From af0eaceb980c6d7e2f7e034494a9c7f4fbb0b9e0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: kikootwo <folcards@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:06:20 -0500
Subject: [PATCH] Add extensible notification providers + UI/API

Introduce a provider-based notification system and wire it through the API and admin UI. Added INotificationProvider + notification service implementation and providers (apprise, discord, ntfy, pushover), plus a GET /api/admin/notifications/providers endpoint to expose provider metadata. Refactored code to use provider type strings (removed enum coupling), updated masking/encryption calls, and simplified the test notification endpoint to accept backendId or type+config and call sendToBackend directly.

UI: NotificationsTab now fetches provider metadata and renders provider cards and dynamic config forms (fields driven by provider metadata). Added config field rendering, improved backend cards, and edit/delete actions.

APIs: New providers route, updated admin notification CRUD routes to validate provider types dynamically, updated test route schema. Added download-client categories POST API to fetch categories from clients and wired postImportCategory handling in download-client routes.

Other notable changes: BookDate now fetches Claude models dynamically from Anthropic's Models API; added paginated model fetch helper. Added ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD flag exposure to auth providers and password change logic. Doc updates and various tests added/updated. File-organization doc clarifies EPERM fix using stream-based copy.
---
 documentation/archive/BOOKDATE_COMPLETE.md    |   2 +-
 .../backend/services/notifications.md         |  74 ++-
 .../bookdate-implementation-prompt.md         |  25 +-
 documentation/features/bookdate.md            |   2 +-
 documentation/phase3/file-organization.md     |   2 +-
 .../NotificationsTab/NotificationsTab.tsx     | 280 ++++++-----
 src/app/api/admin/notifications/[id]/route.ts |   8 +-
 .../admin/notifications/providers/route.ts    |  42 ++
 src/app/api/admin/notifications/route.ts      |   6 +-
 src/app/api/admin/notifications/test/route.ts |  95 +---
 .../settings/download-clients/[id]/route.ts   |   2 +
 .../download-clients/categories/route.ts      | 104 ++++
 .../admin/settings/download-clients/route.ts  |   2 +
 .../api/audiobooks/search-torrents/route.ts   |   3 +-
 src/app/api/auth/change-password/route.ts     |   3 +-
 src/app/api/auth/providers/route.ts           |   7 +
 src/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route.ts | 103 ++--
 .../requests/[id]/interactive-search/route.ts |  84 +++-
 .../setup/download-client-categories/route.ts |  63 +++
 src/app/login/page.tsx                        |  12 +-
 src/app/setup/page.tsx                        |  28 ++
 src/app/setup/steps/AdminAccountStep.tsx      |  25 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.tsx    |  18 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/BookDateStep.tsx          |  15 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/DownloadClientStep.tsx    |   3 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/OIDCConfigStep.tsx        |  11 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/PathsStep.tsx             |  13 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.tsx              |  18 +-
 src/app/setup/steps/ProwlarrStep.tsx          |  17 +-
 .../download-clients/DownloadClientCard.tsx   |   6 +
 .../DownloadClientManagement.tsx              |  26 +-
 .../download-clients/DownloadClientModal.tsx  |  91 +++-
 .../admin/indexers/IndexerManagement.tsx      |  34 +-
 src/components/ui/ChangePasswordModal.tsx     |  24 +-
 src/lib/integrations/nzbget.service.ts        |  10 +
 src/lib/integrations/prowlarr.service.ts      |  49 ++
 src/lib/integrations/qbittorrent.service.ts   |  20 +
 src/lib/integrations/sabnzbd.service.ts       |  10 +
 src/lib/integrations/transmission.service.ts  |  23 +
 .../interfaces/download-client.interface.ts   |  18 +
 .../processors/organize-files.processor.ts    |  59 +++
 .../processors/search-indexers.processor.ts   |   7 +-
 .../processors/send-notification.processor.ts |   2 +-
 src/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider.ts    |   6 +-
 .../download-client-manager.service.ts        |   1 +
 src/lib/services/notification.service.ts      | 380 --------------
 .../notification/INotificationProvider.ts     |  60 +++
 src/lib/services/notification/index.ts        |  36 ++
 .../notification/notification.service.ts      | 187 +++++++
 .../providers/apprise.provider.ts             | 133 +++++
 .../providers/discord.provider.ts             |  91 ++++
 .../notification/providers/ntfy.provider.ts   | 109 ++++
 .../providers/pushover.provider.ts            | 121 +++++
 src/lib/utils/copy-file.ts                    |  22 +
 src/lib/utils/file-organizer.ts               |  13 +-
 src/lib/utils/path-template.util.ts           |  36 +-
 .../admin-notifications-test.routes.test.ts   |   3 +-
 tests/api/admin-notifications.routes.test.ts  |   3 +-
 tests/api/audiobooks-search.routes.test.ts    |   3 +-
 tests/api/auth-change-password.routes.test.ts |  26 +
 .../bookdate-test-connection.routes.test.ts   | 146 +++++-
 tests/api/requests-actions.routes.test.ts     |  99 +++-
 .../setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.test.tsx   |   1 +
 tests/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.test.tsx       |   1 +
 tests/lib/utils/path-template.util.test.ts    | 125 ++++-
 .../search-indexers.processor.test.ts         |   6 +-
 .../send-notification.processor.test.ts       |   2 +-
 tests/services/apprise.provider.test.ts       | 473 ++++++++++++++++++
 .../services/auth/local-auth-provider.test.ts |  34 ++
 tests/services/notification.service.test.ts   | 218 ++++++--
 tests/services/ntfy.provider.test.ts          | 368 ++++++++++++++
 tests/utils/copy-file.test.ts                 |  85 ++++
 tests/utils/file-organizer.test.ts            |  53 +-
 73 files changed, 3421 insertions(+), 866 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 src/app/api/admin/notifications/providers/route.ts
 create mode 100644 src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/categories/route.ts
 create mode 100644 src/app/api/setup/download-client-categories/route.ts
 delete mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification.service.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/INotificationProvider.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/index.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/notification.service.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/providers/apprise.provider.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/providers/discord.provider.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/providers/ntfy.provider.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/services/notification/providers/pushover.provider.ts
 create mode 100644 src/lib/utils/copy-file.ts
 create mode 100644 tests/services/apprise.provider.test.ts
 create mode 100644 tests/services/ntfy.provider.test.ts
 create mode 100644 tests/utils/copy-file.test.ts

diff --git a/documentation/archive/BOOKDATE_COMPLETE.md b/documentation/archive/BOOKDATE_COMPLETE.md
index df9a5b7..877da4f 100644
--- a/documentation/archive/BOOKDATE_COMPLETE.md
+++ b/documentation/archive/BOOKDATE_COMPLETE.md
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ docker-compose logs -f app
 ## 📊 Feature Highlights
 
 ### AI-Powered Recommendations
-- **Providers:** OpenAI (GPT-4o+) or Claude (Sonnet 4.5, Opus 4, Haiku)
+- **Providers:** OpenAI (GPT-4+) or Claude (dynamically fetched from Anthropic Models API)
 - **Personalization:** Based on your Plex library + swipe history
 - **Context:** Max 50 books (40 library + 10 swipes)
 - **Filtering:** Excludes books already in library, already requested, or already swiped
diff --git a/documentation/backend/services/notifications.md b/documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
index c41e535..96a5fec 100644
--- a/documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+++ b/documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 # Notification System
 
-**Status:** ✅ Implemented | Extensible notification system with Discord and Pushover support
+**Status:** ✅ Implemented | Extensible notification system with Discord, ntfy, and Pushover support
 
 ## Overview
 Sends notifications for audiobook request events (pending approval, approved, available, error) to configured backends. Non-blocking, atomic per-backend failure handling. Proper notification timing for all request flows including interactive search.
 
 ## Key Details
-- **Backends:** Discord (webhooks), Pushover (API)
+- **Backends:** Apprise (API), Discord (webhooks), ntfy (API), Pushover (API)
 - **Events:** request_pending_approval, request_approved, request_available, request_error
-- **Encryption:** AES-256-GCM for sensitive config (webhook URLs, API keys)
+- **Encryption:** AES-256-GCM for sensitive config (webhook URLs, API keys, notification URLs)
 - **Delivery:** Async via Bull job queue (priority 5)
 - **Failure Handling:** Non-blocking, Promise.allSettled (one backend fails, others succeed)
 
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Sends notifications for audiobook request events (pending approval, approved, av
 ```prisma
 model NotificationBackend {
   id        String   @id @default(uuid())
-  type      String   // 'discord' | 'pushover'
+  type      String   // 'apprise' | 'discord' | 'ntfy' | 'pushover'
   name      String   // User-friendly label
   config    Json     // Encrypted sensitive values
   events    Json     // Array of subscribed events
@@ -70,7 +70,9 @@ model NotificationBackend {
 ## Configuration Encryption
 
 **Encrypted Values:**
+- Apprise: `urls`, `authToken`
 - Discord: `webhookUrl`
+- ntfy: `accessToken`
 - Pushover: `userKey`, `appToken`
 
 **Pattern:** `iv:authTag:encryptedData` (base64)
@@ -81,12 +83,26 @@ model NotificationBackend {
 
 ## Message Formatting
 
+**Apprise (JSON via Apprise API):**
+- Type: info (pending), success (approved/available), failure (error)
+- Modes: Stateless (send URLs directly) or Stateful (use persistent configKey, optional tag filter)
+- Endpoint: `{serverUrl}/notify/` (stateless) or `{serverUrl}/notify/{configKey}` (stateful)
+- Auth: Optional Bearer token via `authToken` config field
+- Format: Event title + book details + user + error (if applicable)
+
 **Discord (Rich Embeds):**
 - Color-coded by event (yellow=pending, green=approved, blue=available, red=error)
 - Fields: Title, Author, Requested By, Error (if applicable)
 - Footer: Request ID
 - Timestamp: Event time
 
+**ntfy (JSON with Tags):**
+- Tags: mailbox_with_mail, white_check_mark, tada, x (rendered as emojis by ntfy)
+- Priority: Default (3) for pending/approved, High (4) for available/error
+- Format: Event title + book details + user + error (if applicable)
+- Auth: Optional Bearer token via `accessToken` config field
+- Server: Configurable `serverUrl` (default: https://ntfy.sh)
+
 **Pushover (Plain Text with Emojis):**
 - Emojis: 📬 📬 🎉 ❌
 - Priority: Normal (0) for pending/approved, High (1) for available/error
@@ -154,15 +170,49 @@ model NotificationBackend {
 
 **Queue Method:** `addNotificationJob(event, requestId, title, author, userName, message?)`
 
+## Architecture
+
+**Provider Pattern:** `INotificationProvider` interface + registry (matches `IAuthProvider` pattern)
+
+```
+src/lib/services/notification/
+  INotificationProvider.ts          # Interface + shared types
+  notification.service.ts           # Core service with registry
+  index.ts                          # Re-exports
+  providers/
+    apprise.provider.ts             # Apprise API (100+ services)
+    discord.provider.ts             # Discord webhook
+    ntfy.provider.ts                # ntfy API
+    pushover.provider.ts            # Pushover API
+```
+
+**Registry:** Module-level `Map<string, INotificationProvider>` with `registerProvider()` / `getProvider()`
+
+**INotificationProvider interface:**
+- `type: string` — provider identifier (registry key)
+- `sensitiveFields: string[]` — fields needing encryption/masking
+- `metadata: ProviderMetadata` — self-describing UI/validation metadata
+- `send(config, payload): Promise<void>` — receives decrypted config
+
+**ProviderMetadata:** `{ type, displayName, description, iconLabel, iconColor, configFields[] }`
+**ProviderConfigField:** `{ name, label, type, required, placeholder?, defaultValue?, options? }`
+
+**Helper functions:**
+- `getRegisteredProviderTypes(): string[]` — all registered type keys
+- `getAllProviderMetadata(): ProviderMetadata[]` — metadata for all providers
+
+**API Endpoint:** `GET /api/admin/notifications/providers` — returns all provider metadata (admin-only)
+
 ## Extensibility
 
-**Adding New Backend (e.g., Email):**
-1. Add 'email' to NotificationBackendType enum
-2. Create EmailConfig interface
-3. Add encryption logic for smtpPassword
-4. Implement sendEmail() method in NotificationService
-5. Add email card to type selector (green "E" badge)
-6. Add email form fields to modal
+**Adding New Backend (2 steps):**
+1. Create `providers/email.provider.ts` implementing `INotificationProvider`:
+   - Set `type = 'email'`, `sensitiveFields = ['smtpPassword']`
+   - Set `metadata` with displayName, description, iconLabel, iconColor, configFields
+   - Implement `send()` with email-specific logic
+2. Register in `notification.service.ts`: `registerProvider(new EmailProvider())` + re-export from `index.ts`
+
+No UI changes, no API route changes, no Zod schema changes needed — the UI renders dynamically from provider metadata.
 
 **Adding New Event (e.g., download_complete):**
 1. Add 'download_complete' to NotificationEvent enum
@@ -173,7 +223,7 @@ model NotificationBackend {
 ## Tech Stack
 - Bull (job queue)
 - Node.js crypto (AES-256-GCM encryption)
-- Discord webhooks, Pushover API
+- Apprise API, Discord webhooks, ntfy API, Pushover API
 - React (UI), Tailwind CSS (styling)
 
 ## Related
diff --git a/documentation/features/bookdate-implementation-prompt.md b/documentation/features/bookdate-implementation-prompt.md
index e8a1f86..c17e7b5 100644
--- a/documentation/features/bookdate-implementation-prompt.md
+++ b/documentation/features/bookdate-implementation-prompt.md
@@ -200,32 +200,23 @@ export async function POST(req: NextRequest) {
         .map((m: any) => ({ id: m.id, name: m.id }));
 
     } else if (provider === 'claude') {
-      // Claude: Hardcoded list (Anthropic doesn't have a models API endpoint)
-      models = [
-        { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5' },
-        { id: 'claude-3-7-sonnet-20250219', name: 'Claude 3.7 Sonnet' },
-        { id: 'claude-3-5-haiku-20241022', name: 'Claude 3.5 Haiku' },
-        { id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514', name: 'Claude Opus 4' },
-      ];
-
-      // Test connection with a simple API call
-      const response = await fetch('https://api.anthropic.com/v1/messages', {
-        method: 'POST',
+      // Claude: Fetch models dynamically from the Anthropic Models API
+      const response = await fetch('https://api.anthropic.com/v1/models?limit=1000', {
         headers: {
           'x-api-key': apiKey,
           'anthropic-version': '2023-06-01',
-          'content-type': 'application/json'
         },
-        body: JSON.stringify({
-          model: 'claude-3-5-haiku-20241022',
-          max_tokens: 10,
-          messages: [{ role: 'user', content: 'Hi' }]
-        })
       });
 
       if (!response.ok) {
         return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Invalid Claude API key' }, { status: 400 });
       }
+
+      const data = await response.json();
+      models = data.data.map((m: any) => ({
+        id: m.id,
+        name: m.display_name || m.id,
+      }));
     } else {
       return NextResponse.json({ error: 'Invalid provider' }, { status: 400 });
     }
diff --git a/documentation/features/bookdate.md b/documentation/features/bookdate.md
index 03fc762..372ed03 100644
--- a/documentation/features/bookdate.md
+++ b/documentation/features/bookdate.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 Personalized audiobook discovery using OpenAI/Claude APIs. Admin configures AI provider globally. Users swipe through recommendations based on their individual Plex library + swipe history. Right swipe creates request, left rejects, up dismisses.
 
 ## Key Details
-- **AI Providers:** OpenAI (GPT-4o+), Claude (Sonnet 4.5, Opus 4, Haiku)
+- **AI Providers:** OpenAI (GPT-4+), Claude (dynamically fetched from Anthropic Models API)
 - **Configuration:** Global admin-managed (provider, model, API key), per-user preferences (library scope, custom prompt)
 - **Personalization:** Each user receives recommendations based on their own library, ratings, swipe history, and custom preferences
 - **Library Scopes (per-user):**
diff --git a/documentation/phase3/file-organization.md b/documentation/phase3/file-organization.md
index 0f2750c..21686aa 100644
--- a/documentation/phase3/file-organization.md
+++ b/documentation/phase3/file-organization.md
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ async function organize(
 
 ## Fixed Issues ✅
 
-**1. EPERM errors** - Fixed with `fs.readFile/writeFile` instead of `copyFile`
+**1. EPERM errors** - Fixed with stream-based copy (`pipeline` + `createReadStream`/`createWriteStream`) instead of `fs.copyFile()` which uses `copy_file_range()` — a syscall that returns EPERM on cross-export NFS4 and some FUSE mounts
 **2. Immediate deletion** - Changed to copy-only, scheduled cleanup after seeding
 **3. Files moved not copied** - Now copies to support seeding
 **4. Single file downloads** - Now supports files directly in downloads folder (not just directories)
diff --git a/src/app/admin/settings/tabs/NotificationsTab/NotificationsTab.tsx b/src/app/admin/settings/tabs/NotificationsTab/NotificationsTab.tsx
index d39a9af..0c97111 100644
--- a/src/app/admin/settings/tabs/NotificationsTab/NotificationsTab.tsx
+++ b/src/app/admin/settings/tabs/NotificationsTab/NotificationsTab.tsx
@@ -6,6 +6,25 @@ import { fetchWithAuth } from '@/lib/utils/api';
 
 const logger = RMABLogger.create('NotificationsTab');
 
+interface ProviderConfigField {
+  name: string;
+  label: string;
+  type: 'text' | 'password' | 'select' | 'number';
+  required: boolean;
+  placeholder?: string;
+  defaultValue?: string | number;
+  options?: { label: string; value: string | number }[];
+}
+
+interface ProviderMetadata {
+  type: string;
+  displayName: string;
+  description: string;
+  iconLabel: string;
+  iconColor: string;
+  configFields: ProviderConfigField[];
+}
+
 interface NotificationBackend {
   id: string;
   type: string;
@@ -24,15 +43,6 @@ interface ModalState {
   backend?: NotificationBackend;
 }
 
-const typeColors: Record<string, string> = {
-  discord: 'bg-indigo-500',
-  pushover: 'bg-blue-500',
-  email: 'bg-green-500',
-  slack: 'bg-purple-500',
-  telegram: 'bg-sky-500',
-  webhook: 'bg-gray-500',
-};
-
 const eventLabels: Record<string, string> = {
   request_pending_approval: 'Request Pending Approval',
   request_approved: 'Request Approved',
@@ -42,6 +52,7 @@ const eventLabels: Record<string, string> = {
 
 export function NotificationsTab() {
   const [backends, setBackends] = useState<NotificationBackend[]>([]);
+  const [providerMetadata, setProviderMetadata] = useState<ProviderMetadata[]>([]);
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(true);
   const [modalState, setModalState] = useState<ModalState>({
     isOpen: false,
@@ -59,8 +70,23 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
 
   useEffect(() => {
     fetchBackends();
+    fetchProviderMetadata();
   }, []);
 
+  const fetchProviderMetadata = async () => {
+    try {
+      const response = await fetchWithAuth('/api/admin/notifications/providers');
+      if (response.ok) {
+        const data = await response.json();
+        if (data.success) {
+          setProviderMetadata(data.providers);
+        }
+      }
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Failed to fetch provider metadata', { error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error) });
+    }
+  };
+
   const fetchBackends = async () => {
     try {
       setLoading(true);
@@ -83,11 +109,23 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
     }
   };
 
+  const getMetadataForType = (type: string): ProviderMetadata | undefined => {
+    return providerMetadata.find((p) => p.type === type);
+  };
+
   const openAddModal = (type: string) => {
+    const meta = getMetadataForType(type);
+    const defaultConfig: Record<string, any> = {};
+    if (meta) {
+      for (const field of meta.configFields) {
+        defaultConfig[field.name] = field.defaultValue ?? '';
+      }
+    }
+
     setModalState({ isOpen: true, mode: 'add', selectedType: type });
     setFormData({
-      name: `${type.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + type.slice(1)} Notifications`,
-      config: type === 'discord' ? { webhookUrl: '', username: 'ReadMeABook', avatarUrl: '' } : { userKey: '', appToken: '', device: '', priority: 0 },
+      name: `${meta?.displayName ?? type} Notifications`,
+      config: defaultConfig,
       events: ['request_available', 'request_error'],
       enabled: true,
     });
@@ -193,6 +231,49 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
     }
   };
 
+  const renderConfigField = (field: ProviderConfigField) => {
+    if (field.type === 'select' && field.options) {
+      return (
+        <div key={field.name}>
+          <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">
+            {field.label}{field.required ? ' *' : ''}
+          </label>
+          <select
+            value={formData.config[field.name] ?? field.defaultValue ?? ''}
+            onChange={(e) => {
+              const value = field.options?.some((o) => typeof o.value === 'number')
+                ? Number(e.target.value)
+                : e.target.value;
+              setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, [field.name]: value } });
+            }}
+            className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
+          >
+            {field.options.map((opt) => (
+              <option key={String(opt.value)} value={opt.value}>{opt.label}</option>
+            ))}
+          </select>
+        </div>
+      );
+    }
+
+    return (
+      <div key={field.name}>
+        <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">
+          {field.label}{field.required ? ' *' : field.label.includes('optional') ? '' : ' (optional)'}
+        </label>
+        <input
+          type={field.type === 'password' ? 'password' : 'text'}
+          value={formData.config[field.name] ?? ''}
+          onChange={(e) => setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, [field.name]: e.target.value } })}
+          className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
+          placeholder={field.placeholder}
+        />
+      </div>
+    );
+  };
+
+  const currentMeta = modalState.selectedType ? getMetadataForType(modalState.selectedType) : undefined;
+
   return (
     <div className="space-y-6">
       {/* Header */}
@@ -206,32 +287,22 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
       {/* Type Selector */}
       <div>
         <h3 className="text-lg font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white mb-4">Add Notification Backend</h3>
-        <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
-          <button
-            onClick={() => openAddModal('discord')}
-            className="flex items-center p-4 bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg border-2 border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 hover:border-gray-300 dark:hover:border-gray-600 transition-colors"
-          >
-            <div className="flex-shrink-0 w-12 h-12 bg-indigo-500 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-white font-bold text-2xl">
-              D
-            </div>
-            <div className="ml-4 text-left">
-              <div className="font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">Discord</div>
-              <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">Send notifications via Discord webhook</div>
-            </div>
-          </button>
-
-          <button
-            onClick={() => openAddModal('pushover')}
-            className="flex items-center p-4 bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg border-2 border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 hover:border-gray-300 dark:hover:border-gray-600 transition-colors"
-          >
-            <div className="flex-shrink-0 w-12 h-12 bg-blue-500 rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-white font-bold text-2xl">
-              P
-            </div>
-            <div className="ml-4 text-left">
-              <div className="font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">Pushover</div>
-              <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">Send notifications via Pushover API</div>
-            </div>
-          </button>
+        <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-3 gap-4">
+          {providerMetadata.map((meta) => (
+            <button
+              key={meta.type}
+              onClick={() => openAddModal(meta.type)}
+              className="flex items-center p-4 bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg border-2 border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 hover:border-gray-300 dark:hover:border-gray-600 transition-colors"
+            >
+              <div className={`flex-shrink-0 w-12 h-12 ${meta.iconColor} rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-white font-bold text-2xl`}>
+                {meta.iconLabel}
+              </div>
+              <div className="ml-4 text-left">
+                <div className="font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">{meta.displayName}</div>
+                <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">{meta.description}</div>
+              </div>
+            </button>
+          ))}
         </div>
       </div>
 
@@ -244,43 +315,46 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
           <p className="text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">No notification backends configured.</p>
         ) : (
           <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-4">
-            {backends.map((backend) => (
-              <div key={backend.id} className="bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg shadow-md border border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 p-4 hover:shadow-lg transition-shadow">
-                <div className="flex items-start justify-between mb-3">
-                  <div className="flex items-center space-x-3">
-                    <div className={`w-10 h-10 ${typeColors[backend.type]} rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-white font-bold`}>
-                      {backend.type.charAt(0).toUpperCase()}
-                    </div>
-                    <div>
-                      <div className="font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white truncate">{backend.name}</div>
-                      <div className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400 capitalize">{backend.type}</div>
+            {backends.map((backend) => {
+              const meta = getMetadataForType(backend.type);
+              return (
+                <div key={backend.id} className="bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 rounded-lg shadow-md border border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 p-4 hover:shadow-lg transition-shadow">
+                  <div className="flex items-start justify-between mb-3">
+                    <div className="flex items-center space-x-3">
+                      <div className={`w-10 h-10 ${meta?.iconColor ?? 'bg-gray-500'} rounded-lg flex items-center justify-center text-white font-bold`}>
+                        {meta?.iconLabel ?? backend.type.charAt(0).toUpperCase()}
+                      </div>
+                      <div>
+                        <div className="font-semibold text-gray-900 dark:text-white truncate">{backend.name}</div>
+                        <div className="text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">{meta?.displayName ?? backend.type}</div>
+                      </div>
                     </div>
                   </div>
-                </div>
-                <div className="space-y-2 mb-3">
-                  <div className={`inline-block px-2 py-1 rounded text-xs ${backend.enabled ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-800 dark:bg-green-900 dark:text-green-200' : 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-800 dark:bg-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300'}`}>
-                    {backend.enabled ? 'Enabled' : 'Disabled'}
+                  <div className="space-y-2 mb-3">
+                    <div className={`inline-block px-2 py-1 rounded text-xs ${backend.enabled ? 'bg-green-100 text-green-800 dark:bg-green-900 dark:text-green-200' : 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-800 dark:bg-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300'}`}>
+                      {backend.enabled ? 'Enabled' : 'Disabled'}
+                    </div>
+                    <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">
+                      {backend.events.length} {backend.events.length === 1 ? 'event' : 'events'} subscribed
+                    </div>
                   </div>
-                  <div className="text-sm text-gray-600 dark:text-gray-400">
-                    {backend.events.length} {backend.events.length === 1 ? 'event' : 'events'} subscribed
+                  <div className="flex space-x-2">
+                    <button
+                      onClick={() => openEditModal(backend)}
+                      className="flex-1 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm bg-blue-600 hover:bg-blue-700 text-white rounded transition-colors"
+                    >
+                      Edit
+                    </button>
+                    <button
+                      onClick={() => handleDelete(backend.id)}
+                      className="flex-1 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm bg-red-600 hover:bg-red-700 text-white rounded transition-colors"
+                    >
+                      Delete
+                    </button>
                   </div>
                 </div>
-                <div className="flex space-x-2">
-                  <button
-                    onClick={() => openEditModal(backend)}
-                    className="flex-1 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm bg-blue-600 hover:bg-blue-700 text-white rounded transition-colors"
-                  >
-                    Edit
-                  </button>
-                  <button
-                    onClick={() => handleDelete(backend.id)}
-                    className="flex-1 px-3 py-1.5 text-sm bg-red-600 hover:bg-red-700 text-white rounded transition-colors"
-                  >
-                    Delete
-                  </button>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-            ))}
+              );
+            })}
           </div>
         )}
       </div>
@@ -292,7 +366,7 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
             <div className="p-6">
               <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-6">
                 <h3 className="text-xl font-bold text-gray-900 dark:text-white">
-                  {modalState.mode === 'add' ? 'Add' : 'Edit'} {modalState.selectedType.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + modalState.selectedType.slice(1)} Notification
+                  {modalState.mode === 'add' ? 'Add' : 'Edit'} {currentMeta?.displayName ?? modalState.selectedType} Notification
                 </h3>
                 <button onClick={closeModal} className="text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-600 dark:hover:text-gray-200">
                   <svg className="w-6 h-6" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24">
@@ -314,70 +388,8 @@ export function NotificationsTab() {
                   />
                 </div>
 
-                {/* Config Fields */}
-                {modalState.selectedType === 'discord' && (
-                  <>
-                    <div>
-                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">Webhook URL *</label>
-                      <input
-                        type="text"
-                        value={formData.config.webhookUrl}
-                        onChange={(e) => setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, webhookUrl: e.target.value } })}
-                        className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
-                        placeholder="https://discord.com/api/webhooks/..."
