
+export const LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL = "On this device only";
+
+export const LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE =
+  "Events stay in this browser until you connect an account.";
+
+/** Settings and sign-in add-account chooser trigger. */
+export const CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL = "Connect a calendar account";
+
+export const CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER =
+  "Pick Google, Microsoft, or Apple. Or keep using this device only from the calendar list.";
+
 /** Admin-consent required (Microsoft Graph `consentRequired`). */
 export const CONSENT_REQUIRED_COPY =
   "Your organization's admin has to approve Compass before this account can connect.";
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/AuthModal/AuthModal.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/AuthModal/AuthModal.tsx
index 9692fd5aec..2bcf24b3ef 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/AuthModal/AuthModal.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/AuthModal/AuthModal.tsx
@@ -11,6 +11,10 @@ import {
 import { type ProviderKind } from "@core/types/sync/identity.contracts";
 import { trackSignupStep } from "@web/auth/posthog/signup-funnel";
 import { consumeGoogleAuthNeedsConsentRetry } from "@web/auth/providers/authorization/provider-authorization.storage";
+import {
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER,
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL,
+} from "@web/auth/providers/provider-copy.util";
 import { signInProviderForShortcutLetter } from "@web/auth/providers/sign-in-provider.util";
 import { useSignInProviders } from "@web/auth/providers/useSignInProviders";
 import { isEditableKeyboardTarget } from "@web/common/utils/form/form.util";
@@ -311,6 +315,14 @@ export const AuthModal: FC = () => {
         {/* Google Sign In - at bottom */}
         {showProviderSignIn ? (
           <>
+            <div className="flex w-full flex-col gap-1">
+              <p className="font-semibold text-sm text-text">
+                {CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL}
+              </p>
+              <p className="text-text-muted text-xs">
+                {CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER}
+              </p>
+            </div>
             <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
               <div className="h-px flex-1 bg-border" />
               <span className="text-sm text-text-muted">or</span>
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Settings/AccountsSection.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Settings/AccountsSection.tsx
index 5bdf062dcc..4d9a561659 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Settings/AccountsSection.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Settings/AccountsSection.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,10 @@ import { type FC } from "react";
 import { type Calendar } from "@core/types/calendar.contracts";
 import { type SyncConnectionSummary } from "@core/types/user.types";
 import { ConnectProviderChooser } from "@web/auth/providers/ConnectProviderChooser";
-import { CALENDAR_HOST_EXPLAINER } from "@web/auth/providers/provider-copy.util";
+import {
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER,
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL,
+} from "@web/auth/providers/provider-copy.util";
 import { useDisconnectGoogleAccount } from "@web/auth/providers/useDisconnectAccount";
 import {
   accountKey,
@@ -61,7 +64,7 @@ export const AccountsSection: FC<AccountsSectionProps> = ({
 
       <OverlayPanelActions align="start">
         <ConnectProviderChooser
-          idleLabel="Add account"
+          idleLabel={CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL}
           newAccount
           showShortcut={showShortcuts}
           shortcut="A"
@@ -69,7 +72,9 @@ export const AccountsSection: FC<AccountsSectionProps> = ({
           variant="overlay-primary"
         />
       </OverlayPanelActions>
-      <p className="text-text-muted text-xs">{CALENDAR_HOST_EXPLAINER}</p>
+      <p className="text-text-muted text-xs">
+        {CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER}
+      </p>
     </div>
   );
 };
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AccountSectionHeader.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AccountSectionHeader.tsx
index 838e496bfa..0e90687885 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AccountSectionHeader.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AccountSectionHeader.tsx
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import { useAccountHeaderStatus } from "./useAccountHeaderStatus";
  * and five accounts render the same shape, so the two can't drift apart the
  * way a separate single-account header did.
  *
- * Adding/disconnecting accounts lives in the command palette's "Add account" /
+ * Adding/disconnecting accounts lives in the command palette's "Connect a calendar account" /
  * "Show accounts" items - not a permanent row or icon here, which stayed noisy
  * for accounts with many subcalendars.
  */
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.test.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.test.tsx
index 1a45ae1068..b8f4782f5e 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.test.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.test.tsx
@@ -71,10 +71,10 @@ describe("AnonymousCalendarRow", () => {
     isActive: true,
   };
 