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                    <div>
-                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">Username (optional)</label>
-                      <input
-                        type="text"
-                        value={formData.config.username}
-                        onChange={(e) => setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, username: e.target.value } })}
-                        className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
-                        placeholder="ReadMeABook"
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                  </>
-                )}
-
-                {modalState.selectedType === 'pushover' && (
-                  <>
-                    <div>
-                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">User Key *</label>
-                      <input
-                        type="text"
-                        value={formData.config.userKey}
-                        onChange={(e) => setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, userKey: e.target.value } })}
-                        className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
-                        placeholder="Your Pushover user key"
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                    <div>
-                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">App Token *</label>
-                      <input
-                        type="text"
-                        value={formData.config.appToken}
-                        onChange={(e) => setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, appToken: e.target.value } })}
-                        className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
-                        placeholder="Your Pushover app token"
-                      />
-                    </div>
-                    <div>
-                      <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">Priority</label>
-                      <select
-                        value={formData.config.priority}
-                        onChange={(e) => setFormData({ ...formData, config: { ...formData.config, priority: Number(e.target.value) } })}
-                        className="w-full px-3 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-white"
-                      >
-                        <option value="-2">Lowest</option>
-                        <option value="-1">Low</option>
-                        <option value="0">Normal</option>
-                        <option value="1">High</option>
-                        <option value="2">Emergency</option>
-                      </select>
-                    </div>
-                  </>
-                )}
+                {/* Dynamic Config Fields */}
+                {currentMeta?.configFields.map((field) => renderConfigField(field))}
 
                 {/* Events */}
                 <div>
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/[id]/route.ts
index 4a47bc1..d2f854b 100644
--- a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/[id]/route.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { requireAuth, requireAdmin, AuthenticatedRequest } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
 import { prisma } from '@/lib/db';
-import { getNotificationService, NotificationBackendType } from '@/lib/services/notification.service';
+import { getNotificationService } from '@/lib/services/notification';
 import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ export async function GET(
           success: true,
           backend: {
             ...backend,
-            config: notificationService.maskConfig(backend.type as NotificationBackendType, backend.config),
+            config: notificationService.maskConfig(backend.type, backend.config),
           },
         });
       } catch (error) {
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ export async function PUT(
           });
 
           // Encrypt new/changed values
-          finalConfig = notificationService.encryptConfig(existing.type as NotificationBackendType, updatedConfig);
+          finalConfig = notificationService.encryptConfig(existing.type, updatedConfig);
         }
 
         // Update backend
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ export async function PUT(
           success: true,
           backend: {
             ...updated,
-            config: notificationService.maskConfig(updated.type as NotificationBackendType, updated.config),
+            config: notificationService.maskConfig(updated.type, updated.config),
           },
         });
       } catch (error) {
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/providers/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/providers/route.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f375c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/providers/route.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Notification Providers Metadata API
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
+import { requireAuth, requireAdmin, AuthenticatedRequest } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
+import { getAllProviderMetadata } from '@/lib/services/notification';
+import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
+
+const logger = RMABLogger.create('API.Admin.Notifications.Providers');
+
+/**
+ * GET /api/admin/notifications/providers
+ * Returns metadata for all registered notification providers
+ */
+export async function GET(request: NextRequest) {
+  return requireAuth(request, async (req: AuthenticatedRequest) => {
+    return requireAdmin(req, async () => {
+      try {
+        const providers = getAllProviderMetadata();
+
+        return NextResponse.json({
+          success: true,
+          providers,
+        });
+      } catch (error) {
+        logger.error('Failed to fetch provider metadata', {
+          error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error),
+        });
+
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          {
+            error: 'FetchError',
+            message: 'Failed to fetch provider metadata',
+          },
+          { status: 500 }
+        );
+      }
+    });
+  });
+}
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/route.ts
index d53a150..44dab48 100644
--- a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/route.ts
@@ -6,14 +6,14 @@
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { requireAuth, requireAdmin, AuthenticatedRequest } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
 import { prisma } from '@/lib/db';
-import { getNotificationService, NotificationBackendType } from '@/lib/services/notification.service';
+import { getNotificationService, getRegisteredProviderTypes } from '@/lib/services/notification';
 import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 
 const logger = RMABLogger.create('API.Admin.Notifications');
 
 const CreateBackendSchema = z.object({
-  type: z.enum(['discord', 'pushover', 'email', 'slack', 'telegram', 'webhook']),
+  type: z.string().refine((val) => getRegisteredProviderTypes().includes(val), { message: 'Unsupported notification provider type' }),
   name: z.string().min(1),
   config: z.record(z.any()),
   events: z.array(z.enum(['request_pending_approval', 'request_approved', 'request_available', 'request_error'])).min(1),
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ export async function GET(request: NextRequest) {
         // Mask sensitive config values
         const maskedBackends = backends.map((backend) => ({
           ...backend,
-          config: notificationService.maskConfig(backend.type as NotificationBackendType, backend.config),
+          config: notificationService.maskConfig(backend.type, backend.config),
         }));
 
         return NextResponse.json({
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/test/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/test/route.ts
index 81f2d74..f3524c0 100644
--- a/src/app/api/admin/notifications/test/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/notifications/test/route.ts
@@ -5,31 +5,17 @@
 
 import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
 import { requireAuth, requireAdmin, AuthenticatedRequest } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
-import { getNotificationService, NotificationBackendType, NotificationPayload } from '@/lib/services/notification.service';
+import { getNotificationService, getRegisteredProviderTypes, NotificationPayload } from '@/lib/services/notification';
 import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
 import { z } from 'zod';
 import { prisma } from '@/lib/db';
 
 const logger = RMABLogger.create('API.Admin.Notifications.Test');
 
-const TestNotificationSchema = z.discriminatedUnion('mode', [
-  // Test existing backend by ID (uses stored config)
-  z.object({
-    mode: z.literal('backend'),
-    backendId: z.string(),
-  }),
-  // Test new config before saving
-  z.object({
-    mode: z.literal('config'),
-    type: z.enum(['discord', 'pushover', 'email', 'slack', 'telegram', 'webhook']),
-    config: z.record(z.any()),
-  }),
-]);
-
-// Support legacy format without mode
-const LegacyTestNotificationSchema = z.object({
+// Flexible schema: supports both backendId and type+config formats
+const TestNotificationSchema = z.object({
   backendId: z.string().optional(),
-  type: z.enum(['discord', 'pushover', 'email', 'slack', 'telegram', 'webhook']).optional(),
+  type: z.string().refine((val) => getRegisteredProviderTypes().includes(val), { message: 'Unsupported notification provider type' }).optional(),
   config: z.record(z.any()).optional(),
 });
 
@@ -42,66 +28,37 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
     return requireAdmin(req, async () => {
       try {
         const body = await request.json();
+        const parsed = TestNotificationSchema.parse(body);
 
-        // Support legacy format for backward compatibility
-        const legacyParsed = LegacyTestNotificationSchema.safeParse(body);
-
-        let type: NotificationBackendType;
+        let type: string;
         let encryptedConfig: any;
 
         const notificationService = getNotificationService();
 
-        if (legacyParsed.success) {
-          // Legacy format
-          if (legacyParsed.data.backendId) {
-            // Test existing backend
-            const backend = await prisma.notificationBackend.findUnique({
-              where: { id: legacyParsed.data.backendId },
-            });
+        if (parsed.backendId) {
+          // Test existing backend by ID (uses stored config)
+          const backend = await prisma.notificationBackend.findUnique({
+            where: { id: parsed.backendId },
+          });
 
-            if (!backend) {
-              return NextResponse.json(
-                { error: 'NotFound', message: 'Backend not found' },
-                { status: 404 }
-              );
-            }
-
-            type = backend.type as NotificationBackendType;
-            encryptedConfig = backend.config; // Already encrypted in DB
-          } else if (legacyParsed.data.type && legacyParsed.data.config) {
-            // Test new config
-            type = legacyParsed.data.type as NotificationBackendType;
-            encryptedConfig = notificationService.encryptConfig(type, legacyParsed.data.config);
-          } else {
+          if (!backend) {
             return NextResponse.json(
-              { error: 'ValidationError', message: 'Must provide either backendId or type+config' },
-              { status: 400 }
+              { error: 'NotFound', message: 'Backend not found' },
+              { status: 404 }
             );
           }
+
+          type = backend.type;
+          encryptedConfig = backend.config; // Already encrypted in DB
+        } else if (parsed.type && parsed.config) {
+          // Test new config before saving
+          type = parsed.type;
+          encryptedConfig = notificationService.encryptConfig(type, parsed.config);
         } else {
-          // New format with discriminated union
-          const parsed = TestNotificationSchema.parse(body);
-
-          if (parsed.mode === 'backend') {
-            // Test existing backend
-            const backend = await prisma.notificationBackend.findUnique({
-              where: { id: parsed.backendId },
-            });
-
-            if (!backend) {
-              return NextResponse.json(
-                { error: 'NotFound', message: 'Backend not found' },
-                { status: 404 }
-              );
-            }
-
-            type = backend.type as NotificationBackendType;
-            encryptedConfig = backend.config; // Already encrypted in DB
-          } else {
-            // Test new config
-            type = parsed.type;
-            encryptedConfig = notificationService.encryptConfig(type, parsed.config);
-          }
+          return NextResponse.json(
+            { error: 'ValidationError', message: 'Must provide either backendId or type+config' },
+            { status: 400 }
+          );
         }
 
         // Create test payload
@@ -117,7 +74,7 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
         // Send test notification synchronously (not via job queue)
         try {
           // Call sendToBackend directly
-          await (notificationService as any).sendToBackend(type, encryptedConfig, testPayload);
+          await notificationService.sendToBackend(type, encryptedConfig, testPayload);
 
           logger.info(`Test notification sent successfully for ${type}`, {
             adminId: req.user?.sub,
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/[id]/route.ts
index f5a092c..a229b30 100644
--- a/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/[id]/route.ts
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ export async function PUT(
           localPath,
           category,
           customPath,
+          postImportCategory,
         } = body;
 
         const config = await getConfigService();
@@ -76,6 +77,7 @@ export async function PUT(
           localPath: localPath !== undefined ? localPath : existingClient.localPath,
           category: category !== undefined ? category : existingClient.category,
           customPath: customPath !== undefined ? (customPath || undefined) : existingClient.customPath,
+          postImportCategory: postImportCategory !== undefined ? (postImportCategory || undefined) : existingClient.postImportCategory,
         };
 
         // Validate path mapping if enabled
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/categories/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/categories/route.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64b2778
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/categories/route.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Fetch Download Client Categories API
+ * Documentation: documentation/phase3/download-clients.md
+ */
+
+import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
+import { requireAuth, requireAdmin, AuthenticatedRequest } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
+import { getConfigService } from '@/lib/services/config.service';
+import { getDownloadClientManager, DownloadClientConfig } from '@/lib/services/download-client-manager.service';
+import { SUPPORTED_CLIENT_TYPES } from '@/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface';
+import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
+
+const logger = RMABLogger.create('API.Admin.Settings.DownloadClients.Categories');
+
+/**
+ * POST - Fetch categories from a download client
+ * Accepts same connection config as the test endpoint
+ */
+export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
+  return requireAuth(request, async (req: AuthenticatedRequest) => {
+    return requireAdmin(req, async () => {
+      try {
+        const body = await request.json();
+        const {
+          clientId,
+          type,
+          name: clientName,
+          url,
+          username,
+          password,
+          disableSSLVerify,
+          remotePathMappingEnabled,
+          remotePath,
+          localPath,
+        } = body;
+
+        if (!SUPPORTED_CLIENT_TYPES.includes(type)) {
+          return NextResponse.json(
+            { error: `Invalid client type. Must be one of: ${SUPPORTED_CLIENT_TYPES.join(', ')}` },
+            { status: 400 }
+          );
+        }
+
+        if (!url) {
+          return NextResponse.json(
+            { error: 'URL is required' },
+            { status: 400 }
+          );
+        }
+
+        const config = await getConfigService();
+        const manager = getDownloadClientManager(config);
+
+        // If editing and password not provided, use stored password
+        let effectivePassword = password;
+        let effectiveUsername = username;
+
+        if (clientId && !password) {
+          const existingClients = await manager.getAllClients();
+          const existingClient = existingClients.find(c => c.id === clientId);
+
+          if (!existingClient) {
+            return NextResponse.json(
+              { error: 'Client not found' },
+              { status: 404 }
+            );
+          }
+
+          effectivePassword = existingClient.password;
+          if (!username && existingClient.username) {
+            effectiveUsername = existingClient.username;
+          }
+        }
+
+        const testConfig: DownloadClientConfig = {
+          id: 'categories-fetch',
+          type,
+          name: clientName || type,
+          enabled: true,
+          url,
+          username: effectiveUsername || '',
+          password: effectivePassword || '',
+          disableSSLVerify: disableSSLVerify || false,
+          remotePathMappingEnabled: remotePathMappingEnabled || false,
+          remotePath: remotePath || undefined,
+          localPath: localPath || undefined,
+          category: 'readmeabook',
+        };
+
+        const service = await manager.createClientFromConfig(testConfig);
+        const categories = await service.getCategories();
+
+        return NextResponse.json({ success: true, categories });
+      } catch (error) {
+        const message = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
+        logger.error('Failed to fetch categories', { error: message });
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { success: false, error: message },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    });
+  });
+}
diff --git a/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/route.ts b/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/route.ts
index 33e5105..e8921ad 100644
--- a/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/admin/settings/download-clients/route.ts
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
           localPath,
           category,
           customPath,
+          postImportCategory,
         } = body;
 
         // Validate type
@@ -138,6 +139,7 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
           localPath: localPath || undefined,
           category: category || 'readmeabook',
           customPath: customPath || undefined,
+          postImportCategory: postImportCategory || undefined,
         };
 
         // Test connection before saving
diff --git a/src/app/api/audiobooks/search-torrents/route.ts b/src/app/api/audiobooks/search-torrents/route.ts
index 23b67f3..0565f7e 100644
--- a/src/app/api/audiobooks/search-torrents/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/audiobooks/search-torrents/route.ts
@@ -86,7 +86,6 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
 
       // Search Prowlarr for each group and combine results
       const prowlarr = await getProwlarrService();
-      const searchQuery = title; // Title only - cast wide net
       const allResults = [];
 
       for (let i = 0; i < groups.length; i++) {
@@ -94,7 +93,7 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
         logger.debug(`Searching group ${i + 1}/${groups.length}: ${getGroupDescription(group)}`);
 
         try {
-          const groupResults = await prowlarr.search(searchQuery, {
+          const groupResults = await prowlarr.searchWithVariations(title, author, {
             categories: group.categories,
             indexerIds: group.indexerIds,
             maxResults: 100, // Limit per group
diff --git a/src/app/api/auth/change-password/route.ts b/src/app/api/auth/change-password/route.ts
index b121738..c48b9f4 100644
--- a/src/app/api/auth/change-password/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/auth/change-password/route.ts
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
       }
 
       // Validate new password length
-      if (newPassword.length < 8) {
+      const allowWeakPassword = process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD === 'true';
+      if (!allowWeakPassword && newPassword.length < 8) {
         return NextResponse.json(
           {
             success: false,
diff --git a/src/app/api/auth/providers/route.ts b/src/app/api/auth/providers/route.ts
index 4a9ced7..7aef9de 100644
--- a/src/app/api/auth/providers/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/auth/providers/route.ts
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ export async function GET() {
     // Check if local login is disabled via environment variable
     const localLoginDisabled = process.env.DISABLE_LOCAL_LOGIN === 'true';
 
+    // Check if weak passwords are allowed via environment variable
+    const allowWeakPassword = process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD === 'true';
+
     // Check if automation (Phase 3) is configured by checking for Prowlarr/indexer config
     const indexerType = await configService.get('indexer.type');
     const prowlarrUrl = await configService.get('indexer.prowlarr_url');
@@ -47,6 +50,7 @@ export async function GET() {
         hasLocalUsers,
         oidcProviderName: oidcEnabled ? oidcProviderName : null,
         localLoginDisabled,
+        allowWeakPassword,
         automationEnabled,
       });
     } else {
@@ -65,6 +69,7 @@ export async function GET() {
         hasLocalUsers,
         oidcProviderName: null,
         localLoginDisabled,
+        allowWeakPassword,
         automationEnabled,
       });
     }
@@ -72,6 +77,7 @@ export async function GET() {
     logger.error('Failed to fetch auth providers', { error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error) });
     // Default to Plex mode if config can't be read
     const localLoginDisabled = process.env.DISABLE_LOCAL_LOGIN === 'true';
+    const allowWeakPassword = process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD === 'true';
     return NextResponse.json({
       backendMode: 'plex',
       providers: ['plex'],
@@ -79,6 +85,7 @@ export async function GET() {
       hasLocalUsers: false,
       oidcProviderName: null,
       localLoginDisabled,
+      allowWeakPassword,
       automationEnabled: false,
     });
   }
diff --git a/src/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route.ts b/src/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route.ts
index 89b49ca..6cd491d 100644
--- a/src/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route.ts
@@ -9,6 +9,49 @@ import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
 
 const logger = RMABLogger.create('API.BookDate.TestConnection');
 
+// Fetch available Claude models from the Anthropic API
+async function fetchClaudeModels(apiKey: string): Promise<{ id: string; name: string }[]> {
+  const allModels: { id: string; name: string }[] = [];
+  let afterId: string | undefined;
+
+  // Paginate through all available models
+  do {
+    const params = new URLSearchParams({ limit: '1000' });
+    if (afterId) {
+      params.set('after_id', afterId);
+    }
+
+    const response = await fetch(
+      `https://api.anthropic.com/v1/models?${params.toString()}`,
+      {
+        headers: {
+          'x-api-key': apiKey,
+          'anthropic-version': '2023-06-01',
+        },
+      }
+    );
+
+    if (!response.ok) {
+      const errorText = await response.text();
+      logger.error('Claude API error', { error: errorText });
+      throw new Error('Invalid Claude API key or connection failed');
+    }
+
+    const data = await response.json();
+
+    for (const model of data.data) {
+      allModels.push({
+        id: model.id,
+        name: model.display_name || model.id,
+      });
+    }
+
+    afterId = data.has_more ? data.last_id : undefined;
+  } while (afterId);
+
+  return allModels;
+}
+
 // Helper functions for custom provider
 function isValidBaseUrl(url: string): boolean {
   try {
@@ -141,32 +184,10 @@ async function authenticatedHandler(req: AuthenticatedRequest) {
         .sort((a: any, b: any) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name));
 
     } else if (provider === 'claude') {
-      // Claude: Hardcoded list (Anthropic doesn't have a public models API endpoint)
-      models = [
-        { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5 (Latest)' },
-        { id: 'claude-3-7-sonnet-20250219', name: 'Claude 3.7 Sonnet' },
-        { id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514', name: 'Claude Opus 4' },
-        { id: 'claude-3-5-haiku-20241022', name: 'Claude 3.5 Haiku' },
-      ];
-
-      // Test connection with a simple API call
-      const response = await fetch('https://api.anthropic.com/v1/messages', {
-        method: 'POST',
-        headers: {
-          'x-api-key': testApiKey,
-          'anthropic-version': '2023-06-01',
-          'content-type': 'application/json',
-        },
-        body: JSON.stringify({
-          model: 'claude-3-5-haiku-20241022',
-          max_tokens: 10,
-          messages: [{ role: 'user', content: 'Test' }],
-        }),
-      });
-
-      if (!response.ok) {
-        const errorText = await response.text();
-        logger.error('Claude API error', { error: errorText });
+      // Claude: Fetch models dynamically from the Anthropic Models API
+      try {
+        models = await fetchClaudeModels(testApiKey);
+      } catch {
         return NextResponse.json(
           { error: 'Invalid Claude API key or connection failed' },
           { status: 400 }
@@ -333,32 +354,10 @@ async function unauthenticatedHandler(req: NextRequest) {
         .sort((a: any, b: any) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name));
 
     } else if (provider === 'claude') {
-      // Claude: Hardcoded list (Anthropic doesn't have a public models API endpoint)
-      models = [
-        { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5 (Latest)' },
-        { id: 'claude-3-7-sonnet-20250219', name: 'Claude 3.7 Sonnet' },
-        { id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514', name: 'Claude Opus 4' },
-        { id: 'claude-3-5-haiku-20241022', name: 'Claude 3.5 Haiku' },
-      ];
-
-      // Test connection with a simple API call
-      const response = await fetch('https://api.anthropic.com/v1/messages', {
-        method: 'POST',
-        headers: {
-          'x-api-key': apiKey,
-          'anthropic-version': '2023-06-01',
-          'content-type': 'application/json',
-        },
-        body: JSON.stringify({
-          model: 'claude-3-5-haiku-20241022',
-          max_tokens: 10,
-          messages: [{ role: 'user', content: 'Test' }],
-        }),
-      });
-
-      if (!response.ok) {
-        const errorText = await response.text();
-        logger.error('Claude API error', { error: errorText });
+      // Claude: Fetch models dynamically from the Anthropic Models API
+      try {
+        models = await fetchClaudeModels(apiKey);
+      } catch {
         return NextResponse.json(
           { error: 'Invalid Claude API key or connection failed' },
           { status: 400 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route.ts b/src/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route.ts
index d75f918..016bbd8 100644
--- a/src/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import { requireAuth, AuthenticatedRequest } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
 import { prisma } from '@/lib/db';
 import { getProwlarrService } from '@/lib/integrations/prowlarr.service';
 import { rankTorrents } from '@/lib/utils/ranking-algorithm';
+import { groupIndexersByCategories, getGroupDescription } from '@/lib/utils/indexer-grouping';
 import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
 import { resolveInteractiveSearchAccess } from '@/lib/utils/permissions';
 
@@ -97,9 +98,8 @@ export async function POST(
       }
 
       const indexersConfig = JSON.parse(indexersConfigStr);
-      const enabledIndexerIds = indexersConfig.map((indexer: any) => indexer.id);
 
-      if (enabledIndexerIds.length === 0) {
+      if (indexersConfig.length === 0) {
         return NextResponse.json(
           { error: 'ConfigError', message: 'No indexers enabled. Please enable at least one indexer in settings.' },
           { status: 400 }
@@ -115,22 +115,53 @@ export async function POST(
       const flagConfigStr = await configService.get('indexer_flag_config');
       const flagConfigs = flagConfigStr ? JSON.parse(flagConfigStr) : [];
 
-      // Search Prowlarr for torrents - ONLY enabled indexers
-      const prowlarr = await getProwlarrService();
-      // Use custom title if provided, otherwise use audiobook's title
-      const searchQuery = customTitle || requestRecord.audiobook.title;
+      // Group indexers by their category configuration
+      const { groups, skippedIndexers } = groupIndexersByCategories(indexersConfig);
 
-      logger.info(`Searching ${enabledIndexerIds.length} enabled indexers`, { searchQuery });
+      if (skippedIndexers.length > 0) {
+        const skippedNames = skippedIndexers.map(idx => idx.name).join(', ');
+        logger.info(`Skipping ${skippedIndexers.length} indexer(s) with no audiobook categories: ${skippedNames}`);
+      }
+
+      // Use custom title if provided, otherwise use audiobook's title
+      const searchTitle = customTitle || requestRecord.audiobook.title;
+      const searchAuthor = requestRecord.audiobook.author;
+
+      logger.info(`Searching ${indexersConfig.length - skippedIndexers.length} enabled indexers in ${groups.length} group${groups.length > 1 ? 's' : ''}`, { searchTitle });
       if (customTitle) {
         logger.debug('Using custom search title', { customTitle, originalTitle: requestRecord.audiobook.title });
       }
 
-      const results = await prowlarr.search(searchQuery, {
-        indexerIds: enabledIndexerIds,
-        maxResults: 100, // Increased limit for broader search
+      // Log each group for transparency
+      groups.forEach((group, index) => {
+        logger.debug(`Group ${index + 1}: ${getGroupDescription(group)}`);
       });
 
-      logger.debug(`Found ${results.length} raw results`, { requestId: id });
+      // Search Prowlarr for each group and combine results
+      const prowlarr = await getProwlarrService();
+      const allResults = [];
+
+      for (let i = 0; i < groups.length; i++) {
+        const group = groups[i];
+        logger.debug(`Searching group ${i + 1}/${groups.length}: ${getGroupDescription(group)}`);
+
+        try {
+          const groupResults = await prowlarr.searchWithVariations(searchTitle, searchAuthor, {
+            categories: group.categories,
+            indexerIds: group.indexerIds,
+            maxResults: 100,
+          });
+
+          logger.debug(`Group ${i + 1} returned ${groupResults.length} results`);
+          allResults.push(...groupResults);
+        } catch (error) {
+          logger.error(`Group ${i + 1} search failed: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error'}`);
+          // Continue with other groups even if one fails
+        }
+      }
+
+      const results = allResults;
+      logger.info(`Found ${results.length} total results from ${groups.length} group${groups.length > 1 ? 's' : ''}`, { requestId: id });
 
       if (results.length === 0) {
         return NextResponse.json({
@@ -140,12 +171,31 @@ export async function POST(
         });
       }
 
+      // Fetch runtime from Audnexus if ASIN available (for size-based scoring)
+      let durationMinutes: number | undefined;
+      if (requestRecord.audiobook.audibleAsin) {
+        try {
+          const { getAudibleService } = await import('@/lib/integrations/audible.service');
+          const audibleService = getAudibleService();
+          const runtime = await audibleService.getRuntime(requestRecord.audiobook.audibleAsin);
+          if (runtime) {
+            durationMinutes = runtime;
+            logger.info(`Fetched runtime: ${runtime} minutes for ASIN ${requestRecord.audiobook.audibleAsin}`);
+          } else {
+            logger.debug(`No runtime found for ASIN ${requestRecord.audiobook.audibleAsin}`);
+          }
+        } catch (error) {
+          logger.debug(`Failed to fetch runtime for ASIN ${requestRecord.audiobook.audibleAsin}: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error'}`);
+        }
+      }
+
       // Rank torrents using the ranking algorithm with indexer priorities and flag configs
       // Always use the audiobook's title/author for ranking (not custom search query)
       // requireAuthor: false - interactive mode, show all results for user decision
       const rankedResults = rankTorrents(results, {
         title: requestRecord.audiobook.title,
         author: requestRecord.audiobook.author,
+        durationMinutes,
       }, {
         indexerPriorities,
         flagConfigs,
@@ -160,17 +210,23 @@ export async function POST(
       const top3 = rankedResults.slice(0, 3);
       if (top3.length > 0) {
         logger.debug('==================== RANKING DEBUG ====================');
-        logger.debug('Search parameters', { searchQuery, requestedTitle: requestRecord.audiobook.title, requestedAuthor: requestRecord.audiobook.author });
+        logger.debug('Search parameters', { searchTitle, requestedTitle: requestRecord.audiobook.title, requestedAuthor: requestRecord.audiobook.author });
         logger.debug(`Top ${top3.length} results (out of ${rankedResults.length} total)`);
         logger.debug('--------------------------------------------------------');
         top3.forEach((result, index) => {
+          const sizeMB = (result.size / (1024 * 1024)).toFixed(1);
+          const mbPerMin = durationMinutes ? ((result.size / (1024 * 1024)) / durationMinutes).toFixed(2) : 'N/A';
+
           logger.debug(`${index + 1}. "${result.title}"`, {
             indexer: result.indexer,
             indexerId: result.indexerId,
             baseScore: `${result.score.toFixed(1)}/100`,
             matchScore: `${result.breakdown.matchScore.toFixed(1)}/60`,
-            formatScore: `${result.breakdown.formatScore.toFixed(1)}/25 (${result.format || 'unknown'})`,
-            seederScore: `${result.breakdown.seederScore.toFixed(1)}/15 (${result.seeders} seeders)`,
+            formatScore: `${result.breakdown.formatScore.toFixed(1)}/10 (${result.format || 'unknown'})`,
+            sizeScore: durationMinutes
+              ? `${result.breakdown.sizeScore.toFixed(1)}/15 (${sizeMB} MB, ${mbPerMin} MB/min)`
+              : 'N/A (no runtime)',
+            seederScore: `${result.breakdown.seederScore.toFixed(1)}/15 (${result.seeders !== undefined ? result.seeders + ' seeders' : 'N/A for Usenet'})`,
             bonusPoints: `+${result.bonusPoints.toFixed(1)}`,
             bonusModifiers: result.bonusModifiers.map(mod => `${mod.reason}: +${mod.points.toFixed(1)}`),
             finalScore: result.finalScore.toFixed(1),
diff --git a/src/app/api/setup/download-client-categories/route.ts b/src/app/api/setup/download-client-categories/route.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..03ea570
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/api/setup/download-client-categories/route.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Setup Wizard Download Client Categories API
+ * Documentation: documentation/setup-wizard.md
+ */
+
+import { NextRequest, NextResponse } from 'next/server';
+import { getConfigService } from '@/lib/services/config.service';
+import { getDownloadClientManager, DownloadClientConfig } from '@/lib/services/download-client-manager.service';
+import { SUPPORTED_CLIENT_TYPES } from '@/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface';
+import { requireSetupIncomplete } from '@/lib/middleware/auth';
+import { RMABLogger } from '@/lib/utils/logger';
+
+const logger = RMABLogger.create('API.Setup.DownloadClientCategories');
+
+/**
+ * POST - Fetch categories from a download client during setup wizard
+ */
+export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
+  return requireSetupIncomplete(request, async (req) => {
+    try {
+      const { type, name, url, username, password, disableSSLVerify } = await req.json();
+
+      if (!type || !url) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { success: false, error: 'Type and URL are required' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+
+      if (!SUPPORTED_CLIENT_TYPES.includes(type)) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { success: false, error: `Invalid client type. Must be one of: ${SUPPORTED_CLIENT_TYPES.join(', ')}` },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+
+      const testConfig: DownloadClientConfig = {
+        id: 'setup-categories',
+        type,
+        name: name || type,
+        enabled: true,
+        url,
+        username: username || '',
+        password: password || '',
+        disableSSLVerify: disableSSLVerify || false,
+        remotePathMappingEnabled: false,
+      };
+
+      const configService = getConfigService();
+      const manager = getDownloadClientManager(configService);
+      const service = await manager.createClientFromConfig(testConfig);
+      const categories = await service.getCategories();
+
+      return NextResponse.json({ success: true, categories });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Failed to fetch categories', { error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error) });
+      return NextResponse.json(
+        { success: false, error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Failed to fetch categories' },
+        { status: 500 }
+      );
+    }
+  });
+}
diff --git a/src/app/login/page.tsx b/src/app/login/page.tsx
index 8543254..da1d286 100644
--- a/src/app/login/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/login/page.tsx
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ function LoginContent() {
     hasLocalUsers: boolean;
     oidcProviderName: string | null;
     localLoginDisabled: boolean;
+    allowWeakPassword: boolean;
     automationEnabled: boolean;
   } | null>(null);
   const [showRegisterForm, setShowRegisterForm] = useState(false);
@@ -78,6 +79,7 @@ function LoginContent() {
           hasLocalUsers: false,
           oidcProviderName: null,
           localLoginDisabled: false,
+          allowWeakPassword: false,
           automationEnabled: false,
         });
       }
@@ -345,7 +347,7 @@ function LoginContent() {
       return;
     }
 
-    if (registerPassword.length < 8) {
+    if (!authProviders?.allowWeakPassword && registerPassword.length < 8) {
       setError('Password must be at least 8 characters');
       setIsLoggingIn(false);
       return;
@@ -639,10 +641,12 @@ function LoginContent() {
                             className="w-full px-4 py-3 bg-gray-800 border border-gray-700 rounded-lg text-white placeholder-gray-500 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-orange-500 focus:border-transparent"
                             placeholder="••••••••"
                             required
-                            minLength={8}
+                            minLength={authProviders?.allowWeakPassword ? 1 : 8}
                             autoComplete="new-password"
                           />
-                          <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 mt-1">At least 8 characters</p>
+                          {!authProviders?.allowWeakPassword && (
+                            <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 mt-1">At least 8 characters</p>
+                          )}
                         </div>
                         <div>
                           <label htmlFor="register-confirm-password" className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-300 mb-2">
@@ -656,7 +660,7 @@ function LoginContent() {
                             className="w-full px-4 py-3 bg-gray-800 border border-gray-700 rounded-lg text-white placeholder-gray-500 focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-orange-500 focus:border-transparent"
                             placeholder="••••••••"
                             required
-                            minLength={8}
+                            minLength={authProviders?.allowWeakPassword ? 1 : 8}
                             autoComplete="new-password"
                           />
                         </div>
diff --git a/src/app/setup/page.tsx b/src/app/setup/page.tsx
index 580b99f..067228c 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/page.tsx
@@ -27,7 +27,13 @@ import { AudibleRegion } from '@/lib/types/audible';
 interface SelectedIndexer {
   id: number;
   name: string;
+  protocol: string;
   priority: number;
+  seedingTimeMinutes?: number;
+  removeAfterProcessing?: boolean;
+  rssEnabled: boolean;
+  audiobookCategories: number[];
+  ebookCategories: number[];
 }
 
 interface SetupState {
@@ -86,6 +92,14 @@ interface SetupState {
   bookdateApiKey: string;
   bookdateModel: string;
   bookdateConfigured: boolean;
+
+  // Cached UI state for back-navigation persistence
+  plexLibraries: { id: string; title: string; type: string }[];
+  absLibraries: { id: string; name: string; itemCount: number }[];
+  oidcTested: boolean;
+  pathsTested: boolean;
+  bookdateModels: { id: string; name: string }[];
+
   validated: {
     plex: boolean;
     prowlarr: boolean;
@@ -152,6 +166,14 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
     bookdateApiKey: '',
     bookdateModel: '',
     bookdateConfigured: false,
+
+    // Cached UI state for back-navigation persistence
+    plexLibraries: [],
+    absLibraries: [],
+    oidcTested: false,
+    pathsTested: false,
+    bookdateModels: [],
+
     validated: {
       plex: false,
       prowlarr: false,
@@ -379,6 +401,7 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
             plexToken={state.plexToken}
             plexLibraryId={state.plexLibraryId}
             plexTriggerScanAfterImport={state.plexTriggerScanAfterImport}
+            plexLibraries={state.plexLibraries}
             onUpdate={updateField}
             onNext={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
             onBack={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber - 1)}
@@ -397,6 +420,7 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
             absApiToken={state.absApiToken}
             absLibraryId={state.absLibraryId}
             absTriggerScanAfterImport={state.absTriggerScanAfterImport}
+            absLibraries={state.absLibraries}
             onUpdate={updateField}
             onNext={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
             onBack={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber - 1)}
@@ -435,6 +459,7 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
               oidcAdminClaimEnabled={state.oidcAdminClaimEnabled}
               oidcAdminClaimName={state.oidcAdminClaimName}
               oidcAdminClaimValue={state.oidcAdminClaimValue}
+              oidcTested={state.oidcTested}
               onUpdate={updateField}
               onNext={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
               onBack={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber - 1)}
@@ -482,6 +507,7 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
         <ProwlarrStep
           prowlarrUrl={state.prowlarrUrl}
           prowlarrApiKey={state.prowlarrApiKey}
+          prowlarrIndexers={state.prowlarrIndexers}
           onUpdate={updateField}
           onNext={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
           onBack={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber - 1)}
@@ -512,6 +538,7 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
           mediaDir={state.mediaDir}
           metadataTaggingEnabled={state.metadataTaggingEnabled}
           chapterMergingEnabled={state.chapterMergingEnabled}
+          pathsTested={state.pathsTested}
           onUpdate={updateField}
           onNext={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
           onBack={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber - 1)}
@@ -528,6 +555,7 @@ export default function SetupWizard() {
           bookdateApiKey={state.bookdateApiKey}
           bookdateModel={state.bookdateModel}
           bookdateConfigured={state.bookdateConfigured}
+          bookdateModels={state.bookdateModels}
           onUpdate={updateField}
           onNext={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
           onSkip={() => goToStep(currentStepNumber + 1)}
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/AdminAccountStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/AdminAccountStep.tsx
index a979b1b..c893fe1 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/AdminAccountStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/AdminAccountStep.tsx
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 'use client';
 
-import { useState } from 'react';
+import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/Button';
 
 interface AdminAccountStepProps {
@@ -25,6 +25,23 @@ export function AdminAccountStep({
 }: AdminAccountStepProps) {
   const [confirmPassword, setConfirmPassword] = useState('');
   const [errors, setErrors] = useState<{ username?: string; password?: string; confirm?: string }>({});
+  const [allowWeakPassword, setAllowWeakPassword] = useState(false);
+
+  // Fetch password policy
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const fetchPolicy = async () => {
+      try {
+        const response = await fetch('/api/auth/providers');
+        if (response.ok) {
+          const data = await response.json();
+          setAllowWeakPassword(data.allowWeakPassword === true);
+        }
+      } catch {
+        // Default to strict validation on error
+      }
+    };
+    fetchPolicy();
+  }, []);
 
   const validate = () => {
     const newErrors: { username?: string; password?: string; confirm?: string } = {};
@@ -35,7 +52,9 @@ export function AdminAccountStep({
     }
 
     // Validate password
-    if (!adminPassword || adminPassword.length < 8) {
+    if (!adminPassword) {
+      newErrors.password = 'Password is required';
+    } else if (!allowWeakPassword && adminPassword.length < 8) {
       newErrors.password = 'Password must be at least 8 characters';
     }
 
@@ -104,7 +123,7 @@ export function AdminAccountStep({
             <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-red-400">{errors.password}</p>
           )}
           <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-gray-500">
-            Choose a strong password (minimum 8 characters)
+            {allowWeakPassword ? 'Choose a password' : 'Choose a strong password (minimum 8 characters)'}
           </p>
         </div>
 
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.tsx
index 4573517..f3496e5 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.tsx
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@ interface AudiobookshelfStepProps {
   absApiToken: string;
   absLibraryId: string;
   absTriggerScanAfterImport: boolean;
-  onUpdate: (field: string, value: string | boolean) => void;
+  absLibraries: Library[];
+  onUpdate: (field: string, value: any) => void;
   onNext: () => void;
   onBack: () => void;
 }
@@ -30,6 +31,7 @@ export function AudiobookshelfStep({
   absApiToken,
   absLibraryId,
   absTriggerScanAfterImport,
+  absLibraries,
   onUpdate,
   onNext,
   onBack,
@@ -39,8 +41,12 @@ export function AudiobookshelfStep({
     success: boolean;
     message?: string;
     libraries?: Library[];
-  } | null>(null);
-  const [libraries, setLibraries] = useState<Library[]>([]);
+  } | null>(
+    absLibraries.length > 0
+      ? { success: true, message: 'Connection verified previously.' }
+      : null
+  );
+  const [libraries, setLibraries] = useState<Library[]>(absLibraries);
 
   const testConnection = async () => {
     setTesting(true);
@@ -56,12 +62,14 @@ export function AudiobookshelfStep({
       const data = await response.json();
 
       if (response.ok && data.success) {
+        const libs = data.libraries || [];
         setTestResult({
           success: true,
           message: 'Connection successful!',
-          libraries: data.libraries || [],
+          libraries: libs,
         });
-        setLibraries(data.libraries || []);
+        setLibraries(libs);
+        onUpdate('absLibraries', libs);
       } else {
         setTestResult({
           success: false,
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/BookDateStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/BookDateStep.tsx
index 3cfdae3..ea1a6ac 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/BookDateStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/BookDateStep.tsx
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ interface BookDateStepProps {
   bookdateApiKey: string;
   bookdateModel: string;
   bookdateConfigured: boolean;
+  bookdateModels: ModelOption[];
   onUpdate: (field: string, value: any) => void;
   onNext: () => void;
   onSkip: () => void;
@@ -28,6 +29,7 @@ export function BookDateStep({
   bookdateApiKey,
   bookdateModel,
   bookdateConfigured,
+  bookdateModels,
   onUpdate,
   onNext,
   onSkip,
@@ -35,7 +37,7 @@ export function BookDateStep({
 }: BookDateStepProps) {
   const [testing, setTesting] = useState(false);
   const [tested, setTested] = useState(bookdateConfigured);
-  const [models, setModels] = useState<ModelOption[]>([]);
+  const [models, setModels] = useState<ModelOption[]>(bookdateModels);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
 
   const handleTestConnection = async () => {
@@ -65,19 +67,22 @@ export function BookDateStep({
         throw new Error(data.error || 'Connection test failed');
       }
 
-      setModels(data.models || []);
+      const fetchedModels = data.models || [];
+      setModels(fetchedModels);
       setTested(true);
       onUpdate('bookdateConfigured', true);
+      onUpdate('bookdateModels', fetchedModels);
 
       // Auto-select first model if none selected
-      if (!bookdateModel && data.models?.length > 0) {
-        onUpdate('bookdateModel', data.models[0].id);
+      if (!bookdateModel && fetchedModels.length > 0) {
+        onUpdate('bookdateModel', fetchedModels[0].id);
       }
 
     } catch (err) {
       setError(err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Connection test failed');
       setTested(false);
       onUpdate('bookdateConfigured', false);
+      onUpdate('bookdateModels', []);
     } finally {
       setTesting(false);
     }
@@ -123,6 +128,7 @@ export function BookDateStep({
             setTested(false);
             setModels([]);
             onUpdate('bookdateConfigured', false);
+            onUpdate('bookdateModels', []);
           }}
           className="w-full px-4 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 text-gray-900 dark:text-white focus:ring-2 focus:ring-blue-500"
         >
@@ -144,6 +150,7 @@ export function BookDateStep({
             setTested(false);
             setModels([]);
             onUpdate('bookdateConfigured', false);
+            onUpdate('bookdateModels', []);
           }}
           placeholder={bookdateProvider === 'openai' ? 'sk-...' : 'sk-ant-...'}
           className="w-full px-4 py-2 border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 rounded-lg bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 text-gray-900 dark:text-white focus:ring-2 focus:ring-blue-500"
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/DownloadClientStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/DownloadClientStep.tsx
index a18c403..3790614 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/DownloadClientStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/DownloadClientStep.tsx
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 'use client';
 
-import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+import { useState } from 'react';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/Button';
 import { DownloadClientManagement } from '@/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientManagement';
 import { DownloadClientType } from '@/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface';
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ interface DownloadClient {
   localPath?: string;
   category?: string;
   customPath?: string;
+  postImportCategory?: string;
 }
 
 interface DownloadClientStepProps {
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/OIDCConfigStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/OIDCConfigStep.tsx
index 84f568f..d11b597 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/OIDCConfigStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/OIDCConfigStep.tsx
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ interface OIDCConfigStepProps {
   oidcAdminClaimEnabled: boolean;
   oidcAdminClaimName: string;
   oidcAdminClaimValue: string;
+  oidcTested: boolean;
   onUpdate: (field: string, value: any) => void;