-  it("renders the row with 'This browser' label and trial sync copy", () => {
+  it("renders the row with the local device label and trial sync copy", () => {
     render(<AnonymousCalendarRow calendar={mockCalendar} />);
 
-    expect(screen.getByText("This browser")).toBeInTheDocument();
+    expect(screen.getByText("On this device only")).toBeInTheDocument();
     expect(ANONYMOUS_CALENDAR_ROW_TRIAL_MESSAGE).toBe(
       "Start your free trial to sync",
     );
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.tsx
index 79274424a3..9f194fd7ff 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/AnonymousCalendarRow.tsx
@@ -9,6 +9,10 @@ import {
   trackLocalModeSelected,
   trackSignupStartedAtClick,
 } from "@web/auth/posthog/signup-funnel";
+import {
+  LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL,
+  LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE,
+} from "@web/auth/providers/provider-copy.util";
 import { useAuthModal } from "@web/components/AuthModal/hooks/useAuthModal";
 import {
   Tooltip,
@@ -69,10 +73,13 @@ export const AnonymousCalendarRow: FC<AnonymousCalendarRowProps> = ({
                 borderColor: calendar.backgroundColor,
               }}
             />
-            <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate">This browser</span>
+            <span className="min-w-0 flex-1 truncate">
+              {LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL}
+            </span>
           </button>
         </TooltipTrigger>
         <TooltipContent className="flex max-w-55 flex-col gap-1.5">
+          <span>{LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE}</span>
           <span>{ANONYMOUS_CALENDAR_ROW_TRIAL_MESSAGE}</span>
           <button
             className={TOOLTIP_ACTION_BUTTON_CLASSNAME}
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/CalendarList.test.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/CalendarList.test.tsx
index 7564b353d5..774c428268 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/CalendarList.test.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/Sidebar/CalendarList/CalendarList.test.tsx
@@ -210,9 +210,9 @@ describe("CalendarList", () => {
     expect(screen.queryByText("ahab@pequod.com")).not.toBeInTheDocument();
   });
 
-  it("shows a single row labeled 'This browser' for anonymous users, without repeating a heading", () => {
+  it("shows a single row labeled 'On this device only' for anonymous users, without repeating a heading", () => {
     // Anonymous users get the local calendar rendered as AnonymousCalendarRow,
-    // which combines the account label ("This browser") and sign-up affordance
+    // which combines the account label ("On this device only") and sign-up affordance
     // into a single row, without a separate heading. No visibility toggle.
     const local = makeCalendar({
       name: "Compass",
@@ -223,11 +223,11 @@ describe("CalendarList", () => {
     mockUserEmail = undefined;
     renderCalendarList([local], { authenticated: false });
 
-    expect(screen.getByText("This browser")).toBeInTheDocument();
+    expect(screen.getByText("On this device only")).toBeInTheDocument();
     expect(screen.queryByText("primary")).not.toBeInTheDocument();
     expect(screen.queryByText("Compass")).not.toBeInTheDocument();
     expect(
-      screen.queryByRole("heading", { name: "This browser" }),
+      screen.queryByRole("heading", { name: "On this device only" }),
     ).not.toBeInTheDocument();
     expect(
       screen.getByRole("button", {
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.test.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.test.tsx
index 3ee4348028..3dc4c506b3 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.test.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.test.tsx
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ const goToChooseScreen = async (user: ReturnType<typeof userEvent.setup>) => {
   await user.keyboard("{Enter}");
   await user.keyboard("{Enter}");
   expect(
-    screen.getByRole("button", { name: "Explore without an account" }),
+    screen.getByRole("button", { name: "On this device only" }),
   ).toBeTruthy();
 };
 
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
     render(<WelcomeModal />);
     await goToChooseScreen(user);
     const explore = screen.getByRole("button", {
-      name: "Explore without an account",
+      name: "On this device only",
     });
     expect(explore.getAttribute("aria-busy")).toBe("false");
 
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
     for (const name of [
       "Sign up",
       "Continue with Google",
-      "Explore without an account",
+      "On this device only",
       "Who is Compass for?",
       "Back",
     ]) {
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
     await user.click(screen.getByRole("button", { name: "Next" }));
 
     await user.click(
-      screen.getByRole("button", { name: "Explore without an account" }),
+      screen.getByRole("button", { name: "On this device only" }),
     );
     await waitFor(() => {
       expect(
@@ -357,7 +357,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
       "https://github.com/KeepSoftwareSimple/compass-calendar",
     );
     expect(
-      screen.getByRole("button", { name: "Explore without an account" }),
+      screen.getByRole("button", { name: "On this device only" }),
     ).toHaveFocus();
 
     await user.keyboard("{Escape}");
@@ -510,7 +510,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
       ["Sign up", "U"],
       ["Log in", "i"],
       ["Back", "Esc"],
-      ["Explore without an account", "S"],
+      ["On this device only", "S"],
     ] as const) {
       const hint = within(screen.getByRole("button", { name })).getByText(key);
       expect(hint.className).not.toMatch(/opacity-0/);
@@ -643,7 +643,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
     await goToChooseScreen(user);
 
     const explore = screen.getByRole("button", {
-      name: "Explore without an account",
+      name: "On this device only",
     });
     expect(explore).toHaveFocus();
 
@@ -694,7 +694,7 @@ describe("WelcomeModal", () => {
       await goToChooseScreen(user);
 
       const explore = screen.getByRole("button", {
-        name: "Explore without an account",
+        name: "On this device only",
       });
       expect(explore).toHaveClass("w-full", "h-10", "c-button-primary");
       expect(explore).toHaveClass("c-button-elevated");
diff --git a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.tsx b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.tsx
index 41badb3b71..f8bc6057ff 100644
--- a/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.tsx
+++ b/apps/calendar-web/src/components/WelcomeModal/WelcomeModal.tsx
@@ -6,7 +6,13 @@ import {
   trackSignupStep,
 } from "@web/auth/posthog/signup-funnel";
 import { track } from "@web/auth/posthog/track";
-import { CONNECT_CALENDAR_LABEL } from "@web/auth/providers/provider-copy.util";
+import {
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER,
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL,
+  CONNECT_CALENDAR_LABEL,
+  LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL,
+  LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE,
+} from "@web/auth/providers/provider-copy.util";
 import { signInProviderForShortcutLetter } from "@web/auth/providers/sign-in-provider.util";
 import { useIsProviderAvailable } from "@web/auth/providers/useIsProviderAvailable";
 import { useSignInProviders } from "@web/auth/providers/useSignInProviders";
@@ -397,9 +403,20 @@ export function WelcomeModal() {
                 className={PRIMARY_CTA_CLASS}
                 {...navigationBusyProps}
               >
-                Explore without an account
+                {LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_LABEL}
                 <ShortcutHint className="ml-2">S</ShortcutHint>
               </button>
+              <p className="text-center text-sm text-text-muted">
+                {LOCAL_DEVICE_ONLY_SUBTITLE}
+              </p>
+              <div className="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 text-center">
+                <p className="font-semibold text-sm text-text">
+                  {CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_LABEL}
+                </p>
+                <p className="text-sm text-text-muted">
+                  {CONNECT_CALENDAR_ACCOUNT_HELPER}
+                </p>
+              </div>
               <p className="text-center text-sm text-text-muted">
                 Ready to keep it? Start your free 7-day trial.
               </p>
diff --git a/docs/frontend/frontend-runtime-flow.md b/docs/frontend/frontend-runtime-flow.md
index 258adfdd91..a4990f7eaf 100644
--- a/docs/frontend/frontend-runtime-flow.md
+++ b/docs/frontend/frontend-runtime-flow.md
@@ -90,13 +90,13 @@ Welcome → signup → first-event contract:
 - the last screen is titled **Let's get started** with the subtitle
   **Connect a calendar or start fresh**. Its CTA order is **Continue with Google**
   (`G`, when Google is available), **Sign up with email** (`U`), then
-  **Explore without an account** (`S`), all the same full-width height.
+  **On this device only** (`S`), all the same full-width height.
   Explore is a quieter secondary pill so signup stays the stronger choice.
   Social and legal links (`6`–`0`) sit below. Google leads
   because the scopes Compass requests include the calendar, so that one round
   trip signs the user up *and* connects it, the moment the product starts
   being worth keeping
-- **Explore without an account** closes the welcome dialog and leaves the
+- **On this device only** closes the welcome dialog and leaves the
   Shortcut Showcase closed until the visitor opts in
 - **Log in** opens the auth modal and leaves the showcase flags alone, so a
   returning user is not handed the practice or the first-event prompt
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ lands on the grid. Rageclicks on public booking pages are still dropped by
 the booking filter.
 