   onNext: () => void;
   onBack: () => void;
@@ -40,6 +41,7 @@ export function OIDCConfigStep({
   oidcAdminClaimEnabled,
   oidcAdminClaimName,
   oidcAdminClaimValue,
+  oidcTested,
   onUpdate,
   onNext,
   onBack,
@@ -48,7 +50,11 @@ export function OIDCConfigStep({
   const [testResult, setTestResult] = useState<{
     success: boolean;
     message: string;
-  } | null>(null);
+  } | null>(
+    oidcTested
+      ? { success: true, message: 'OIDC configuration verified previously.' }
+      : null
+  );
 
   const testConnection = async () => {
     setTesting(true);
@@ -72,17 +78,20 @@ export function OIDCConfigStep({
           success: true,
           message: 'OIDC discovery successful! Provider configuration validated.',
         });
+        onUpdate('oidcTested', true);
       } else {
         setTestResult({
           success: false,
           message: data.error || 'OIDC discovery failed',
         });
+        onUpdate('oidcTested', false);
       }
     } catch (error) {
       setTestResult({
         success: false,
         message: error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Connection test failed',
       });
+      onUpdate('oidcTested', false);
     } finally {
       setTesting(false);
     }
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/PathsStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/PathsStep.tsx
index 46a8285..fb3b4cf 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/PathsStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/PathsStep.tsx
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@ interface PathsStepProps {
   mediaDir: string;
   metadataTaggingEnabled: boolean;
   chapterMergingEnabled: boolean;
-  onUpdate: (field: string, value: string | boolean) => void;
+  pathsTested: boolean;
+  onUpdate: (field: string, value: any) => void;
   onNext: () => void;
   onBack: () => void;
 }
@@ -24,6 +25,7 @@ export function PathsStep({
   mediaDir,
   metadataTaggingEnabled,
   chapterMergingEnabled,
+  pathsTested,
   onUpdate,
   onNext,
   onBack,
@@ -34,7 +36,11 @@ export function PathsStep({
     message: string;
     downloadDirValid?: boolean;
     mediaDirValid?: boolean;
-  } | null>(null);
+  } | null>(
+    pathsTested
+      ? { success: true, message: 'Paths validated previously.', downloadDirValid: true, mediaDirValid: true }
+      : null
+  );
 
   const testPaths = async () => {
     setTesting(true);
@@ -59,6 +65,7 @@ export function PathsStep({
           downloadDirValid: data.downloadDirValid,
           mediaDirValid: data.mediaDirValid,
         });
+        onUpdate('pathsTested', true);
       } else {
         setTestResult({
           success: false,
@@ -66,12 +73,14 @@ export function PathsStep({
           downloadDirValid: data.downloadDirValid,
           mediaDirValid: data.mediaDirValid,
         });
+        onUpdate('pathsTested', false);
       }
     } catch (error) {
       setTestResult({
         success: false,
         message: error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Path validation failed',
       });
+      onUpdate('pathsTested', false);
     } finally {
       setTesting(false);
     }
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.tsx
index 670c44e..aeea473 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.tsx
@@ -14,7 +14,8 @@ interface PlexStepProps {
   plexToken: string;
   plexLibraryId: string;
   plexTriggerScanAfterImport: boolean;
-  onUpdate: (field: string, value: string | boolean) => void;
+  plexLibraries: PlexLibrary[];
+  onUpdate: (field: string, value: any) => void;
   onNext: () => void;
   onBack: () => void;
 }
@@ -30,6 +31,7 @@ export function PlexStep({
   plexToken,
   plexLibraryId,
   plexTriggerScanAfterImport,
+  plexLibraries,
   onUpdate,
   onNext,
   onBack,
@@ -39,8 +41,12 @@ export function PlexStep({
     success: boolean;
     message: string;
     libraries?: PlexLibrary[];
-  } | null>(null);
-  const [libraries, setLibraries] = useState<PlexLibrary[]>([]);
+  } | null>(
+    plexLibraries.length > 0
+      ? { success: true, message: 'Connection verified previously.' }
+      : null
+  );
+  const [libraries, setLibraries] = useState<PlexLibrary[]>(plexLibraries);
 
   const testConnection = async () => {
     setTesting(true);
@@ -56,12 +62,14 @@ export function PlexStep({
       const data = await response.json();
 
       if (response.ok && data.success) {
+        const libs = data.libraries || [];
         setTestResult({
           success: true,
           message: `Connected to ${data.serverName || 'Plex server'} successfully!`,
-          libraries: data.libraries || [],
+          libraries: libs,
         });
-        setLibraries(data.libraries || []);
+        setLibraries(libs);
+        onUpdate('plexLibraries', libs);
       } else {
         setTestResult({
           success: false,
diff --git a/src/app/setup/steps/ProwlarrStep.tsx b/src/app/setup/steps/ProwlarrStep.tsx
index 4f22d5c..b0ffd21 100644
--- a/src/app/setup/steps/ProwlarrStep.tsx
+++ b/src/app/setup/steps/ProwlarrStep.tsx
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 'use client';
 
-import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+import { useState } from 'react';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/Button';
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/Input';
 import { IndexerManagement } from '@/components/admin/indexers/IndexerManagement';
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ import { IndexerManagement } from '@/components/admin/indexers/IndexerManagement
 interface ProwlarrStepProps {
   prowlarrUrl: string;
   prowlarrApiKey: string;
+  prowlarrIndexers: SelectedIndexer[];
   onUpdate: (field: string, value: any) => void;
   onNext: () => void;
   onBack: () => void;
@@ -33,17 +34,19 @@ interface SelectedIndexer {
 export function ProwlarrStep({
   prowlarrUrl,
   prowlarrApiKey,
+  prowlarrIndexers,
   onUpdate,
   onNext,
   onBack,
 }: ProwlarrStepProps) {
-  const [configuredIndexers, setConfiguredIndexers] = useState<SelectedIndexer[]>([]);
+  const [configuredIndexers, setConfiguredIndexers] = useState<SelectedIndexer[]>(prowlarrIndexers);
   const [errorMessage, setErrorMessage] = useState<string | null>(null);
 
-  // Sync configured indexers with parent
-  useEffect(() => {
-    onUpdate('prowlarrIndexers', configuredIndexers);
-  }, [configuredIndexers, onUpdate]);
+  // Update both local and parent state when indexers change
+  const handleIndexersChange = (indexers: SelectedIndexer[]) => {
+    setConfiguredIndexers(indexers);
+    onUpdate('prowlarrIndexers', indexers);
+  };
 
   const handleNext = () => {
     setErrorMessage(null);
@@ -136,7 +139,7 @@ export function ProwlarrStep({
             prowlarrApiKey={prowlarrApiKey}
             mode="wizard"
             initialIndexers={configuredIndexers}
-            onIndexersChange={setConfiguredIndexers}
+            onIndexersChange={handleIndexersChange}
           />
         </div>
       </div>
diff --git a/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientCard.tsx b/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientCard.tsx
index 309fbcd..cf0c539 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientCard.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientCard.tsx
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ interface DownloadClientCardProps {
     url: string;
     enabled: boolean;
     customPath?: string;
+    postImportCategory?: string;
   };
   onEdit: () => void;
   onDelete: () => void;
@@ -62,6 +63,11 @@ export function DownloadClientCard({ client, onEdit, onDelete }: DownloadClientC
                 Path: {client.customPath}
               </p>
             )}
+            {client.postImportCategory && (
+              <p className="text-xs text-purple-600 dark:text-purple-400 truncate" title={`Post-import category: ${client.postImportCategory}`}>
+                Post-import: {client.postImportCategory}
+              </p>
+            )}
           </div>
         </div>
 
diff --git a/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientManagement.tsx b/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientManagement.tsx
index 22e422a..c38f5c4 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientManagement.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientManagement.tsx
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ interface DownloadClient {
   localPath?: string;
   category?: string;
   customPath?: string;
+  postImportCategory?: string;
 }
 
 interface DownloadClientManagementProps {
@@ -72,20 +73,6 @@ export function DownloadClientManagement({
     }
   }, [downloadDirProp]);
 
-  // Sync with parent when clients change
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (onClientsChange) {
-      onClientsChange(clients);
-    }
-  }, [clients, onClientsChange]);
-
-  // Sync with initialClients prop changes (wizard mode)
-  useEffect(() => {
-    if (mode === 'wizard') {
-      setClients(initialClients);
-    }
-  }, [initialClients, mode]);
-
   const fetchClients = async () => {
     setLoading(true);
     setError(null);
@@ -172,7 +159,9 @@ export function DownloadClientManagement({
         await fetchClients(); // Refresh list
       } else {
         // Local removal for wizard mode
-        setClients(clients.filter(c => c.id !== deleteConfirm.clientId));
+        const updated = clients.filter(c => c.id !== deleteConfirm.clientId);
+        setClients(updated);
+        onClientsChange?.(updated);
       }
 
       setDeleteConfirm({ isOpen: false });
@@ -219,15 +208,18 @@ export function DownloadClientManagement({
         }
       } else {
         // Local update for wizard mode
+        let updated: DownloadClient[];
         if (modalState.mode === 'add') {
           const newClient = {
             ...clientData,
             id: `temp-${Date.now()}`, // Temporary ID for wizard mode
           };
-          setClients([...clients, newClient]);
+          updated = [...clients, newClient];
         } else {
-          setClients(clients.map(c => (c.id === clientData.id ? { ...c, ...clientData } : c)));
+          updated = clients.map(c => (c.id === clientData.id ? { ...c, ...clientData } : c));
         }
+        setClients(updated);
+        onClientsChange?.(updated);
       }
 
       setModalState({ isOpen: false, mode: 'add' });
diff --git a/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientModal.tsx b/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientModal.tsx
index 6e25a35..6f05c51 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientModal.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/download-clients/DownloadClientModal.tsx
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import { Modal } from '@/components/ui/Modal';
 import { Button } from '@/components/ui/Button';
 import { Input } from '@/components/ui/Input';
 import { fetchWithAuth } from '@/lib/utils/api';
-import { DownloadClientType, getClientDisplayName } from '@/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface';
+import { DownloadClientType, getClientDisplayName, CLIENT_PROTOCOL_MAP } from '@/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface';
 
 interface DownloadClientModalProps {
   isOpen: boolean;
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ interface DownloadClientModalProps {
     localPath?: string;
     category?: string;
     customPath?: string;
+    postImportCategory?: string;
   };
   onSave: (client: any) => Promise<void>;
   apiMode: 'wizard' | 'settings';
@@ -62,6 +63,9 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
   const [localPath, setLocalPath] = useState('');
   const [category, setCategory] = useState('readmeabook');
   const [customPath, setCustomPath] = useState('');
+  const [postImportCategory, setPostImportCategory] = useState('');
+  const [availableCategories, setAvailableCategories] = useState<string[]>([]);
+  const [fetchingCategories, setFetchingCategories] = useState(false);
 
   const [testing, setTesting] = useState(false);
   const [saving, setSaving] = useState(false);
@@ -85,6 +89,7 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
         setLocalPath(initialClient.localPath || '');
         setCategory(initialClient.category || 'readmeabook');
         setCustomPath(initialClient.customPath || '');
+        setPostImportCategory(initialClient.postImportCategory || '');
       } else {
         // Add mode defaults
         setName(typeName);
@@ -98,9 +103,12 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
         setLocalPath('');
         setCategory('readmeabook');
         setCustomPath('');
+        setPostImportCategory('');
       }
       setTestResult(null);
       setErrors({});
+      setAvailableCategories([]);
+      setFetchingCategories(false);
     }
   }, [isOpen, mode, initialClient, type]);
 
@@ -137,6 +145,50 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
     return Object.keys(newErrors).length === 0;
   };
 
+  const fetchCategories = async () => {
+    setFetchingCategories(true);
+    try {
+      const isPasswordMasked = password === '********';
+      const categoryData = {
+        type,
+        name,
+        url,
+        username: username || undefined,
+        password: isPasswordMasked ? undefined : password,
+        ...(mode === 'edit' && initialClient && isPasswordMasked ? { clientId: initialClient.id } : {}),
+        disableSSLVerify,
+        remotePathMappingEnabled,
+        remotePath: remotePathMappingEnabled ? remotePath : undefined,
+        localPath: remotePathMappingEnabled ? localPath : undefined,
+      };
+
+      const endpoint = apiMode === 'wizard'
+        ? '/api/setup/download-client-categories'
+        : '/api/admin/settings/download-clients/categories';
+
+      const response = apiMode === 'wizard'
+        ? await fetch(endpoint, {
+            method: 'POST',
+            headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+            body: JSON.stringify(categoryData),
+          })
+        : await fetchWithAuth(endpoint, {
+            method: 'POST',
+            headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+            body: JSON.stringify(categoryData),
+          });
+
+      const data = await response.json();
+      if (response.ok && data.success) {
+        setAvailableCategories(data.categories || []);
+      }
+    } catch {
+      // Non-critical — categories are optional
+    } finally {
+      setFetchingCategories(false);
+    }
+  };
+
   const handleTestConnection = async () => {
     if (!validate()) {
       return;
@@ -187,6 +239,11 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
         // Handle both endpoint response formats (settings returns message, wizard returns version)
         const message = data.message || (data.version ? `Connected successfully (v${data.version})` : 'Connection successful');
         setTestResult({ success: true, message });
+
+        // Fetch categories for torrent clients after successful connection
+        if (type && CLIENT_PROTOCOL_MAP[type] === 'torrent') {
+          fetchCategories();
+        }
       } else {
         setTestResult({ success: false, message: data.error || 'Connection test failed' });
       }
@@ -230,6 +287,7 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
         localPath: remotePathMappingEnabled ? localPath : undefined,
         category,
         customPath: sanitizedCustomPath || undefined,
+        postImportCategory,
       };
 
       if (mode === 'edit' && initialClient) {
@@ -384,6 +442,37 @@ export function DownloadClientModal({
           </p>
         </div>
 
+        {/* Post-Import Category (torrent clients only) */}
+        {type && CLIENT_PROTOCOL_MAP[type] === 'torrent' && (
+          <div>
+            <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-gray-700 dark:text-gray-300 mb-1">
+              Post-Import Category
+            </label>
+            {type === 'qbittorrent' && availableCategories.length > 0 ? (
+              <select
+                value={postImportCategory}
+                onChange={(e) => setPostImportCategory(e.target.value)}
+                className="w-full rounded-md border border-gray-300 dark:border-gray-600 bg-white dark:bg-gray-700 text-gray-900 dark:text-gray-100 px-3 py-2 text-sm focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-blue-500 focus:border-transparent"
+              >
+                <option value="">None (keep original)</option>
+                {availableCategories.map((cat) => (
+                  <option key={cat} value={cat}>{cat}</option>
+                ))}
+              </select>
+            ) : (
+              <Input
+                value={postImportCategory}
+                onChange={(e) => setPostImportCategory(e.target.value)}
+                placeholder="e.g. completed"
+                disabled={fetchingCategories}
+              />
+            )}
+            <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-gray-500 dark:text-gray-400">
+              After import, change the download&apos;s category/label in the client. Leave empty to skip.
+            </p>
+          </div>
+        )}
+
         {/* Remote Path Mapping */}
         <div className="border-t border-gray-200 dark:border-gray-700 pt-4">
           <div className="flex items-start mb-3">
diff --git a/src/components/admin/indexers/IndexerManagement.tsx b/src/components/admin/indexers/IndexerManagement.tsx
index da95b3f..7bc0962 100644
--- a/src/components/admin/indexers/IndexerManagement.tsx
+++ b/src/components/admin/indexers/IndexerManagement.tsx
@@ -63,17 +63,14 @@ export function IndexerManagement({
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
 
-  // Sync with parent when configuredIndexers changes
+  // In settings mode, the parent fetches indexers asynchronously and passes them
+  // as initialIndexers after mount. This effect picks up that late-arriving data.
+  // Wizard mode doesn't need this — it initializes correctly via useState above.
   useEffect(() => {
-    if (onIndexersChange) {
-      onIndexersChange(configuredIndexers);
+    if (mode === 'settings') {
+      setConfiguredIndexers(initialIndexers);
     }
-  }, [configuredIndexers, onIndexersChange]);
-
-  // Sync with initialIndexers prop changes
-  useEffect(() => {
-    setConfiguredIndexers(initialIndexers);
-  }, [initialIndexers]);
+  }, [initialIndexers, mode]);
 
   const fetchIndexers = async () => {
     setLoading(true);
@@ -149,17 +146,16 @@ export function IndexerManagement({
   };
 
   const handleSave = (config: SavedIndexerConfig) => {
+    let updated: SavedIndexerConfig[];
     if (modalState.mode === 'add') {
-      // Add new indexer
-      setConfiguredIndexers([...configuredIndexers, config]);
+      updated = [...configuredIndexers, config];
     } else {
-      // Update existing indexer
-      setConfiguredIndexers(
-        configuredIndexers.map((idx) =>
-          idx.id === config.id ? config : idx
-        )
+      updated = configuredIndexers.map((idx) =>
+        idx.id === config.id ? config : idx
       );
     }
+    setConfiguredIndexers(updated);
+    onIndexersChange?.(updated);
   };
 
   const handleDelete = (id: number) => {
@@ -175,9 +171,9 @@ export function IndexerManagement({
 
   const confirmDelete = () => {
     if (deleteModalState.indexerId) {
-      setConfiguredIndexers(
-        configuredIndexers.filter((idx) => idx.id !== deleteModalState.indexerId)
-      );
+      const updated = configuredIndexers.filter((idx) => idx.id !== deleteModalState.indexerId);
+      setConfiguredIndexers(updated);
+      onIndexersChange?.(updated);
     }
   };
 
diff --git a/src/components/ui/ChangePasswordModal.tsx b/src/components/ui/ChangePasswordModal.tsx
index d382535..3abbadf 100644
--- a/src/components/ui/ChangePasswordModal.tsx
+++ b/src/components/ui/ChangePasswordModal.tsx
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 'use client';
 
-import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { Modal } from './Modal';
 import { Input } from './Input';
 import { Button } from './Button';
@@ -22,6 +22,24 @@ export function ChangePasswordModal({ isOpen, onClose }: ChangePasswordModalProp
   const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
   const [error, setError] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [success, setSuccess] = useState(false);
+  const [allowWeakPassword, setAllowWeakPassword] = useState(false);
+
+  // Fetch password policy when modal opens
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!isOpen) return;
+    const fetchPolicy = async () => {
+      try {
+        const response = await fetch('/api/auth/providers');
+        if (response.ok) {
+          const data = await response.json();
+          setAllowWeakPassword(data.allowWeakPassword === true);
+        }
+      } catch {
+        // Default to strict validation on error
+      }
+    };
+    fetchPolicy();
+  }, [isOpen]);
 
   // Validation errors for individual fields
   const [errors, setErrors] = useState({
@@ -47,7 +65,7 @@ export function ChangePasswordModal({ isOpen, onClose }: ChangePasswordModalProp
     if (!newPassword) {
       newErrors.newPassword = 'New password is required';
       isValid = false;
-    } else if (newPassword.length < 8) {
+    } else if (!allowWeakPassword && newPassword.length < 8) {
       newErrors.newPassword = 'Password must be at least 8 characters';
       isValid = false;
     } else if (newPassword === currentPassword) {
@@ -211,7 +229,7 @@ export function ChangePasswordModal({ isOpen, onClose }: ChangePasswordModalProp
           }}
           placeholder="Enter your new password"
           autoComplete="new-password"
-          helperText="Must be at least 8 characters"
+          helperText={allowWeakPassword ? undefined : 'Must be at least 8 characters'}
           error={errors.newPassword}
           disabled={loading || success}
         />
diff --git a/src/lib/integrations/nzbget.service.ts b/src/lib/integrations/nzbget.service.ts
index 8cd3678..8a2161e 100644
--- a/src/lib/integrations/nzbget.service.ts
+++ b/src/lib/integrations/nzbget.service.ts
@@ -406,6 +406,16 @@ export class NZBGetService implements IDownloadClient {
     }
   }
 
+  /** Not applicable for usenet clients */
+  async getCategories(): Promise<string[]> {
+    return [];
+  }
+
+  /** Not applicable for usenet clients */
+  async setCategory(_id: string, _category: string): Promise<void> {
+    // No-op: post-import category is scoped to torrent clients
+  }
+
   // =========================================================================
   // Category Management
   // =========================================================================
diff --git a/src/lib/integrations/prowlarr.service.ts b/src/lib/integrations/prowlarr.service.ts
index 44f9044..71dcd96 100644
--- a/src/lib/integrations/prowlarr.service.ts
+++ b/src/lib/integrations/prowlarr.service.ts
@@ -208,6 +208,55 @@ export class ProwlarrService {
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Search with multiple query variations to increase coverage
+   * Fires 2 queries per call: "title author" and "title", then deduplicates by guid
+   */
+  async searchWithVariations(
+    title: string,
+    author: string,
+    filters?: SearchFilters
+  ): Promise<TorrentResult[]> {
+    const queries = [
+      `${title} ${author}`,
+      title,
+    ];
+
+    logger.info(`Searching with ${queries.length} query variations`, { queries });
+
+    const allResults: TorrentResult[] = [];
+
+    for (const query of queries) {
+      try {
+        const results = await this.search(query, filters);
+        logger.info(`Query "${query}" returned ${results.length} results`);
+        allResults.push(...results);
+      } catch (error) {
+        logger.error(`Query "${query}" failed: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : 'Unknown error'}`);
+        // Continue with other queries even if one fails
+      }
+    }
+
+    const deduplicated = this.deduplicateResults(allResults);
+    logger.info(`Multi-query search: ${allResults.length} total → ${deduplicated.length} after dedup (${allResults.length - deduplicated.length} duplicates removed)`);
+
+    return deduplicated;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Deduplicate results by guid, preserving order (first occurrence wins)
+   */
+  private deduplicateResults(results: TorrentResult[]): TorrentResult[] {
+    const seen = new Set<string>();
+    return results.filter(result => {
+      if (seen.has(result.guid)) {
+        return false;
+      }
+      seen.add(result.guid);
+      return true;
+    });
+  }
+
   /**
    * Get list of configured indexers
    */
diff --git a/src/lib/integrations/qbittorrent.service.ts b/src/lib/integrations/qbittorrent.service.ts
index 0bf3ab9..7ac3190 100644
--- a/src/lib/integrations/qbittorrent.service.ts
+++ b/src/lib/integrations/qbittorrent.service.ts
@@ -729,6 +729,26 @@ export class QBittorrentService implements IDownloadClient {
     }
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Get all configured categories from qBittorrent
+   */
+  async getCategories(): Promise<string[]> {
+    if (!this.cookie) {
+      await this.login();
+    }
+
+    try {
+      const response = await this.client.get('/torrents/categories', {
+        headers: { Cookie: this.cookie },
+      });
+
+      return Object.keys(response.data || {});
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Failed to get categories', { error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error) });
+      return [];
+    }
+  }
+
   /**
    * Set category for torrent
    */
diff --git a/src/lib/integrations/sabnzbd.service.ts b/src/lib/integrations/sabnzbd.service.ts
index 8d4b2ea..784069c 100644
--- a/src/lib/integrations/sabnzbd.service.ts
+++ b/src/lib/integrations/sabnzbd.service.ts
@@ -825,6 +825,16 @@ export class SABnzbdService implements IDownloadClient {
     await this.archiveCompletedNZB(id);
   }
 
+  /** Not applicable for usenet clients */
+  async getCategories(): Promise<string[]> {
+    return [];
+  }
+
+  /** Not applicable for usenet clients */
+  async setCategory(_id: string, _category: string): Promise<void> {
+    // No-op: post-import category is scoped to torrent clients
+  }
+
   /**
    * Map NZBInfo to the unified DownloadInfo format.
    */
diff --git a/src/lib/integrations/transmission.service.ts b/src/lib/integrations/transmission.service.ts
index 21d609a..4864d2c 100644
--- a/src/lib/integrations/transmission.service.ts
+++ b/src/lib/integrations/transmission.service.ts
@@ -441,6 +441,29 @@ export class TransmissionService implements IDownloadClient {
     // No-op: torrents are managed by the seeding cleanup scheduler
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Get available categories/labels.
+   * Transmission uses free-form labels — no predefined list to fetch.
+   */
+  async getCategories(): Promise<string[]> {
+    return [];
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Set the label for a torrent.
+   * Uses the torrent-set RPC method to replace the labels array.
+   */
+  async setCategory(id: string, category: string): Promise<void> {
+    try {
+      const torrent = await this.getTorrentByHash(id);
+      await this.rpc('torrent-set', { ids: [torrent.hashString], labels: [category] });
+      logger.info(`Set label for torrent ${id}: ${category}`);
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Failed to set label', { error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error) });
+      throw new Error('Failed to set torrent label');
+    }
+  }
+
   // =========================================================================
   // Internal Helpers
   // =========================================================================
diff --git a/src/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface.ts b/src/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface.ts
index cc67b37..8ac47a6 100644
--- a/src/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface.ts
+++ b/src/lib/interfaces/download-client.interface.ts
@@ -177,4 +177,22 @@ export interface IDownloadClient {
    * @param id - Download ID
    */
   postProcess(id: string): Promise<void>;
+
+  /**
+   * Get available categories/labels from the download client.
+   * - qBittorrent: Returns configured category names
+   * - Transmission: Returns empty array (uses free-form labels)
+   * - Usenet clients: Returns empty array (feature scoped to torrent clients)
+   */
+  getCategories(): Promise<string[]>;
+
+  /**
+   * Set the category/label for a download.
+   * - qBittorrent: Sets torrent category
+   * - Transmission: Sets torrent label
+   * - Usenet clients: No-op
+   * @param id - Download ID
+   * @param category - Category/label name to assign
+   */
+  setCategory(id: string, category: string): Promise<void>;
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/processors/organize-files.processor.ts b/src/lib/processors/organize-files.processor.ts
index ea8e8f4..ed9091f 100644
--- a/src/lib/processors/organize-files.processor.ts
+++ b/src/lib/processors/organize-files.processor.ts
@@ -180,6 +180,9 @@ export async function processOrganizeFiles(payload: OrganizeFilesPayload): Promi
       },
     });
 
+    // Apply post-import category to torrent client if configured
+    await applyPostImportCategory(requestId, logger);
+
     logger.info(`Request ${requestId} completed successfully - status: downloaded`, {
       success: true,
       message: 'Files organized successfully',
@@ -606,6 +609,9 @@ async function processEbookOrganization(
     },
   });
 
+  // Apply post-import category to torrent client if configured
+  await applyPostImportCategory(requestId, logger);
+
   logger.info(`Ebook request ${requestId} completed - status: downloaded (terminal)`);
 
   // Send "available" notification for ebooks at downloaded state
@@ -753,6 +759,59 @@ async function createEbookRequestIfEnabled(
   }
 }
 
+// =========================================================================
+// POST-IMPORT CATEGORY
+// =========================================================================
+
+/**
+ * Apply post-import category to the download client after successful import.
+ * Only applies to torrent clients (qBittorrent/Transmission) when configured.
+ * Non-fatal: logs a warning on failure but does not fail the job.
+ */
+async function applyPostImportCategory(
+  requestId: string,
+  logger: RMABLogger
+): Promise<void> {
+  try {
+    // Get download history to find client type and download ID
+    const downloadHistory = await prisma.downloadHistory.findFirst({
+      where: { requestId },
+      orderBy: { createdAt: 'desc' },
+    });
+
+    if (!downloadHistory?.downloadClientId || !downloadHistory?.downloadClient) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    const clientType = downloadHistory.downloadClient as DownloadClientType;
+
+    // Only applies to torrent clients
+    const protocol = CLIENT_PROTOCOL_MAP[clientType];
+    if (protocol !== 'torrent') {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Get client config and check if postImportCategory is set
+    const configService = getConfigService();
+    const manager = getDownloadClientManager(configService);
+    const clients = await manager.getAllClients();
+    const clientConfig = clients.find(c => c.enabled && c.type === clientType);
+
+    if (!clientConfig?.postImportCategory) {
+      return;
+    }
+
+    logger.info(`Applying post-import category "${clientConfig.postImportCategory}" to download ${downloadHistory.downloadClientId}`);
+
+    const service = await manager.createClientFromConfig(clientConfig);
+    await service.setCategory(downloadHistory.downloadClientId, clientConfig.postImportCategory);
+
+    logger.info(`Post-import category applied successfully`);
+  } catch (error) {
+    logger.warn(`Failed to apply post-import category: ${error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error)}`);
+  }
+}
+
 // =========================================================================
 // DOWNLOAD CLEANUP
 // =========================================================================
diff --git a/src/lib/processors/search-indexers.processor.ts b/src/lib/processors/search-indexers.processor.ts
index 2b479bb..46fd2c0 100644
--- a/src/lib/processors/search-indexers.processor.ts
+++ b/src/lib/processors/search-indexers.processor.ts
@@ -75,10 +75,7 @@ export async function processSearchIndexers(payload: SearchIndexersPayload): Pro
     // Get Prowlarr service
     const prowlarr = await getProwlarrService();
 
-    // Build search query (title only - cast wide net, let ranking filter)
-    const searchQuery = audiobook.title;
-
-    logger.info(`Searching for: "${searchQuery}"`);
+    logger.info(`Searching for: "${audiobook.title}" by "${audiobook.author}"`);
 
     // Search Prowlarr for each group and combine results
     const allResults = [];
@@ -88,7 +85,7 @@ export async function processSearchIndexers(payload: SearchIndexersPayload): Pro
       logger.info(`Searching group ${i + 1}/${groups.length}: ${getGroupDescription(group)}`);
 
       try {
-        const groupResults = await prowlarr.search(searchQuery, {
+        const groupResults = await prowlarr.searchWithVariations(audiobook.title, audiobook.author, {
           categories: group.categories,
           indexerIds: group.indexerIds,
           minSeeders: 1, // Only torrents with at least 1 seeder
diff --git a/src/lib/processors/send-notification.processor.ts b/src/lib/processors/send-notification.processor.ts
index 1912114..061db9a 100644
--- a/src/lib/processors/send-notification.processor.ts
+++ b/src/lib/processors/send-notification.processor.ts
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  * to all enabled backends subscribed to the event.
  */
 
-import { getNotificationService } from '../services/notification.service';
+import { getNotificationService } from '../services/notification';
 import { RMABLogger } from '../utils/logger';
 
 export interface SendNotificationPayload {
diff --git a/src/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider.ts b/src/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider.ts
index a00dfd5..1fbc929 100644
--- a/src/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider.ts
+++ b/src/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider.ts
@@ -150,7 +150,11 @@ export class LocalAuthProvider implements IAuthProvider {
         return { success: false, error: 'Username must be at least 3 characters' };
       }
 
-      if (!password || password.length < 8) {
+      const allowWeakPassword = process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD === 'true';
+      if (!password) {
+        return { success: false, error: 'Password is required' };
+      }
+      if (!allowWeakPassword && password.length < 8) {
         return { success: false, error: 'Password must be at least 8 characters' };
       }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/services/download-client-manager.service.ts b/src/lib/services/download-client-manager.service.ts
index cca84e2..11693ba 100644
--- a/src/lib/services/download-client-manager.service.ts
+++ b/src/lib/services/download-client-manager.service.ts
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ export interface DownloadClientConfig {
   localPath?: string;
   category?: string; // Default: 'readmeabook'
   customPath?: string; // Relative sub-path appended to download_dir
+  postImportCategory?: string; // Category to assign after import (torrent clients only)
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification.service.ts b/src/lib/services/notification.service.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index da6a848..0000000
--- a/src/lib/services/notification.service.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,380 +0,0 @@
-/**
- * Component: Notification Service
- * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
- */
-
-import { getEncryptionService } from './encryption.service';
-import { RMABLogger } from '../utils/logger';
-import { prisma } from '../db';
-
-const logger = RMABLogger.create('NotificationService');
-
-// Event types
-export type NotificationEvent =
-  | 'request_pending_approval'
-  | 'request_approved'
-  | 'request_available'
-  | 'request_error';
-
-// Backend types
-export type NotificationBackendType =
-  | 'discord'
-  | 'pushover'
-  | 'email'
-  | 'slack'
-  | 'telegram'
-  | 'webhook';
-
-// Config interfaces
-export interface DiscordConfig {
-  webhookUrl: string;
-  username?: string;
-  avatarUrl?: string;
-}
-
-export interface PushoverConfig {
-  userKey: string;
-  appToken: string;
-  device?: string;
-  priority?: number;
-}
-
-export type NotificationConfig = DiscordConfig | PushoverConfig;
-
-// Notification payload
-export interface NotificationPayload {
-  event: NotificationEvent;
-  requestId: string;
-  title: string;
-  author: string;
-  userName: string;
-  message?: string; // For error events
-  timestamp: Date;
-}
-
-// Discord embed colors by event type
-const DISCORD_COLORS = {
-  request_pending_approval: 0xfbbf24, // yellow-400
-  request_approved: 0x22c55e, // green-500
-  request_available: 0x3b82f6, // blue-500
-  request_error: 0xef4444, // red-500
-};
-
-// Discord embed titles
-const DISCORD_TITLES = {
-  request_pending_approval: '📬 New Request Pending Approval',
-  request_approved: '✅ Request Approved',
-  request_available: '🎉 Audiobook Available',
-  request_error: '❌ Request Error',
-};
-
-// Pushover priorities
-const PUSHOVER_PRIORITIES = {
-  request_pending_approval: 0, // Normal
-  request_approved: 0, // Normal
-  request_available: 1, // High
-  request_error: 1, // High
-};
-
-export class NotificationService {
-  private encryptionService = getEncryptionService();
-
-  /**
-   * Send notification to all enabled backends subscribed to the event
-   */
-  async sendNotification(payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
-    try {
-      // Get all enabled backends subscribed to this event
-      const backends = await prisma.notificationBackend.findMany({
-        where: {
-          enabled: true,
-          events: {
-            array_contains: payload.event,
-          },
-        },
-      });
-
-      if (backends.length === 0) {
-        logger.debug(`No backends subscribed to event: ${payload.event}`);
-        return;
-      }
-
-      logger.info(`Sending notification to ${backends.length} backend(s)`, {
-        event: payload.event,
-        requestId: payload.requestId,
-      });
-
-      // Send to all backends in parallel (atomic per-backend)
-      const results = await Promise.allSettled(
-        backends.map((backend) =>
-          this.sendToBackend(backend.type as NotificationBackendType, backend.config, payload)
-        )
-      );
-
-      // Log results
-      const successful = results.filter((r) => r.status === 'fulfilled').length;
-      const failed = results.filter((r) => r.status === 'rejected').length;
-
-      logger.info(`Notification sent: ${successful} succeeded, ${failed} failed`, {
-        event: payload.event,
-        requestId: payload.requestId,
-      });
-
-      // Log individual failures
-      results.forEach((result, index) => {
-        if (result.status === 'rejected') {
-          logger.error(`Failed to send to backend ${backends[index].name}`, {
-            error: result.reason instanceof Error ? result.reason.message : String(result.reason),
-            backend: backends[index].type,
-          });
-        }
-      });
-    } catch (error) {
-      logger.error('Failed to send notifications', {
-        error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error),
-        event: payload.event,
-        requestId: payload.requestId,
-      });
-      // Don't throw - non-blocking
-    }
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Route notification to type-specific sender
-   */
-  private async sendToBackend(
-    type: NotificationBackendType,
-    config: any,
-    payload: NotificationPayload
-  ): Promise<void> {
-    // Decrypt config
-    const decryptedConfig = this.decryptConfig(config);
-
-    switch (type) {
-      case 'discord':
-        return this.sendDiscord(decryptedConfig as DiscordConfig, payload);
-      case 'pushover':
-        return this.sendPushover(decryptedConfig as PushoverConfig, payload);
-      default:
-        throw new Error(`Unsupported backend type: ${type}`);
-    }
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Send Discord webhook notification
-   */
-  private async sendDiscord(config: DiscordConfig, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
-    const embed = this.formatDiscordEmbed(payload);
-
-    const body = {
-      username: config.username || 'ReadMeABook',
-      avatar_url: config.avatarUrl,
-      embeds: [embed],
-    };
-
-    const response = await fetch(config.webhookUrl, {
-      method: 'POST',
-      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
-      body: JSON.stringify(body),
-    });
-
-    if (!response.ok) {
-      const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
-      throw new Error(`Discord webhook failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
-    }
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Send Pushover notification
-   */
-  private async sendPushover(config: PushoverConfig, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
-    const { title, message } = this.formatPushoverMessage(payload);
-
-    const body = new URLSearchParams({
-      token: config.appToken,
-      user: config.userKey,
-      title,
-      message,
-      priority: String(config.priority ?? PUSHOVER_PRIORITIES[payload.event]),
-      ...(config.device && { device: config.device }),
-    });
-
-    const response = await fetch('https://api.pushover.net/1/messages.json', {
-      method: 'POST',
-      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded' },
-      body: body.toString(),
-    });
-
-    if (!response.ok) {
-      const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
-      throw new Error(`Pushover API failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
-    }
-
-    const result = await response.json();
-    if (result.status !== 1) {
-      throw new Error(`Pushover API error: ${JSON.stringify(result.errors || 'Unknown error')}`);
-    }
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Format Discord rich embed
-   */
-  private formatDiscordEmbed(payload: NotificationPayload): any {
-    const { event, title, author, userName, message, requestId, timestamp } = payload;
-
-    const fields = [
-      { name: 'Title', value: title, inline: false },
-      { name: 'Author', value: author, inline: true },
-      { name: 'Requested By', value: userName, inline: true },
-    ];
-
-    if (message) {
-      fields.push({ name: 'Error', value: message, inline: false });
-    }
-
-    return {
-      title: DISCORD_TITLES[event],
-      color: DISCORD_COLORS[event],
-      fields,
-      footer: {
-        text: `Request ID: ${requestId}`,
-      },
-      timestamp: timestamp.toISOString(),
-    };
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Format Pushover message
-   */
-  private formatPushoverMessage(payload: NotificationPayload): { title: string; message: string } {
-    const { event, title, author, userName, message } = payload;
-
-    let eventTitle = '';
-    let eventEmoji = '';
-
-    switch (event) {
-      case 'request_pending_approval':
-        eventTitle = 'New Request Pending Approval';
-        eventEmoji = '📬';
-        break;
-      case 'request_approved':
-        eventTitle = 'Request Approved';
-        eventEmoji = '✅';
-        break;
-      case 'request_available':
-        eventTitle = 'Audiobook Available';
-        eventEmoji = '🎉';
-        break;
-      case 'request_error':
-        eventTitle = 'Request Error';
-        eventEmoji = '❌';
-        break;
-    }
-
-    const messageLines = [
-      `${eventEmoji} ${eventTitle}`,
-      '',
-      `📚 ${title}`,
-      `✍️ ${author}`,
-      `👤 Requested by: ${userName}`,
-    ];
-
-    if (message) {
-      messageLines.push('', `⚠️ Error: ${message}`);
-    }
-
-    return {
-      title: eventTitle,
-      message: messageLines.join('\n'),
-    };
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Decrypt sensitive config values
-   */
-  private decryptConfig(config: any): any {
-    const decrypted = { ...config };
-
-    // Discord: decrypt webhookUrl
-    if (decrypted.webhookUrl && this.isEncrypted(decrypted.webhookUrl)) {
-      decrypted.webhookUrl = this.encryptionService.decrypt(decrypted.webhookUrl);
-    }
-
-    // Pushover: decrypt userKey and appToken
-    if (decrypted.userKey && this.isEncrypted(decrypted.userKey)) {
-      decrypted.userKey = this.encryptionService.decrypt(decrypted.userKey);
-    }
-    if (decrypted.appToken && this.isEncrypted(decrypted.appToken)) {
-      decrypted.appToken = this.encryptionService.decrypt(decrypted.appToken);
-    }
-
-    return decrypted;
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Check if a value is encrypted (has iv:authTag:data format)
-   */
-  private isEncrypted(value: string): boolean {
-    return value.includes(':') && value.split(':').length === 3;
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Encrypt sensitive config values before saving
-   */
-  encryptConfig(type: NotificationBackendType, config: any): any {
-    const encrypted = { ...config };
-
-    switch (type) {
-      case 'discord':
-        if (encrypted.webhookUrl && !this.isEncrypted(encrypted.webhookUrl)) {
-          encrypted.webhookUrl = this.encryptionService.encrypt(encrypted.webhookUrl);
-        }
-        break;
-      case 'pushover':
-        if (encrypted.userKey && !this.isEncrypted(encrypted.userKey)) {
-          encrypted.userKey = this.encryptionService.encrypt(encrypted.userKey);
-        }
-        if (encrypted.appToken && !this.isEncrypted(encrypted.appToken)) {
-          encrypted.appToken = this.encryptionService.encrypt(encrypted.appToken);
-        }
-        break;
-    }
-
-    return encrypted;
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Mask sensitive config values for API responses
-   */
-  maskConfig(type: NotificationBackendType, config: any): any {
-    const masked = { ...config };
-
-    switch (type) {
-      case 'discord':
-        if (masked.webhookUrl) {
-          masked.webhookUrl = '••••••••';
-        }
-        break;
-      case 'pushover':
-        if (masked.userKey) {
-          masked.userKey = '••••••••';
-        }
-        if (masked.appToken) {
-          masked.appToken = '••••••••';
-        }
-        break;
-    }
-
-    return masked;
-  }
-}
-
-// Singleton instance
-let notificationService: NotificationService | null = null;
-
-export function getNotificationService(): NotificationService {
-  if (!notificationService) {
-    notificationService = new NotificationService();
-  }
-  return notificationService;
-}
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/INotificationProvider.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/INotificationProvider.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a0907be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/INotificationProvider.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+/**
+ * Notification Provider Interface
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+// Event types
+export type NotificationEvent =
+  | 'request_pending_approval'
+  | 'request_approved'
+  | 'request_available'
+  | 'request_error';
+
+// Backend type — string-based, registry is the runtime source of truth
+export type NotificationBackendType = string;
+
+// Notification payload
+export interface NotificationPayload {
+  event: NotificationEvent;
+  requestId: string;
+  title: string;
+  author: string;
+  userName: string;
+  message?: string; // For error events
+  timestamp: Date;
+}
+
+// Provider config field definition for dynamic UI rendering
+export interface ProviderConfigField {
+  name: string;
+  label: string;
+  type: 'text' | 'password' | 'select' | 'number';
+  required: boolean;
+  placeholder?: string;
+  defaultValue?: string | number;
+  options?: { label: string; value: string | number }[];
+}
+
+// Provider metadata for self-describing providers
+export interface ProviderMetadata {
+  type: string;
+  displayName: string;
+  description: string;
+  iconLabel: string;
+  iconColor: string;
+  configFields: ProviderConfigField[];
+}
+
+export interface INotificationProvider {
+  /** Provider identifier */
+  type: string;
+
+  /** Config field names that need encryption/masking */
+  sensitiveFields: string[];
+
+  /** Self-describing metadata for UI and validation */
+  metadata: ProviderMetadata;
+
+  /** Send notification with already-decrypted config */
+  send(config: Record<string, any>, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void>;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/index.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/index.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..566758f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/index.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+/**
+ * Notification Service - Public API
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+// Interface + shared types
+export type {
+  INotificationProvider,
+  NotificationEvent,
+  NotificationBackendType,
+  NotificationPayload,
+  ProviderConfigField,
+  ProviderMetadata,
+} from './INotificationProvider';
+
+// Core service
+export {
+  NotificationService,
+  getNotificationService,
+  registerProvider,
+  getProvider,
+  getRegisteredProviderTypes,
+  getAllProviderMetadata,
+} from './notification.service';
+
+// Provider types
+export type { AppriseConfig } from './providers/apprise.provider';
+export type { DiscordConfig } from './providers/discord.provider';
+export type { NtfyConfig } from './providers/ntfy.provider';
+export type { PushoverConfig } from './providers/pushover.provider';
+
+// Provider classes
+export { AppriseProvider } from './providers/apprise.provider';
+export { DiscordProvider } from './providers/discord.provider';
+export { NtfyProvider } from './providers/ntfy.provider';
+export { PushoverProvider } from './providers/pushover.provider';
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/notification.service.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/notification.service.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c17e910
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/notification.service.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,187 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Notification Service
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { getEncryptionService } from '../encryption.service';
+import { RMABLogger } from '../../utils/logger';
+import { prisma } from '../../db';
+import { INotificationProvider, NotificationPayload, ProviderMetadata } from './INotificationProvider';
+import { AppriseProvider } from './providers/apprise.provider';
+import { DiscordProvider } from './providers/discord.provider';
+import { NtfyProvider } from './providers/ntfy.provider';
+import { PushoverProvider } from './providers/pushover.provider';
+
+const logger = RMABLogger.create('NotificationService');
+
+// Provider registry
+const providers = new Map<string, INotificationProvider>();
+
+export function registerProvider(provider: INotificationProvider): void {
+  providers.set(provider.type, provider);
+}
+
+export function getProvider(type: string): INotificationProvider | undefined {
+  return providers.get(type);
+}
+
+// Register built-in providers
+registerProvider(new AppriseProvider());