 `local_mode_selected` fires when an anonymous visitor chooses the sidebar
-**This browser** row (local IndexedDB mode). It must not be confused with
+**On this device only** row (local IndexedDB mode). It must not be confused with
 `signup_started`, which is reserved for explicit login or trial CTAs (OAuth,
 email sign-up modal, command palette, and similar).
 
diff --git a/docs/frontend/shortcut-commandments.md b/docs/frontend/shortcut-commandments.md
index 4fe6b2c335..ad3ea41e0b 100644
--- a/docs/frontend/shortcut-commandments.md
+++ b/docs/frontend/shortcut-commandments.md
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ Settings is an OverlayPanel with its own letter map while it holds app-lock
 (`apps/calendar-web/src/settings/useSettingsShortcuts.ts`). Those letters are not
 page-jump digits; they activate controls already on the Settings overlay.
 Billing: `U` Update card,
-`C` Cancel subscription, `R` Resume subscription. Accounts: `A` Add account,
+`C` Cancel subscription, `R` Resume subscription. Accounts: `A` Connect a calendar account,
 `E` Export, `D` Delete account, `O` Log out. `B` (trial badge / Start
 Premium) is registered by `UpgradeConfirmationProvider` and keeps working
 while Settings is open. Meeting settings reveal only sidebar digits
diff --git a/e2e/accessibility/connect-onboarding-a11y.spec.ts b/e2e/accessibility/connect-onboarding-a11y.spec.ts
index f653e13805..ec41f849a5 100644
--- a/e2e/accessibility/connect-onboarding-a11y.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/accessibility/connect-onboarding-a11y.spec.ts
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ test("the add-account chooser with Google, Microsoft, and Other / iCloud has no
   const settingsDialog = page.getByRole("dialog", { name: "Settings" });
   await settingsDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Accounts" }).click();
   const addAccount = settingsDialog.getByRole("button", {
-    name: "Add account",
+    name: "Connect a calendar account",
   });
   await expect(addAccount).toBeVisible();
   await addAccount.click();
diff --git a/e2e/accessibility/teaching-surface-a11y.spec.ts b/e2e/accessibility/teaching-surface-a11y.spec.ts
index 2733766dbe..898b6840a7 100644
--- a/e2e/accessibility/teaching-surface-a11y.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/accessibility/teaching-surface-a11y.spec.ts
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ test("exploring without an account returns focus to the week view without trappi
     .click();
   await welcomeDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Next" }).click();
   await welcomeDialog
-    .getByRole("button", { name: "Explore without an account" })
+    .getByRole("button", { name: "On this device only" })
     .click();
   await expect(welcomeDialog).toBeHidden();
 
diff --git a/e2e/calendars/microsoft-surfaces.spec.ts b/e2e/calendars/microsoft-surfaces.spec.ts
index 11197c8be0..32eda530c6 100644
--- a/e2e/calendars/microsoft-surfaces.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/calendars/microsoft-surfaces.spec.ts
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ test("Add account starts Microsoft OAuth from the chooser", async ({
   const settingsDialog = page.getByRole("dialog", { name: "Settings" });
   await settingsDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Accounts" }).click();
   const addAccount = settingsDialog.getByRole("button", {
-    name: "Add account",
+    name: "Connect a calendar account",
   });
   await expect(addAccount).toBeVisible();
   await addAccount.click();
@@ -151,7 +151,9 @@ test("Add account menu shows a logo for Google and Microsoft plus Other / iCloud
 
   const settingsDialog = page.getByRole("dialog", { name: "Settings" });
   await settingsDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Accounts" }).click();
-  await settingsDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Add account" }).click();
+  await settingsDialog
+    .getByRole("button", { name: "Connect a calendar account" })
+    .click();
 
   const menu = settingsDialog.getByRole("menu");
   await expect(menu).toBeVisible();
diff --git a/e2e/onboarding/first-run.spec.ts b/e2e/onboarding/first-run.spec.ts
index ebec09be8a..ccb09f754a 100644
--- a/e2e/onboarding/first-run.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/onboarding/first-run.spec.ts
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ test("welcomes a first-time user and seeds sample events", async ({
 