+registerProvider(new DiscordProvider());
+registerProvider(new NtfyProvider());
+registerProvider(new PushoverProvider());
+
+export function getRegisteredProviderTypes(): string[] {
+  return Array.from(providers.keys());
+}
+
+export function getAllProviderMetadata(): ProviderMetadata[] {
+  return Array.from(providers.values()).map((p) => p.metadata);
+}
+
+export class NotificationService {
+  private encryptionService = getEncryptionService();
+
+  /**
+   * Send notification to all enabled backends subscribed to the event
+   */
+  async sendNotification(payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
+    try {
+      // Get all enabled backends subscribed to this event
+      const backends = await prisma.notificationBackend.findMany({
+        where: {
+          enabled: true,
+          events: {
+            array_contains: payload.event,
+          },
+        },
+      });
+
+      if (backends.length === 0) {
+        logger.debug(`No backends subscribed to event: ${payload.event}`);
+        return;
+      }
+
+      logger.info(`Sending notification to ${backends.length} backend(s)`, {
+        event: payload.event,
+        requestId: payload.requestId,
+      });
+
+      // Send to all backends in parallel (atomic per-backend)
+      const results = await Promise.allSettled(
+        backends.map((backend) =>
+          this.sendToBackend(backend.type, backend.config, payload)
+        )
+      );
+
+      // Log results
+      const successful = results.filter((r) => r.status === 'fulfilled').length;
+      const failed = results.filter((r) => r.status === 'rejected').length;
+
+      logger.info(`Notification sent: ${successful} succeeded, ${failed} failed`, {
+        event: payload.event,
+        requestId: payload.requestId,
+      });
+
+      // Log individual failures
+      results.forEach((result, index) => {
+        if (result.status === 'rejected') {
+          logger.error(`Failed to send to backend ${backends[index].name}`, {
+            error: result.reason instanceof Error ? result.reason.message : String(result.reason),
+            backend: backends[index].type,
+          });
+        }
+      });
+    } catch (error) {
+      logger.error('Failed to send notifications', {
+        error: error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error),
+        event: payload.event,
+        requestId: payload.requestId,
+      });
+      // Don't throw - non-blocking
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Route notification to type-specific provider
+   */
+  async sendToBackend(
+    type: string,
+    config: any,
+    payload: NotificationPayload
+  ): Promise<void> {
+    const provider = getProvider(type);
+    if (!provider) {
+      throw new Error(`Unsupported backend type: ${type}`);
+    }
+
+    const decryptedConfig = this.decryptConfig(provider.sensitiveFields, config);
+    return provider.send(decryptedConfig, payload);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Encrypt sensitive config values before saving
+   */
+  encryptConfig(type: string, config: any): any {
+    const provider = getProvider(type);
+    if (!provider) {
+      return { ...config };
+    }
+
+    const encrypted = { ...config };
+    for (const field of provider.sensitiveFields) {
+      if (encrypted[field] && !this.isEncrypted(encrypted[field])) {
+        encrypted[field] = this.encryptionService.encrypt(encrypted[field]);
+      }
+    }
+    return encrypted;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Mask sensitive config values for API responses
+   */
+  maskConfig(type: string, config: any): any {
+    const provider = getProvider(type);
+    if (!provider) {
+      return { ...config };
+    }
+
+    const masked = { ...config };
+    for (const field of provider.sensitiveFields) {
+      if (masked[field]) {
+        masked[field] = '••••••••';
+      }
+    }
+    return masked;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Decrypt sensitive config values
+   */
+  private decryptConfig(sensitiveFields: string[], config: any): any {
+    const decrypted = { ...config };
+    for (const field of sensitiveFields) {
+      if (decrypted[field] && this.isEncrypted(decrypted[field])) {
+        decrypted[field] = this.encryptionService.decrypt(decrypted[field]);
+      }
+    }
+    return decrypted;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Check if a value is encrypted (has iv:authTag:data format)
+   */
+  private isEncrypted(value: string): boolean {
+    return value.includes(':') && value.split(':').length === 3;
+  }
+}
+
+// Singleton instance
+let notificationService: NotificationService | null = null;
+
+export function getNotificationService(): NotificationService {
+  if (!notificationService) {
+    notificationService = new NotificationService();
+  }
+  return notificationService;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/providers/apprise.provider.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/apprise.provider.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85f6d86
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/apprise.provider.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,133 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Apprise Notification Provider
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { INotificationProvider, NotificationPayload, ProviderMetadata } from '../INotificationProvider';
+
+export interface AppriseConfig {
+  serverUrl: string;
+  urls?: string;
+  configKey?: string;
+  tag?: string;
+  authToken?: string;
+}
+
+// Apprise notification types by event
+const APPRISE_TYPES: Record<string, string> = {
+  request_pending_approval: 'info',
+  request_approved: 'success',
+  request_available: 'success',
+  request_error: 'failure',
+};
+
+export class AppriseProvider implements INotificationProvider {
+  type = 'apprise' as const;
+  sensitiveFields = ['urls', 'authToken'];
+  metadata: ProviderMetadata = {
+    type: 'apprise',
+    displayName: 'Apprise',
+    description: 'Send notifications via Apprise API to 100+ services',
+    iconLabel: 'A',
+    iconColor: 'bg-purple-500',
+    configFields: [
+      { name: 'serverUrl', label: 'Server URL', type: 'text', required: true, placeholder: 'http://apprise:8000' },
+      { name: 'urls', label: 'Notification URLs', type: 'password', required: false, placeholder: 'slack://token, discord://webhook_id/token, ...' },
+      { name: 'configKey', label: 'Config Key', type: 'text', required: false, placeholder: 'Persistent configuration key' },
+      { name: 'tag', label: 'Tag', type: 'text', required: false, placeholder: 'Filter tag for stateful config' },
+      { name: 'authToken', label: 'Auth Token', type: 'password', required: false, placeholder: 'Optional API auth token' },
+    ],
+  };
+
+  async send(config: Record<string, any>, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
+    const appriseConfig = config as unknown as AppriseConfig;
+    const { title, body } = this.formatMessage(payload);
+
+    const serverUrl = appriseConfig.serverUrl.replace(/\/+$/, '');
+    const notificationType = APPRISE_TYPES[payload.event] || 'info';
+
+    const headers: Record<string, string> = {
+      'Content-Type': 'application/json',
+    };
+
+    if (appriseConfig.authToken) {
+      headers['Authorization'] = `Bearer ${appriseConfig.authToken}`;
+    }
+
+    // Stateful mode: use configKey endpoint
+    if (appriseConfig.configKey) {
+      const url = `${serverUrl}/notify/${appriseConfig.configKey}`;
+      const requestBody: Record<string, string> = {
+        title,
+        body,
+        type: notificationType,
+      };
+
+      if (appriseConfig.tag) {
+        requestBody.tag = appriseConfig.tag;
+      }
+
+      const response = await fetch(url, {
+        method: 'POST',
+        headers,
+        body: JSON.stringify(requestBody),
+      });
+
+      if (!response.ok) {
+        const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
+        throw new Error(`Apprise API failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
+      }
+      return;
+    }
+
+    // Stateless mode: send URLs directly
+    if (!appriseConfig.urls) {
+      throw new Error('Apprise requires either notification URLs or a config key');
+    }
+
+    const url = `${serverUrl}/notify/`;
+    const requestBody = {
+      urls: appriseConfig.urls,
+      title,
+      body,
+      type: notificationType,
+    };
+
+    const response = await fetch(url, {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers,
+      body: JSON.stringify(requestBody),
+    });
+
+    if (!response.ok) {
+      const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
+      throw new Error(`Apprise API failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  private formatMessage(payload: NotificationPayload): { title: string; body: string } {
+    const { event, title, author, userName, message } = payload;
+
+    const eventTitles: Record<string, string> = {
+      request_pending_approval: 'New Request Pending Approval',
+      request_approved: 'Request Approved',
+      request_available: 'Audiobook Available',
+      request_error: 'Request Error',
+    };
+
+    const messageLines = [
+      `📚 ${title}`,
+      `✍️ ${author}`,
+      `👤 Requested by: ${userName}`,
+    ];
+
+    if (message) {
+      messageLines.push(`⚠️ Error: ${message}`);
+    }
+
+    return {
+      title: eventTitles[event],
+      body: messageLines.join('\n'),
+    };
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/providers/discord.provider.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/discord.provider.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c07ed43
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/discord.provider.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Discord Notification Provider
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { INotificationProvider, NotificationPayload, ProviderMetadata } from '../INotificationProvider';
+
+export interface DiscordConfig {
+  webhookUrl: string;
+  username?: string;
+  avatarUrl?: string;
+}
+
+// Discord embed colors by event type
+const DISCORD_COLORS = {
+  request_pending_approval: 0xfbbf24, // yellow-400
+  request_approved: 0x22c55e, // green-500
+  request_available: 0x3b82f6, // blue-500
+  request_error: 0xef4444, // red-500
+};
+
+// Discord embed titles
+const DISCORD_TITLES = {
+  request_pending_approval: '📬 New Request Pending Approval',
+  request_approved: '✅ Request Approved',
+  request_available: '🎉 Audiobook Available',
+  request_error: '❌ Request Error',
+};
+
+export class DiscordProvider implements INotificationProvider {
+  type = 'discord' as const;
+  sensitiveFields = ['webhookUrl'];
+  metadata: ProviderMetadata = {
+    type: 'discord',
+    displayName: 'Discord',
+    description: 'Send notifications via Discord webhook',
+    iconLabel: 'D',
+    iconColor: 'bg-indigo-500',
+    configFields: [
+      { name: 'webhookUrl', label: 'Webhook URL', type: 'text', required: true, placeholder: 'https://discord.com/api/webhooks/...' },
+      { name: 'username', label: 'Username', type: 'text', required: false, placeholder: 'ReadMeABook', defaultValue: 'ReadMeABook' },
+      { name: 'avatarUrl', label: 'Avatar URL', type: 'text', required: false, placeholder: 'https://example.com/avatar.png', defaultValue: '' },
+    ],
+  };
+
+  async send(config: Record<string, any>, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
+    const discordConfig = config as unknown as DiscordConfig;
+    const embed = this.formatEmbed(payload);
+
+    const body = {
+      username: discordConfig.username || 'ReadMeABook',
+      avatar_url: discordConfig.avatarUrl,
+      embeds: [embed],
+    };
+
+    const response = await fetch(discordConfig.webhookUrl, {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify(body),
+    });
+
+    if (!response.ok) {
+      const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
+      throw new Error(`Discord webhook failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  private formatEmbed(payload: NotificationPayload): any {
+    const { event, title, author, userName, message, requestId, timestamp } = payload;
+
+    const fields = [
+      { name: 'Title', value: title, inline: false },
+      { name: 'Author', value: author, inline: true },
+      { name: 'Requested By', value: userName, inline: true },
+    ];
+
+    if (message) {
+      fields.push({ name: 'Error', value: message, inline: false });
+    }
+
+    return {
+      title: DISCORD_TITLES[event],
+      color: DISCORD_COLORS[event],
+      fields,
+      footer: {
+        text: `Request ID: ${requestId}`,
+      },
+      timestamp: timestamp.toISOString(),
+    };
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/providers/ntfy.provider.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/ntfy.provider.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..110e692
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/ntfy.provider.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+/**
+ * Component: ntfy Notification Provider
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { INotificationProvider, NotificationPayload, ProviderMetadata } from '../INotificationProvider';
+
+export interface NtfyConfig {
+  serverUrl?: string;
+  topic: string;
+  accessToken?: string;
+  priority?: number;
+}
+
+const DEFAULT_SERVER_URL = 'https://ntfy.sh';
+
+// ntfy priorities by event type (1=min, 2=low, 3=default, 4=high, 5=urgent)
+const NTFY_PRIORITIES = {
+  request_pending_approval: 3, // Default
+  request_approved: 3, // Default
+  request_available: 4, // High
+  request_error: 4, // High
+};
+
+// ntfy tags (emojis) by event type
+const NTFY_TAGS = {
+  request_pending_approval: ['mailbox_with_mail'],
+  request_approved: ['white_check_mark'],
+  request_available: ['tada'],
+  request_error: ['x'],
+};
+
+export class NtfyProvider implements INotificationProvider {
+  type = 'ntfy' as const;
+  sensitiveFields = ['accessToken'];
+  metadata: ProviderMetadata = {
+    type: 'ntfy',
+    displayName: 'ntfy',
+    description: 'Send notifications via ntfy pub/sub',
+    iconLabel: 'N',
+    iconColor: 'bg-teal-500',
+    configFields: [
+      { name: 'serverUrl', label: 'Server URL', type: 'text', required: false, placeholder: 'https://ntfy.sh', defaultValue: 'https://ntfy.sh' },
+      { name: 'topic', label: 'Topic', type: 'text', required: true, placeholder: 'readmeabook' },
+      { name: 'accessToken', label: 'Access Token', type: 'password', required: false, placeholder: 'tk_...' },
+    ],
+  };
+
+  async send(config: Record<string, any>, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
+    const ntfyConfig = config as unknown as NtfyConfig;
+    const { title, message } = this.formatMessage(payload);
+
+    const serverUrl = (ntfyConfig.serverUrl || DEFAULT_SERVER_URL).replace(/\/+$/, '');
+    const url = `${serverUrl}/${ntfyConfig.topic}`;
+
+    const headers: Record<string, string> = {
+      'Content-Type': 'application/json',
+    };
+
+    if (ntfyConfig.accessToken) {
+      headers['Authorization'] = `Bearer ${ntfyConfig.accessToken}`;
+    }
+
+    const body = {
+      topic: ntfyConfig.topic,
+      title,
+      message,
+      priority: ntfyConfig.priority ?? NTFY_PRIORITIES[payload.event],
+      tags: NTFY_TAGS[payload.event],
+    };
+
+    const response = await fetch(url, {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers,
+      body: JSON.stringify(body),
+    });
+
+    if (!response.ok) {
+      const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
+      throw new Error(`ntfy API failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  private formatMessage(payload: NotificationPayload): { title: string; message: string } {
+    const { event, title, author, userName, message } = payload;
+
+    const eventTitles = {
+      request_pending_approval: 'New Request Pending Approval',
+      request_approved: 'Request Approved',
+      request_available: 'Audiobook Available',
+      request_error: 'Request Error',
+    };
+
+    const messageLines = [
+      `📚 ${title}`,
+      `✍️ ${author}`,
+      `👤 Requested by: ${userName}`,
+    ];
+
+    if (message) {
+      messageLines.push(`⚠️ Error: ${message}`);
+    }
+
+    return {
+      title: eventTitles[event],
+      message: messageLines.join('\n'),
+    };
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/services/notification/providers/pushover.provider.ts b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/pushover.provider.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3635b1d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/services/notification/providers/pushover.provider.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,121 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Pushover Notification Provider
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { INotificationProvider, NotificationPayload, ProviderMetadata } from '../INotificationProvider';
+
+export interface PushoverConfig {
+  userKey: string;
+  appToken: string;
+  device?: string;
+  priority?: number;
+}
+
+// Pushover priorities by event type
+const PUSHOVER_PRIORITIES = {
+  request_pending_approval: 0, // Normal
+  request_approved: 0, // Normal
+  request_available: 1, // High
+  request_error: 1, // High
+};
+
+export class PushoverProvider implements INotificationProvider {
+  type = 'pushover' as const;
+  sensitiveFields = ['userKey', 'appToken'];
+  metadata: ProviderMetadata = {
+    type: 'pushover',
+    displayName: 'Pushover',
+    description: 'Send notifications via Pushover API',
+    iconLabel: 'P',
+    iconColor: 'bg-blue-500',
+    configFields: [
+      { name: 'userKey', label: 'User Key', type: 'text', required: true, placeholder: 'Your Pushover user key' },
+      { name: 'appToken', label: 'App Token', type: 'text', required: true, placeholder: 'Your Pushover app token' },
+      { name: 'device', label: 'Device', type: 'text', required: false, placeholder: 'Optional device name' },
+      {
+        name: 'priority', label: 'Priority', type: 'select', required: false, defaultValue: 0,
+        options: [
+          { label: 'Lowest', value: -2 },
+          { label: 'Low', value: -1 },
+          { label: 'Normal', value: 0 },
+          { label: 'High', value: 1 },
+          { label: 'Emergency', value: 2 },
+        ],
+      },
+    ],
+  };
+
+  async send(config: Record<string, any>, payload: NotificationPayload): Promise<void> {
+    const pushoverConfig = config as unknown as PushoverConfig;
+    const { title, message } = this.formatMessage(payload);
+
+    const body = new URLSearchParams({
+      token: pushoverConfig.appToken,
+      user: pushoverConfig.userKey,
+      title,
+      message,
+      priority: String(pushoverConfig.priority ?? PUSHOVER_PRIORITIES[payload.event]),
+      ...(pushoverConfig.device && { device: pushoverConfig.device }),
+    });
+
+    const response = await fetch('https://api.pushover.net/1/messages.json', {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded' },
+      body: body.toString(),
+    });
+
+    if (!response.ok) {
+      const errorText = await response.text().catch(() => 'Unknown error');
+      throw new Error(`Pushover API failed: ${response.status} ${errorText}`);
+    }
+
+    const result = await response.json();
+    if (result.status !== 1) {
+      throw new Error(`Pushover API error: ${JSON.stringify(result.errors || 'Unknown error')}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  private formatMessage(payload: NotificationPayload): { title: string; message: string } {
+    const { event, title, author, userName, message } = payload;
+
+    let eventTitle = '';
+    let eventEmoji = '';
+
+    switch (event) {
+      case 'request_pending_approval':
+        eventTitle = 'New Request Pending Approval';
+        eventEmoji = '📬';
+        break;
+      case 'request_approved':
+        eventTitle = 'Request Approved';
+        eventEmoji = '✅';
+        break;
+      case 'request_available':
+        eventTitle = 'Audiobook Available';
+        eventEmoji = '🎉';
+        break;
+      case 'request_error':
+        eventTitle = 'Request Error';
+        eventEmoji = '❌';
+        break;
+    }
+
+    const messageLines = [
+      `${eventEmoji} ${eventTitle}`,
+      '',
+      `📚 ${title}`,
+      `✍️ ${author}`,
+      `👤 Requested by: ${userName}`,
+    ];
+
+    if (message) {
+      messageLines.push('', `⚠️ Error: ${message}`);
+    }
+
+    return {
+      title: eventTitle,
+      message: messageLines.join('\n'),
+    };
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/utils/copy-file.ts b/src/lib/utils/copy-file.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..50660fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/utils/copy-file.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Stream-based File Copy Utility
+ * Documentation: documentation/phase3/file-organization.md
+ *
+ * Uses read()/write() syscalls via Node.js streams instead of fs.copyFile(),
+ * which relies on copy_file_range() — a syscall that fails with EPERM on
+ * certain filesystem configurations (e.g. cross-export NFS4 mounts).
+ */
+
+import { createReadStream, createWriteStream } from 'fs';
+import { pipeline } from 'stream/promises';
+
+/**
+ * Copy a file using streams.
+ *
+ * Equivalent to `fs.copyFile()` but uses standard read/write syscalls
+ * instead of `copy_file_range()`, ensuring compatibility with NFS, FUSE,
+ * and other network/virtual filesystems.
+ */
+export async function copyFile(source: string, destination: string): Promise<void> {
+  await pipeline(createReadStream(source), createWriteStream(destination));
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/utils/file-organizer.ts b/src/lib/utils/file-organizer.ts
index 8c13123..6af1115 100644
--- a/src/lib/utils/file-organizer.ts
+++ b/src/lib/utils/file-organizer.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import path from 'path';
 import axios from 'axios';
 import { tagMultipleFiles, checkFfmpegAvailable } from './metadata-tagger';
 import { RMABLogger } from './logger';
+import { copyFile } from './copy-file';
 
 const moduleLogger = RMABLogger.create('FileOrganizer');
 import {
@@ -340,8 +341,8 @@ export class FileOrganizer {
 
         // Copy file (do NOT delete original - needed for seeding)
         try {
-          // Copy file using streaming (handles large files >2GB)
-          await fs.copyFile(sourcePath, targetFilePath);
+          // Copy file via streams (avoids copy_file_range EPERM on NFS/FUSE)
+          await copyFile(sourcePath, targetFilePath);
           // Set explicit permissions after copy
           await fs.chmod(targetFilePath, 0o644);
 
@@ -378,7 +379,7 @@ export class FileOrganizer {
             await logger?.info(`Attempting fallback copy of original (untagged) file: ${filename}`);
             try {
               await fs.access(originalSourcePath, fs.constants.R_OK);
-              await fs.copyFile(originalSourcePath, targetFilePath);
+              await copyFile(originalSourcePath, targetFilePath);
               await fs.chmod(targetFilePath, 0o644);
               result.audioFiles.push(targetFilePath);
               result.filesMovedCount++;
@@ -413,7 +414,7 @@ export class FileOrganizer {
 
         try {
           // Copy cover art (do NOT delete original)
-          await fs.copyFile(sourcePath, targetCoverPath);
+          await copyFile(sourcePath, targetCoverPath);
           await fs.chmod(targetCoverPath, 0o644);
           result.coverArtFile = targetCoverPath;
           result.filesMovedCount++;
@@ -608,7 +609,7 @@ export class FileOrganizer {
         const cachedPath = path.join('/app/cache/thumbnails', filename);
 
         // Copy from local cache instead of downloading
-        await fs.copyFile(cachedPath, targetPath);
+        await copyFile(cachedPath, targetPath);
         await fs.chmod(targetPath, 0o644);
         moduleLogger.debug(`Copied cover art from cache: ${filename}`);
       } else {
@@ -755,7 +756,7 @@ export class FileOrganizer {
       }
 
       // Copy ebook file (do NOT delete original - may need for seeding or retry)
-      await fs.copyFile(sourceFilePath, targetPath);
+      await copyFile(sourceFilePath, targetPath);
       await fs.chmod(targetPath, 0o644);
 
       await logger?.info(`Copied ebook: ${targetFilename}`);
diff --git a/src/lib/utils/path-template.util.ts b/src/lib/utils/path-template.util.ts
index 320051c..ce3dda3 100644
--- a/src/lib/utils/path-template.util.ts
+++ b/src/lib/utils/path-template.util.ts
@@ -37,6 +37,14 @@ const VALID_VARIABLES = ['author', 'title', 'narrator', 'asin', 'year', 'series'
  */
 const INVALID_PATH_CHARS = /[<>:"|?*]/;
 
+/**
+ * Placeholder characters for escaped braces during substitution.
+ * Uses Unicode Private Use Area characters that won't appear in metadata
+ * and won't be affected by path cleanup operations.