   // The welcome modal advertises S for this action; prove the shortcut.
   await expect(
-    welcomeDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Explore without an account" }),
+    welcomeDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "On this device only" }),
   ).toBeVisible();
   await page.keyboard.press("s");
   await expect(welcomeDialog).toBeHidden();
diff --git a/e2e/onboarding/shortcut-showcase.spec.ts b/e2e/onboarding/shortcut-showcase.spec.ts
index e2b26f25c9..1c29e775ec 100644
--- a/e2e/onboarding/shortcut-showcase.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/onboarding/shortcut-showcase.spec.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ const dismissWelcomeWithExplore = async (page: Page) => {
   ).toBeVisible();
   await page.keyboard.press("Enter");
   await expect(
-    welcomeDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "Explore without an account" }),
+    welcomeDialog.getByRole("button", { name: "On this device only" }),
   ).toBeVisible();
   await page.keyboard.press("s");
   await expect(welcomeDialog).toBeHidden();
diff --git a/e2e/onboarding/welcome-cta-width.spec.ts b/e2e/onboarding/welcome-cta-width.spec.ts
index 3cf7f9332f..11e3ca013f 100644
--- a/e2e/onboarding/welcome-cta-width.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/onboarding/welcome-cta-width.spec.ts
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ test("keeps Google, email signup, and explore buttons the same width", async ({
     name: "Sign up with email",
   });
   const explore = welcomeDialog.getByRole("button", {
-    name: "Explore without an account",
+    name: "On this device only",
   });
   await expect(google).toBeVisible();
   await expect(email).toBeVisible();
diff --git a/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.test.ts b/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.test.ts
index 6f597d011a..9da0087614 100644
--- a/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.test.ts
+++ b/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.test.ts
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ describe("handleGoogleAuth", () => {
         }),
       ).rejects.toMatchObject({
         result:
-          "You're already signed in. Use Settings → Add account to connect this Google account.",
+          "You're already signed in. Use Settings → Connect a calendar account to connect this Google account.",
         code: "GOOGLE_SIGNIN_WHILE_AUTHENTICATED",
       });
 
diff --git a/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.ts b/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.ts
index a62b69ff3d..815e13feed 100644
--- a/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.ts
+++ b/packages/backend/src/auth/services/google/google.auth.service.ts
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ async function handleGoogleAuth(
       if (options?.hasExistingSession) {
         throw error(
           AuthError.GoogleSignInWhileAuthenticated,
-          "You're already signed in. Use Settings → Add account to connect this Google account.",
+          "You're already signed in. Use Settings → Connect a calendar account to connect this Google account.",
         );
       }
       const isNewUser = createdNewRecipeUser && loginMethodsLength === 1;
diff --git a/packages/backend/src/common/errors/auth/auth.errors.ts b/packages/backend/src/common/errors/auth/auth.errors.ts
index b5bb34a255..83eecf595c 100644
--- a/packages/backend/src/common/errors/auth/auth.errors.ts
+++ b/packages/backend/src/common/errors/auth/auth.errors.ts
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ export const authErrorCopy = {
   refreshTokenMissing: (provider?: ProviderKind) =>
     `${calendarHostLabel(provider)} did not grant a fresh authorization. Please try again.`,
   signInWhileAuthenticated: (provider?: ProviderKind) =>
-    `You're already signed in. Use Settings → Add account to connect this ${calendarHostLabel(provider)} account.`,
+    `You're already signed in. Use Settings → Connect a calendar account to connect this ${calendarHostLabel(provider)} account.`,
 };
 
 export const AuthError: AuthErrors = {