+ */
+const LBRACE_PLACEHOLDER = '\uE000';
+const RBRACE_PLACEHOLDER = '\uE001';
+
 /**
  * Sanitize a path component by removing invalid characters
  * Reuses logic from file-organizer.ts
@@ -87,6 +95,10 @@ export function substituteTemplate(
 ): string {
   let result = template;
 
+  // Replace escaped braces with placeholders before any processing,
+  // so they survive the variable substitution and path cleanup steps
+  result = result.replace(/\\\{/g, LBRACE_PLACEHOLDER).replace(/\\\}/g, RBRACE_PLACEHOLDER);
+
   // Substitute each variable
   for (const key of VALID_VARIABLES) {
     const value = variables[key as keyof TemplateVariables];
@@ -120,6 +132,11 @@ export function substituteTemplate(
     .filter(part => part.length > 0)
     .join('/');
 
+  // Resolve escaped brace placeholders as the final step,
+  // after all variable substitution and path cleanup is complete
+  result = result.replace(new RegExp(LBRACE_PLACEHOLDER, 'g'), '{');
+  result = result.replace(new RegExp(RBRACE_PLACEHOLDER, 'g'), '}');
+
   return result;
 }
 
@@ -153,16 +170,20 @@ export function validateTemplate(template: string): ValidationResult {
     };
   }
 
-  // Check for absolute paths
-  if (template.startsWith('/') || template.startsWith('\\') || /^[a-zA-Z]:/.test(template)) {
+  // Check for absolute paths (backslash followed by { or } is a brace escape, not a path)
+  if (template.startsWith('/') || /^\\(?![{}])/.test(template) || /^[a-zA-Z]:/.test(template)) {
     return {
       valid: false,
       error: 'Template must be a relative path (no absolute paths like "/" or "C:\\")'
     };
   }
 
-  // Extract all variables from template
-  const variableMatches = template.match(/\{[^}]+\}/g);
+  // Strip escaped braces (\{ and \}) before parsing so they don't interfere
+  // with variable extraction or character validation
+  const templateWithoutEscapedBraces = template.replace(/\\[{}]/g, '');
+
+  // Extract all variables from the stripped template
+  const variableMatches = templateWithoutEscapedBraces.match(/\{[^}]+\}/g);
 
   if (variableMatches) {
     for (const match of variableMatches) {
@@ -178,7 +199,7 @@ export function validateTemplate(template: string): ValidationResult {
   }
 
   // Remove valid variables temporarily to check for invalid characters
-  let templateWithoutVars = template;
+  let templateWithoutVars = templateWithoutEscapedBraces;
   for (const varName of VALID_VARIABLES) {
     templateWithoutVars = templateWithoutVars.replace(new RegExp(`\\{${varName}\\}`, 'g'), '');
   }
@@ -192,8 +213,9 @@ export function validateTemplate(template: string): ValidationResult {
     };
   }
 
-  // Check for backslashes (Windows-style paths)
-  if (templateWithoutVars.includes('\\')) {
+  // Check for backslashes that are not brace escapes (Windows-style paths)
+  // We check the original template: any backslash NOT followed by { or } is invalid
+  if (/\\(?![{}])/.test(template)) {
     return {
       valid: false,
       error: 'Use forward slashes (/) for path separators, not backslashes (\\)'
diff --git a/tests/api/admin-notifications-test.routes.test.ts b/tests/api/admin-notifications-test.routes.test.ts
index 3dc5f3b..284cd9f 100644
--- a/tests/api/admin-notifications-test.routes.test.ts
+++ b/tests/api/admin-notifications-test.routes.test.ts
@@ -30,8 +30,9 @@ vi.mock('@/lib/middleware/auth', () => ({
   requireAdmin: requireAdminMock,
 }));
 
-vi.mock('@/lib/services/notification.service', () => ({
+vi.mock('@/lib/services/notification', () => ({
   getNotificationService: () => notificationServiceMock,
+  getRegisteredProviderTypes: () => ['discord', 'ntfy', 'pushover'],
 }));
 
 describe('Admin notifications test route', () => {
diff --git a/tests/api/admin-notifications.routes.test.ts b/tests/api/admin-notifications.routes.test.ts
index 9ce5a03..dd7dc5d 100644
--- a/tests/api/admin-notifications.routes.test.ts
+++ b/tests/api/admin-notifications.routes.test.ts
@@ -35,8 +35,9 @@ vi.mock('@/lib/middleware/auth', () => ({
   requireAdmin: requireAdminMock,
 }));
 
-vi.mock('@/lib/services/notification.service', () => ({
+vi.mock('@/lib/services/notification', () => ({
   getNotificationService: () => notificationServiceMock,
+  getRegisteredProviderTypes: () => ['discord', 'ntfy', 'pushover'],
 }));
 
 describe('Admin notifications routes', () => {
diff --git a/tests/api/audiobooks-search.routes.test.ts b/tests/api/audiobooks-search.routes.test.ts
index 3a47453..8522d42 100644
--- a/tests/api/audiobooks-search.routes.test.ts
+++ b/tests/api/audiobooks-search.routes.test.ts
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ const configServiceMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
 }));
 const prowlarrMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   search: vi.fn(),
+  searchWithVariations: vi.fn(),
 }));
 const rankTorrentsMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
 const groupIndexersMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
@@ -68,7 +69,7 @@ describe('Audiobooks search torrents route', () => {
       .mockResolvedValueOnce(null);
 
     groupIndexersMock.mockReturnValue({ groups: [{ categories: [1], indexerIds: [1] }], skippedIndexers: [] });
-    prowlarrMock.search.mockResolvedValue([{ title: 'Result', size: 100, indexer: 'Indexer', indexerId: 1 }]);
+    prowlarrMock.searchWithVariations.mockResolvedValue([{ title: 'Result', size: 100, indexer: 'Indexer', indexerId: 1 }]);
     rankTorrentsMock.mockReturnValue([
       {
         title: 'Result',
diff --git a/tests/api/auth-change-password.routes.test.ts b/tests/api/auth-change-password.routes.test.ts
index a0954fc..14d3686 100644
--- a/tests/api/auth-change-password.routes.test.ts
+++ b/tests/api/auth-change-password.routes.test.ts
@@ -68,6 +68,32 @@ describe('Change password route', () => {
     expect(payload.error).toMatch(/at least 8 characters/i);
   });
 
+  it('allows short passwords when ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD is enabled', async () => {
+    process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD = 'true';
+    prismaMock.user.findUnique.mockResolvedValue({
+      id: 'user-1',
+      authProvider: 'local',
+      authToken: 'enc-hash',
+      plexId: 'local-user',
+      plexUsername: 'user',
+    });
+    encryptionMock.decrypt.mockReturnValue('hash');
+    bcryptMock.compare.mockResolvedValue(true);
+    bcryptMock.hash.mockResolvedValue('new-hash');
+    encryptionMock.encrypt.mockReturnValue('enc-new-hash');
+    prismaMock.user.update.mockResolvedValue({});
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/auth/change-password/route');
+
+    const response = await POST(
+      makeRequest({ currentPassword: 'oldpass', newPassword: 'ab', confirmPassword: 'ab' }) as any
+    );
+    const payload = await response.json();
+
+    expect(response.status).toBe(200);
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+    delete process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD;
+  });
+
   it('blocks non-local users', async () => {
     prismaMock.user.findUnique.mockResolvedValue({
       id: 'user-1',
diff --git a/tests/api/bookdate-test-connection.routes.test.ts b/tests/api/bookdate-test-connection.routes.test.ts
index a3dc202..8bc5ce2 100644
--- a/tests/api/bookdate-test-connection.routes.test.ts
+++ b/tests/api/bookdate-test-connection.routes.test.ts
@@ -149,6 +149,15 @@ describe('BookDate test connection route', () => {
   it('returns Claude models for unauthenticated requests', async () => {
     const fetchMock = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
       ok: true,
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+        data: [
+          { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', display_name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5', type: 'model', created_at: '2025-09-29T00:00:00Z' },
+          { id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001', display_name: 'Claude Haiku 4.5', type: 'model', created_at: '2025-10-01T00:00:00Z' },
+        ],
+        has_more: false,
+        first_id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929',
+        last_id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001',
+      }),
       text: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue('ok'),
     });
     vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
@@ -161,7 +170,142 @@ describe('BookDate test connection route', () => {
 
     const payload = await response.json();
     expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
-    expect(payload.models.length).toBe(4);
+    expect(payload.models).toEqual([
+      { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5' },
+      { id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001', name: 'Claude Haiku 4.5' },
+    ]);
+    expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+      expect.stringContaining('https://api.anthropic.com/v1/models'),
+      expect.objectContaining({
+        headers: expect.objectContaining({ 'x-api-key': 'key' }),
+      })
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('returns Claude models for authenticated requests', async () => {
+    requireAuthMock.mockImplementation((_req: any, handler: any) => handler(_req));
+
+    const fetchMock = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+      ok: true,
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+        data: [
+          { id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514', display_name: 'Claude Opus 4', type: 'model', created_at: '2025-05-14T00:00:00Z' },
+        ],
+        has_more: false,
+        first_id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514',
+        last_id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514',
+      }),
+      text: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue('ok'),
+    });
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
+
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route');
+    const response = await POST({
+      headers: { get: () => 'Bearer token' },
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({ provider: 'claude', apiKey: 'key' }),
+    } as any);
+
+    const payload = await response.json();
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+    expect(payload.models).toEqual([
+      { id: 'claude-opus-4-20250514', name: 'Claude Opus 4' },
+    ]);
+  });
+
+  it('returns error for invalid Claude API key', async () => {
+    const fetchMock = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+      ok: false,
+      text: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue('{"type":"error","error":{"type":"authentication_error","message":"invalid x-api-key"}}'),
+    });
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
+
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route');
+    const response = await POST({
+      headers: { get: () => null },
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({ provider: 'claude', apiKey: 'bad-key' }),
+    } as any);
+
+    const payload = await response.json();
+    expect(response.status).toBe(400);
+    expect(payload.error).toMatch(/Invalid Claude API key/i);
+  });
+
+  it('paginates through Claude models when has_more is true', async () => {
+    let callCount = 0;
+    const fetchMock = vi.fn().mockImplementation(() => {
+      callCount++;
+      if (callCount === 1) {
+        return Promise.resolve({
+          ok: true,
+          json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+            data: [
+              { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', display_name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5', type: 'model', created_at: '2025-09-29T00:00:00Z' },
+            ],
+            has_more: true,
+            first_id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929',
+            last_id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929',
+          }),
+          text: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue('ok'),
+        });
+      }
+      return Promise.resolve({
+        ok: true,
+        json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+          data: [
+            { id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001', display_name: 'Claude Haiku 4.5', type: 'model', created_at: '2025-10-01T00:00:00Z' },
+          ],
+          has_more: false,
+          first_id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001',
+          last_id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001',
+        }),
+        text: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue('ok'),
+      });
+    });
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
+
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route');
+    const response = await POST({
+      headers: { get: () => null },
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({ provider: 'claude', apiKey: 'key' }),
+    } as any);
+
+    const payload = await response.json();
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+    expect(payload.models).toEqual([
+      { id: 'claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929', name: 'Claude Sonnet 4.5' },
+      { id: 'claude-haiku-4-5-20251001', name: 'Claude Haiku 4.5' },
+    ]);
+    expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+    // Second call should include after_id for pagination
+    expect(fetchMock.mock.calls[1][0]).toContain('after_id=claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929');
+  });
+
+  it('falls back to model id when display_name is missing', async () => {
+    const fetchMock = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+      ok: true,
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({
+        data: [
+          { id: 'claude-test-model', type: 'model', created_at: '2025-01-01T00:00:00Z' },
+        ],
+        has_more: false,
+        first_id: 'claude-test-model',
+        last_id: 'claude-test-model',
+      }),
+      text: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue('ok'),
+    });
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
+
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/bookdate/test-connection/route');
+    const response = await POST({
+      headers: { get: () => null },
+      json: vi.fn().mockResolvedValue({ provider: 'claude', apiKey: 'key' }),
+    } as any);
+
+    const payload = await response.json();
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+    expect(payload.models).toEqual([
+      { id: 'claude-test-model', name: 'claude-test-model' },
+    ]);
   });
 
   it('returns OpenAI error for unauthenticated requests with invalid key', async () => {
diff --git a/tests/api/requests-actions.routes.test.ts b/tests/api/requests-actions.routes.test.ts
index b45fd1b..3c00433 100644
--- a/tests/api/requests-actions.routes.test.ts
+++ b/tests/api/requests-actions.routes.test.ts
@@ -10,9 +10,11 @@ let authRequest: any;
 
 const prismaMock = createPrismaMock();
 const requireAuthMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
-const prowlarrMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({ search: vi.fn() }));
+const prowlarrMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({ search: vi.fn(), searchWithVariations: vi.fn() }));
 const rankTorrentsMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
 const configServiceMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({ get: vi.fn() }));
+const groupIndexersMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+const groupDescriptionMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn(() => 'Group'));
 const configState = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   values: new Map<string, string>(),
 }));
@@ -23,6 +25,9 @@ const jobQueueMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   addSearchEbookJob: vi.fn(() => Promise.resolve()),
 }));
 const downloadEbookMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+const audibleServiceMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
+  getRuntime: vi.fn(),
+}));
 const fsMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   access: vi.fn(),
 }));
@@ -44,6 +49,11 @@ vi.mock('@/lib/utils/ranking-algorithm', () => ({
   rankTorrents: rankTorrentsMock,
 }));
 
+vi.mock('@/lib/utils/indexer-grouping', () => ({
+  groupIndexersByCategories: groupIndexersMock,
+  getGroupDescription: groupDescriptionMock,
+}));
+
 vi.mock('@/lib/services/config.service', () => ({
   getConfigService: () => configServiceMock,
 }));
@@ -56,6 +66,10 @@ vi.mock('@/lib/services/ebook-scraper', () => ({
   downloadEbook: downloadEbookMock,
 }));
 
+vi.mock('@/lib/integrations/audible.service', () => ({
+  getAudibleService: () => audibleServiceMock,
+}));
+
 vi.mock('fs/promises', () => ({ default: fsMock, ...fsMock, constants: { R_OK: 4 } }));
 
 describe('Request action routes', () => {
@@ -72,22 +86,24 @@ describe('Request action routes', () => {
     );
   });
 
-  it('performs interactive search and ranks results', async () => {
+  it('performs interactive search and ranks results with runtime from ASIN', async () => {
     authRequest.json.mockResolvedValue({});
     prismaMock.request.findUnique.mockResolvedValueOnce({
       id: 'req-1',
       userId: 'user-1',
-      audiobook: { title: 'Title', author: 'Author' },
+      audiobook: { title: 'Title', author: 'Author', audibleAsin: 'B00ASIN123' },
     });
     prismaMock.user.findUnique.mockResolvedValueOnce({
       role: 'user',
       interactiveSearchAccess: null,
     });
-    configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(JSON.stringify([{ id: 1, priority: 10 }]));
+    configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(JSON.stringify([{ id: 1, priority: 10, categories: [3030] }]));
     configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(null);
-    prowlarrMock.search.mockResolvedValueOnce([{ title: 'Result', size: 100 }]);
+    groupIndexersMock.mockReturnValue({ groups: [{ categories: [3030], indexerIds: [1] }], skippedIndexers: [] });
+    prowlarrMock.searchWithVariations.mockResolvedValueOnce([{ title: 'Result', size: 500 * 1024 * 1024 }]);
+    audibleServiceMock.getRuntime.mockResolvedValueOnce(600);
     rankTorrentsMock.mockReturnValueOnce([
-      { title: 'Result', score: 50, breakdown: { matchScore: 50, formatScore: 0, seederScore: 0, notes: [] }, bonusPoints: 0, bonusModifiers: [], finalScore: 50 },
+      { title: 'Result', size: 500 * 1024 * 1024, score: 50, breakdown: { matchScore: 50, formatScore: 0, sizeScore: 12, seederScore: 0, notes: [] }, bonusPoints: 0, bonusModifiers: [], finalScore: 62 },
     ]);
 
     const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route');
@@ -96,6 +112,77 @@ describe('Request action routes', () => {
 
     expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
     expect(payload.results[0].rank).toBe(1);
+    expect(audibleServiceMock.getRuntime).toHaveBeenCalledWith('B00ASIN123');
+    expect(rankTorrentsMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+      expect.any(Array),
+      expect.objectContaining({ title: 'Title', author: 'Author', durationMinutes: 600 }),
+      expect.any(Object)
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('performs interactive search without runtime when no ASIN', async () => {
+    authRequest.json.mockResolvedValue({});
+    prismaMock.request.findUnique.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+      id: 'req-1b',
+      userId: 'user-1',
+      audiobook: { title: 'Title', author: 'Author', audibleAsin: null },
+    });
+    prismaMock.user.findUnique.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+      role: 'user',
+      interactiveSearchAccess: null,
+    });
+    configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(JSON.stringify([{ id: 1, priority: 10, categories: [3030] }]));
+    configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(null);
+    groupIndexersMock.mockReturnValue({ groups: [{ categories: [3030], indexerIds: [1] }], skippedIndexers: [] });
+    prowlarrMock.searchWithVariations.mockResolvedValueOnce([{ title: 'Result', size: 100 }]);
+    rankTorrentsMock.mockReturnValueOnce([
+      { title: 'Result', size: 100, score: 50, breakdown: { matchScore: 50, formatScore: 0, sizeScore: 0, seederScore: 0, notes: [] }, bonusPoints: 0, bonusModifiers: [], finalScore: 50 },
+    ]);
+
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route');
+    const response = await POST({} as any, { params: Promise.resolve({ id: 'req-1b' }) });
+    const payload = await response.json();
+
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+    expect(audibleServiceMock.getRuntime).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(rankTorrentsMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+      expect.any(Array),
+      expect.objectContaining({ title: 'Title', author: 'Author', durationMinutes: undefined }),
+      expect.any(Object)
+    );
+  });
+
+  it('performs interactive search gracefully when runtime fetch fails', async () => {
+    authRequest.json.mockResolvedValue({});
+    prismaMock.request.findUnique.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+      id: 'req-1c',
+      userId: 'user-1',
+      audiobook: { title: 'Title', author: 'Author', audibleAsin: 'B00FAIL' },
+    });
+    prismaMock.user.findUnique.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+      role: 'user',
+      interactiveSearchAccess: null,
+    });
+    configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(JSON.stringify([{ id: 1, priority: 10, categories: [3030] }]));
+    configServiceMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce(null);
+    groupIndexersMock.mockReturnValue({ groups: [{ categories: [3030], indexerIds: [1] }], skippedIndexers: [] });
+    prowlarrMock.searchWithVariations.mockResolvedValueOnce([{ title: 'Result', size: 100 }]);
+    audibleServiceMock.getRuntime.mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('Network error'));
+    rankTorrentsMock.mockReturnValueOnce([
+      { title: 'Result', size: 100, score: 50, breakdown: { matchScore: 50, formatScore: 0, sizeScore: 0, seederScore: 0, notes: [] }, bonusPoints: 0, bonusModifiers: [], finalScore: 50 },
+    ]);
+
+    const { POST } = await import('@/app/api/requests/[id]/interactive-search/route');
+    const response = await POST({} as any, { params: Promise.resolve({ id: 'req-1c' }) });
+    const payload = await response.json();
+
+    expect(payload.success).toBe(true);
+    expect(payload.results).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(rankTorrentsMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+      expect.any(Array),
+      expect.objectContaining({ durationMinutes: undefined }),
+      expect.any(Object)
+    );
   });
 
   it('triggers manual search job', async () => {
diff --git a/tests/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.test.tsx b/tests/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.test.tsx
index 265cfd2..b38941c 100644
--- a/tests/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.test.tsx
+++ b/tests/app/setup/steps/AudiobookshelfStep.test.tsx
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ const AudiobookshelfHarness = ({
     absApiToken: 'token',
     absLibraryId: '',
     absTriggerScanAfterImport: false,
+    absLibraries: [] as { id: string; name: string; itemCount: number }[],
     ...initialState,
   });
 
diff --git a/tests/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.test.tsx b/tests/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.test.tsx
index 9eb6d48..ac56cce 100644
--- a/tests/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.test.tsx
+++ b/tests/app/setup/steps/PlexStep.test.tsx
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ const PlexHarness = ({
     plexToken: 'token',
     plexLibraryId: '',
     plexTriggerScanAfterImport: false,
+    plexLibraries: [] as { id: string; title: string; type: string }[],
     ...initialState,
   });
 
diff --git a/tests/lib/utils/path-template.util.test.ts b/tests/lib/utils/path-template.util.test.ts
index 4b13978..d5d3f46 100644
--- a/tests/lib/utils/path-template.util.test.ts
+++ b/tests/lib/utils/path-template.util.test.ts
@@ -100,8 +100,8 @@ describe('substituteTemplate', () => {
     expect(result).toBe('Author/Title/Narrator');
   });
 
-  it('should handle mixed forward and backward slashes', () => {
-    const template = '{author}\\{title}/{narrator}';
+  it('should resolve escaped braces to literal brace characters', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/\\{{narrator}\\}/{title}';
     const variables: TemplateVariables = {
       author: 'Author',
       title: 'Title',
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ describe('substituteTemplate', () => {
     };
 
     const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
-    expect(result).toBe('Author/Title/Narrator');
+    expect(result).toBe('Author/{Narrator}/Title');
   });
 
   it('should trim dots from path components', () => {
@@ -145,6 +145,74 @@ describe('substituteTemplate', () => {
     const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
     expect(result).toBe('Audiobooks/Author/Books/Title');
   });
+
+  it('should resolve escaped left brace only', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/\\{prefix {title}';
+    const variables: TemplateVariables = {
+      author: 'Author',
+      title: 'Title'
+    };
+
+    const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
+    expect(result).toBe('Author/{prefix Title');
+  });
+
+  it('should resolve escaped right brace only', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/{title} suffix\\}';
+    const variables: TemplateVariables = {
+      author: 'Author',
+      title: 'Title'
+    };
+
+    const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
+    expect(result).toBe('Author/Title suffix}');
+  });
+
+  it('should resolve multiple escaped brace pairs', () => {
+    const template = '\\{{author}\\}/\\{{title}\\}';
+    const variables: TemplateVariables = {
+      author: 'Author',
+      title: 'Title'
+    };
+
+    const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
+    expect(result).toBe('{Author}/{Title}');
+  });
+
+  it('should handle escaped braces with missing optional variable', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/\\{{narrator}\\}/{title}';
+    const variables: TemplateVariables = {
+      author: 'Author',
+      title: 'Title'
+      // narrator is missing
+    };
+
+    const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
+    expect(result).toBe('Author/{}/Title');
+  });
+
+  it('should handle escaped braces adjacent to path separators', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/\\{{narrator}\\}/{title}';
+    const variables: TemplateVariables = {
+      author: 'Author',
+      title: 'Title',
+      narrator: 'Michael Kramer'
+    };
+
+    const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
+    expect(result).toBe('Author/{Michael Kramer}/Title');
+  });
+
+  it('should handle escaped braces around static text', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/\\{narrated\\}/{title}';
+    const variables: TemplateVariables = {
+      author: 'Author',
+      title: 'Title'
+    };
+
+    const result = substituteTemplate(template, variables);
+    expect(result).toBe('Author/{narrated}/Title');
+  });
 });
 
 describe('validateTemplate', () => {
@@ -205,8 +273,8 @@ describe('validateTemplate', () => {
     });
   });
 
-  it('should reject backslashes in template', () => {
-    const result = validateTemplate('{author}\\{title}');
+  it('should reject backslashes that are not brace escapes', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('{author}\\n{title}');
     expect(result.valid).toBe(false);
     expect(result.error).toContain('forward slashes');
   });
@@ -230,6 +298,42 @@ describe('validateTemplate', () => {
     expect(result.error).toContain('{narrator}');
     expect(result.error).toContain('{asin}');
   });
+
+  it('should accept escaped braces around a variable', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('{author}/\\{{narrator}\\}/{title}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('should accept escaped braces around static text', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('{author}/\\{custom\\}/{title}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('should accept escaped left brace only', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('{author}/\\{prefix {title}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('should accept escaped right brace only', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('{author}/{title} suffix\\}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('should accept multiple escaped brace pairs', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('\\{{author}\\}/\\{{title}\\}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
+
+  it('should accept backslash before brace but reject backslash before other characters', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('{author}\\n/\\{{title}\\}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(false);
+    expect(result.error).toContain('forward slashes');
+  });
+
+  it('should accept a template that is only escaped braces', () => {
+    const result = validateTemplate('\\{\\}');
+    expect(result.valid).toBe(true);
+  });
 });
 
 describe('generateMockPreviews', () => {
@@ -305,6 +409,17 @@ describe('generateMockPreviews', () => {
       expect(preview).toContain(' - B');
     });
   });
+
+  it('should resolve escaped braces in previews', () => {
+    const template = '{author}/\\{{narrator}\\}/{title}';
+    const previews = generateMockPreviews(template);
+
+    // First two mock entries have narrators
+    expect(previews[0]).toContain('{Michael Kramer}');
+    expect(previews[1]).toContain('{Stephen Fry}');
+    // Third mock entry has no narrator - escaped braces remain empty
+    expect(previews[2]).toContain('{}');
+  });
 });
 
 describe('getValidVariables', () => {
diff --git a/tests/processors/search-indexers.processor.test.ts b/tests/processors/search-indexers.processor.test.ts
index 5fe8397..15cf334 100644
--- a/tests/processors/search-indexers.processor.test.ts
+++ b/tests/processors/search-indexers.processor.test.ts
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import { createJobQueueMock } from '../helpers/job-queue';
 const prismaMock = createPrismaMock();
 const configMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({ get: vi.fn() }));
 const jobQueueMock = createJobQueueMock();
-const prowlarrMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({ search: vi.fn() }));
+const prowlarrMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({ search: vi.fn(), searchWithVariations: vi.fn() }));
 
 vi.mock('@/lib/db', () => ({
   prisma: prismaMock,
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ describe('processSearchIndexers', () => {
       }
       return null;
     });
-    prowlarrMock.search.mockResolvedValue([]);
+    prowlarrMock.searchWithVariations.mockResolvedValue([]);
     prismaMock.request.update.mockResolvedValue({});
 
     const { processSearchIndexers } = await import('@/lib/processors/search-indexers.processor');
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ describe('processSearchIndexers', () => {
       return null;
     });
 
-    prowlarrMock.search.mockResolvedValue([
+    prowlarrMock.searchWithVariations.mockResolvedValue([
       {
         indexer: 'Indexer',
         indexerId: 1,
diff --git a/tests/processors/send-notification.processor.test.ts b/tests/processors/send-notification.processor.test.ts
index 44b414a..c19bb82 100644
--- a/tests/processors/send-notification.processor.test.ts
+++ b/tests/processors/send-notification.processor.test.ts
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ const notificationServiceMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   sendNotification: vi.fn(),
 }));
 
-vi.mock('@/lib/services/notification.service', () => ({
+vi.mock('@/lib/services/notification', () => ({
   getNotificationService: () => notificationServiceMock,
 }));
 
diff --git a/tests/services/apprise.provider.test.ts b/tests/services/apprise.provider.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..898bf3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/services/apprise.provider.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,473 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Apprise Notification Provider Tests
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest';
+import { createPrismaMock } from '../helpers/prisma';
+
+const prismaMock = createPrismaMock();
+prismaMock.notificationBackend = {
+  findMany: vi.fn(),
+  findUnique: vi.fn(),
+  create: vi.fn(),
+  update: vi.fn(),
+  delete: vi.fn(),
+} as any;
+
+const encryptionMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
+  encrypt: vi.fn((value: string) => `enc:${value}`),
+  decrypt: vi.fn((value: string) => value.replace('enc:', '')),
+}));
+
+const fetchMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+
+vi.mock('@/lib/db', () => ({
+  prisma: prismaMock,
+}));
+
+vi.mock('@/lib/services/encryption.service', () => ({
+  getEncryptionService: () => encryptionMock,
+}));
+
+describe('AppriseProvider', () => {
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
+  });
+
+  describe('send — stateless mode (urls)', () => {
+    it('sends notification to correct Apprise endpoint with JSON body', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+          urls: 'slack://tokenA/tokenB/tokenC',
+          authToken: 'mytoken123',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date('2024-01-01T00:00:00Z'),
+        }
+      );
+
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('http://apprise:8000/notify/');
+      expect(fetchCall[1].method).toBe('POST');
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Content-Type']).toBe('application/json');
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Authorization']).toBe('Bearer mytoken123');
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchCall[1].body);
+      expect(body.urls).toBe('slack://tokenA/tokenB/tokenC');
+      expect(body.title).toBe('Request Approved');
+      expect(body.body).toContain('Test Book');
+      expect(body.body).toContain('Test Author');
+      expect(body.body).toContain('Test User');
+      expect(body.type).toBe('success');
+    });
+
+    it('strips trailing slashes from server URL', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000/', urls: 'slack://token' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('http://apprise:8000/notify/');
+    });
+
+    it('does not include Authorization header when authToken is not provided', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000', urls: 'slack://token' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Authorization']).toBeUndefined();
+    });
+
+    it('throws error when neither urls nor configKey is provided', async () => {
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await expect(
+        provider.send(
+          { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000' },
+          {
+            event: 'request_approved',
+            requestId: 'req-1',
+            title: 'Test Book',
+            author: 'Test Author',
+            userName: 'Test User',
+            timestamp: new Date(),
+          }
+        )
+      ).rejects.toThrow('Apprise requires either notification URLs or a config key');
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('send — stateful mode (configKey)', () => {
+    it('sends notification to configKey endpoint', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+          configKey: 'my-config',
+          tag: 'audiobooks',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_available',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('http://apprise:8000/notify/my-config');
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchCall[1].body);
+      expect(body.tag).toBe('audiobooks');
+      expect(body.title).toBe('Audiobook Available');
+      expect(body.body).toContain('Test Book');
+      expect(body.type).toBe('success');
+    });
+
+    it('omits tag from body when not provided', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000', configKey: 'my-config' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchMock.mock.calls[0][1].body);
+      expect(body.tag).toBeUndefined();
+    });
+
+    it('prefers configKey over urls when both are provided', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+          configKey: 'my-config',
+          urls: 'slack://token',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('http://apprise:8000/notify/my-config');
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchCall[1].body);
+      expect(body.urls).toBeUndefined();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('notification types by event', () => {
+    it('maps event types to correct Apprise notification types', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      const events = [
+        { event: 'request_pending_approval', expectedType: 'info' },
+        { event: 'request_approved', expectedType: 'success' },
+        { event: 'request_available', expectedType: 'success' },
+        { event: 'request_error', expectedType: 'failure' },
+      ] as const;
+
+      for (const { event, expectedType } of events) {
+        fetchMock.mockClear();
+        await provider.send(
+          { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000', urls: 'slack://token' },
+          {
+            event,
+            requestId: 'req-1',
+            title: 'Test Book',
+            author: 'Test Author',
+            userName: 'Test User',
+            timestamp: new Date(),
+          }
+        );
+
+        const body = JSON.parse(fetchMock.mock.calls[0][1].body);
+        expect(body.type).toBe(expectedType);
+      }
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('error handling', () => {
+    it('throws descriptive error when API returns non-OK response', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: false,
+        status: 500,
+        text: async () => 'Internal Server Error',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await expect(
+        provider.send(
+          { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000', urls: 'slack://token' },
+          {
+            event: 'request_approved',
+            requestId: 'req-1',
+            title: 'Test Book',
+            author: 'Test Author',
+            userName: 'Test User',
+            timestamp: new Date(),
+          }
+        )
+      ).rejects.toThrow('Apprise API failed: 500 Internal Server Error');
+    });
+
+    it('throws descriptive error on stateful mode failure', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: false,
+        status: 424,
+        text: async () => 'No recipients',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await expect(
+        provider.send(
+          { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000', configKey: 'bad-key' },
+          {
+            event: 'request_approved',
+            requestId: 'req-1',
+            title: 'Test Book',
+            author: 'Test Author',
+            userName: 'Test User',
+            timestamp: new Date(),
+          }
+        )
+      ).rejects.toThrow('Apprise API failed: 424 No recipients');
+    });
+
+    it('includes error message in notification body for error events', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { AppriseProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new AppriseProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000', urls: 'slack://token' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_error',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          message: 'Download timed out',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchMock.mock.calls[0][1].body);
+      expect(body.body).toContain('⚠️ Error: Download timed out');
+      expect(body.type).toBe('failure');
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('integration with NotificationService.sendToBackend', () => {
+    it('decrypts sensitive fields and sends to Apprise', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      // Use iv:authTag:data format to pass isEncrypted() check
+      // Note: the value must have exactly 3 colon-separated segments
+      await service.sendToBackend(
+        'apprise',
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+          urls: 'iv:tag:encryptedUrlsData',
+          authToken: 'iv:tag:mytoken123',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      // Verify decrypt was called for the sensitive fields
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('iv:tag:encryptedUrlsData');
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('iv:tag:mytoken123');
+
+      // Verify the decrypted values reach the fetch call
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Authorization']).toBe('Bearer iv:tag:mytoken123');
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchCall[1].body);
+      expect(body.urls).toBe('iv:tag:encryptedUrlsData');
+    });
+
+    it('does not decrypt non-sensitive fields', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        text: async () => 'ok',
+      });
+
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      await service.sendToBackend(
+        'apprise',
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+          configKey: 'my-config',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      // decrypt should not be called since there are no sensitive fields with encrypted values
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('encryptConfig and maskConfig', () => {
+    it('encrypts urls and authToken', async () => {
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      const encrypted = service.encryptConfig('apprise', {
+        serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+        urls: 'slack://tokenA/tokenB',
+        configKey: 'my-config',
+        authToken: 'mytoken123',
+      });
+
+      expect(encryptionMock.encrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('slack://tokenA/tokenB');
+      expect(encryptionMock.encrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('mytoken123');
+      expect(encrypted.urls).toBe('enc:slack://tokenA/tokenB');
+      expect(encrypted.authToken).toBe('enc:mytoken123');
+      expect(encrypted.serverUrl).toBe('http://apprise:8000'); // Not encrypted
+      expect(encrypted.configKey).toBe('my-config'); // Not encrypted
+    });
+
+    it('masks urls and authToken', async () => {
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      const masked = service.maskConfig('apprise', {
+        serverUrl: 'http://apprise:8000',
+        urls: 'slack://tokenA/tokenB',
+        configKey: 'my-config',
+        authToken: 'mytoken123',
+      });
+
+      expect(masked.urls).toBe('••••••••');
+      expect(masked.authToken).toBe('••••••••');
+      expect(masked.serverUrl).toBe('http://apprise:8000'); // Not masked
+      expect(masked.configKey).toBe('my-config'); // Not masked
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/services/auth/local-auth-provider.test.ts b/tests/services/auth/local-auth-provider.test.ts
index 6f479b3..ff7a16e 100644
--- a/tests/services/auth/local-auth-provider.test.ts
+++ b/tests/services/auth/local-auth-provider.test.ts
@@ -191,6 +191,40 @@ describe('LocalAuthProvider', () => {
     expect(result.error).toContain('Password');
   });
 
+  it('allows short passwords when ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD is enabled', async () => {
+    process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD = 'true';
+    configMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce('true'); // registration enabled
+    configMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce('false'); // no admin approval
+    prismaMock.user.findFirst.mockResolvedValue(null);
+    prismaMock.user.count.mockResolvedValue(0);
+    prismaMock.user.create.mockResolvedValue({
+      id: 'user-1',
+      plexId: 'local-user',
+      plexUsername: 'user',
+      role: 'admin',
+    });
+    bcryptHash.mockResolvedValue('hash');
+
+    const { LocalAuthProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider');
+    const provider = new LocalAuthProvider();
+    const result = await provider.register({ username: 'user', password: 'ab' });
+
+    expect(result.success).toBe(true);
+    delete process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD;
+  });
+
+  it('still rejects empty passwords when ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD is enabled', async () => {
+    process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD = 'true';
+
+    const { LocalAuthProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/auth/LocalAuthProvider');
+    const provider = new LocalAuthProvider();
+    const result = await provider.register({ username: 'user', password: '' });
+
+    expect(result.success).toBe(false);
+    expect(result.error).toContain('required');
+    delete process.env.ALLOW_WEAK_PASSWORD;
+  });
+
   it('rejects registration when username is taken', async () => {
     configMock.get.mockResolvedValueOnce('true');
     prismaMock.user.findFirst.mockResolvedValue({ id: 'user-10' });
diff --git a/tests/services/notification.service.test.ts b/tests/services/notification.service.test.ts
index 30d9aa8..678bffc 100644
--- a/tests/services/notification.service.test.ts
+++ b/tests/services/notification.service.test.ts
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         json: async () => ({ success: true }),
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       await service.sendNotification({
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     it('does not send if no backends are subscribed to the event', async () => {
       prismaMock.notificationBackend.findMany.mockResolvedValue([]);
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       await service.sendNotification({
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
           json: async () => ({ success: true }),
         });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       await service.sendNotification({
@@ -156,19 +156,99 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     });
   });
 
-  describe('sendDiscord', () => {
+  describe('sendToBackend', () => {
+    it('routes to Discord provider and decrypts config', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ success: true }),
+      });
+
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      await service.sendToBackend(
+        'discord',
+        { webhookUrl: 'enc:https://discord.com/webhook', username: 'ReadMeABook' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date('2024-01-01T00:00:00Z'),
+        }
+      );
+
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('enc:https://discord.com/webhook');
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalled();
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      // Decrypted URL should be used
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('https://discord.com/webhook');
+    });
+
+    it('routes to Pushover provider and decrypts config', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ status: 1 }),
+      });
+
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      // Use iv:authTag:data format to pass isEncrypted() check
+      await service.sendToBackend(
+        'pushover',
+        { userKey: 'iv:tag:user123', appToken: 'iv:tag:app456', priority: 1 },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('iv:tag:user123');
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('iv:tag:app456');
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalled();
+    });
+
+    it('throws error for unsupported backend type', async () => {
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      await expect(
+        service.sendToBackend(
+          'email',
+          {},
+          {
+            event: 'request_approved',
+            requestId: 'req-1',
+            title: 'Test Book',
+            author: 'Test Author',
+            userName: 'Test User',
+            timestamp: new Date(),
+          }
+        )
+      ).rejects.toThrow('Unsupported backend type: email');
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('DiscordProvider', () => {
     it('sends Discord webhook with rich embed', async () => {
       fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
         ok: true,
         json: async () => ({ success: true }),
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
-      const service = new NotificationService();
+      const { DiscordProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new DiscordProvider();
 
-      await service.sendDiscord(
+      await provider.send(
         {
-          webhookUrl: 'enc:https://discord.com/webhook',
+          webhookUrl: 'https://discord.com/webhook',
           username: 'ReadMeABook',
         },
         {
@@ -181,12 +261,12 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         }
       );
 
-      // Should call the webhook (URL decryption happens internally)
       expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalled();
 
       const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
       const body = JSON.parse(fetchCall[1].body);
 
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('https://discord.com/webhook');
       expect(fetchCall[1].method).toBe('POST');
       expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Content-Type']).toBe('application/json');
       expect(body.username).toBe('ReadMeABook');
@@ -201,12 +281,12 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         json: async () => ({ success: true }),
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
-      const service = new NotificationService();
+      const { DiscordProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new DiscordProvider();
 
-      await service.sendDiscord(
+      await provider.send(
         {
-          webhookUrl: 'enc:https://discord.com/webhook',
+          webhookUrl: 'https://discord.com/webhook',
         },
         {
           event: 'request_approved',
@@ -230,12 +310,12 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         text: async () => 'Bad Request',
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
-      const service = new NotificationService();
+      const { DiscordProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new DiscordProvider();
 
       await expect(
-        service.sendDiscord(
-          { webhookUrl: 'enc:https://discord.com/webhook' },
+        provider.send(
+          { webhookUrl: 'https://discord.com/webhook' },
           {
             event: 'request_approved',
             requestId: 'req-1',
@@ -249,20 +329,20 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     });
   });
 
-  describe('sendPushover', () => {
+  describe('PushoverProvider', () => {
     it('sends Pushover notification with correct payload', async () => {
       fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
         ok: true,
         json: async () => ({ status: 1 }),
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
-      const service = new NotificationService();
+      const { PushoverProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new PushoverProvider();
 
-      await service.sendPushover(
+      await provider.send(
         {
-          userKey: 'enc:user123',
-          appToken: 'enc:app456',
+          userKey: 'user123',
+          appToken: 'app456',
           priority: 1,
         },
         {
@@ -275,7 +355,6 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         }
       );
 
-      // Should call the Pushover API (credential decryption happens internally)
       expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalled();
 
       const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
@@ -296,13 +375,13 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         json: async () => ({ status: 1 }),
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
-      const service = new NotificationService();
+      const { PushoverProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new PushoverProvider();
 
-      await service.sendPushover(
+      await provider.send(
         {
-          userKey: 'enc:user123',
-          appToken: 'enc:app456',
+          userKey: 'user123',
+          appToken: 'app456',
         },
         {
           event: 'request_approved',
@@ -325,12 +404,12 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
         text: async () => 'invalid user key',
       });
 
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
-      const service = new NotificationService();
+      const { PushoverProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new PushoverProvider();
 
       await expect(
-        service.sendPushover(
-          { userKey: 'enc:user123', appToken: 'enc:app456' },
+        provider.send(
+          { userKey: 'user123', appToken: 'app456' },
           {
             event: 'request_approved',
             requestId: 'req-1',
@@ -344,11 +423,9 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     });
   });
 
-  // Note: formatDiscordEmbed is a private method, tested indirectly through sendDiscord
-
   describe('encryptConfig', () => {
     it('encrypts sensitive Discord config values', async () => {
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       const encrypted = service.encryptConfig('discord', {
@@ -362,7 +439,7 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     });
 
     it('encrypts sensitive Pushover config values', async () => {
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       const encrypted = service.encryptConfig('pushover', {
@@ -379,11 +456,72 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     });
   });
 
-  // Note: decryptConfig is a private method, tested indirectly through sendDiscord/sendPushover
+  describe('getRegisteredProviderTypes', () => {
+    it('returns all registered provider type keys', async () => {
+      const { getRegisteredProviderTypes } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const types = getRegisteredProviderTypes();
+
+      expect(types).toContain('apprise');
+      expect(types).toContain('discord');
+      expect(types).toContain('ntfy');
+      expect(types).toContain('pushover');
+      expect(types).toHaveLength(4);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('getAllProviderMetadata', () => {
+    it('returns metadata for all registered providers', async () => {
+      const { getAllProviderMetadata } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const metadata = getAllProviderMetadata();
+
+      expect(metadata).toHaveLength(4);
+
+      const apprise = metadata.find((m) => m.type === 'apprise');
+      expect(apprise).toBeDefined();
+      expect(apprise!.displayName).toBe('Apprise');
+      expect(apprise!.iconLabel).toBe('A');
+      expect(apprise!.iconColor).toBe('bg-purple-500');
+
+      const discord = metadata.find((m) => m.type === 'discord');
+      expect(discord).toBeDefined();
+      expect(discord!.displayName).toBe('Discord');
+      expect(discord!.iconLabel).toBe('D');
+      expect(discord!.iconColor).toBe('bg-indigo-500');
+      expect(discord!.configFields.length).toBeGreaterThan(0);
+
+      const ntfy = metadata.find((m) => m.type === 'ntfy');
+      expect(ntfy).toBeDefined();
+      expect(ntfy!.displayName).toBe('ntfy');
+      expect(ntfy!.iconLabel).toBe('N');
+
+      const pushover = metadata.find((m) => m.type === 'pushover');
+      expect(pushover).toBeDefined();
+      expect(pushover!.displayName).toBe('Pushover');
+      expect(pushover!.iconLabel).toBe('P');
+    });
+
+    it('includes config field definitions with correct properties', async () => {
+      const { getAllProviderMetadata } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const metadata = getAllProviderMetadata();
+
+      const discord = metadata.find((m) => m.type === 'discord')!;
+      const webhookField = discord.configFields.find((f) => f.name === 'webhookUrl');
+      expect(webhookField).toBeDefined();
+      expect(webhookField!.required).toBe(true);
+      expect(webhookField!.type).toBe('text');
+
+      const pushover = metadata.find((m) => m.type === 'pushover')!;
+      const priorityField = pushover.configFields.find((f) => f.name === 'priority');
+      expect(priorityField).toBeDefined();
+      expect(priorityField!.type).toBe('select');
+      expect(priorityField!.options).toBeDefined();
+      expect(priorityField!.options!.length).toBe(5);
+    });
+  });
 
   describe('maskConfig', () => {
     it('masks sensitive Discord config values', async () => {
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       const masked = service.maskConfig('discord', {
@@ -396,7 +534,7 @@ describe('NotificationService', () => {
     });
 
     it('masks sensitive Pushover config values', async () => {
-      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification.service');
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
       const service = new NotificationService();
 
       const masked = service.maskConfig('pushover', {
diff --git a/tests/services/ntfy.provider.test.ts b/tests/services/ntfy.provider.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a47f349
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/services/ntfy.provider.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,368 @@
+/**
+ * Component: ntfy Notification Provider Tests
+ * Documentation: documentation/backend/services/notifications.md
+ */
+
+import { beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest';
+import { createPrismaMock } from '../helpers/prisma';
+
+const prismaMock = createPrismaMock();
+prismaMock.notificationBackend = {
+  findMany: vi.fn(),
+  findUnique: vi.fn(),
+  create: vi.fn(),
+  update: vi.fn(),
+  delete: vi.fn(),
+} as any;
+
+const encryptionMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
+  encrypt: vi.fn((value: string) => `enc:${value}`),
+  decrypt: vi.fn((value: string) => value.replace('enc:', '')),
+}));
+
+const fetchMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+
+vi.mock('@/lib/db', () => ({
+  prisma: prismaMock,
+}));
+
+vi.mock('@/lib/services/encryption.service', () => ({
+  getEncryptionService: () => encryptionMock,
+}));
+
+describe('NtfyProvider', () => {
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+    vi.stubGlobal('fetch', fetchMock);
+  });
+
+  describe('send', () => {
+    it('sends notification to correct ntfy endpoint with JSON body', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'https://ntfy.example.com',
+          topic: 'audiobooks',
+          accessToken: 'tk_mytoken123',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date('2024-01-01T00:00:00Z'),
+        }
+      );
+
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('https://ntfy.example.com/audiobooks');
+      expect(fetchCall[1].method).toBe('POST');
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Content-Type']).toBe('application/json');
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Authorization']).toBe('Bearer tk_mytoken123');
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchCall[1].body);
+      expect(body.topic).toBe('audiobooks');
+      expect(body.title).toBe('Request Approved');
+      expect(body.message).toContain('Test Book');
+      expect(body.message).toContain('Test Author');
+      expect(body.message).toContain('Test User');
+      expect(body.priority).toBe(3);
+      expect(body.tags).toEqual(['white_check_mark']);
+    });
+
+    it('uses default server URL (https://ntfy.sh) when not provided', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        {
+          topic: 'audiobooks',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_available',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('https://ntfy.sh/audiobooks');
+    });
+
+    it('does not include Authorization header when accessToken is not provided', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        {
+          topic: 'audiobooks',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Authorization']).toBeUndefined();
+    });
+
+    it('uses default priority based on event type when not configured', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      // request_error should default to priority 4 (high)
+      await provider.send(
+        { topic: 'audiobooks' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_error',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          message: 'Download failed',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchMock.mock.calls[0][1].body);
+      expect(body.priority).toBe(4);
+      expect(body.tags).toEqual(['x']);
+      expect(body.message).toContain('Download failed');
+    });
+
+    it('uses configured priority over default', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { topic: 'audiobooks', priority: 5 },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchMock.mock.calls[0][1].body);
+      expect(body.priority).toBe(5);
+    });
+
+    it('strips trailing slashes from server URL', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { serverUrl: 'https://ntfy.example.com/', topic: 'audiobooks' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[0]).toBe('https://ntfy.example.com/audiobooks');
+    });
+
+    it('throws descriptive error when API returns non-OK response', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: false,
+        status: 401,
+        text: async () => 'unauthorized',
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await expect(
+        provider.send(
+          { topic: 'audiobooks', accessToken: 'bad_token' },
+          {
+            event: 'request_approved',
+            requestId: 'req-1',
+            title: 'Test Book',
+            author: 'Test Author',
+            userName: 'Test User',
+            timestamp: new Date(),
+          }
+        )
+      ).rejects.toThrow('ntfy API failed: 401 unauthorized');
+    });
+
+    it('includes error message in notification body for error events', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NtfyProvider } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const provider = new NtfyProvider();
+
+      await provider.send(
+        { topic: 'audiobooks' },
+        {
+          event: 'request_error',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          message: 'Download timed out',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      const body = JSON.parse(fetchMock.mock.calls[0][1].body);
+      expect(body.message).toContain('⚠️ Error: Download timed out');
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('integration with NotificationService.sendToBackend', () => {
+    it('decrypts accessToken and sends to ntfy', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      // Use iv:authTag:data format to pass isEncrypted() check
+      await service.sendToBackend(
+        'ntfy',
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'https://ntfy.example.com',
+          topic: 'audiobooks',
+          accessToken: 'iv:tag:tk_mytoken123',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      // Verify decrypt was called for the sensitive field
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('iv:tag:tk_mytoken123');
+
+      // Verify the decrypted value reaches the fetch call
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+      const fetchCall = fetchMock.mock.calls[0];
+      expect(fetchCall[1].headers['Authorization']).toBe('Bearer iv:tag:tk_mytoken123');
+    });
+
+    it('does not decrypt non-sensitive fields', async () => {
+      fetchMock.mockResolvedValue({
+        ok: true,
+        json: async () => ({ id: 'msg123' }),
+      });
+
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      await service.sendToBackend(
+        'ntfy',
+        {
+          serverUrl: 'https://ntfy.example.com',
+          topic: 'audiobooks',
+        },
+        {
+          event: 'request_approved',
+          requestId: 'req-1',
+          title: 'Test Book',
+          author: 'Test Author',
+          userName: 'Test User',
+          timestamp: new Date(),
+        }
+      );
+
+      // decrypt should not be called since there's no accessToken
+      expect(encryptionMock.decrypt).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+      expect(fetchMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('encryptConfig and maskConfig', () => {
+    it('encrypts accessToken', async () => {
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      const encrypted = service.encryptConfig('ntfy', {
+        serverUrl: 'https://ntfy.example.com',
+        topic: 'audiobooks',
+        accessToken: 'tk_mytoken123',
+      });
+
+      expect(encryptionMock.encrypt).toHaveBeenCalledWith('tk_mytoken123');
+      expect(encrypted.accessToken).toBe('enc:tk_mytoken123');
+      expect(encrypted.serverUrl).toBe('https://ntfy.example.com'); // Not encrypted
+      expect(encrypted.topic).toBe('audiobooks'); // Not encrypted
+    });
+
+    it('masks accessToken', async () => {
+      const { NotificationService } = await import('@/lib/services/notification');
+      const service = new NotificationService();
+
+      const masked = service.maskConfig('ntfy', {
+        serverUrl: 'https://ntfy.example.com',
+        topic: 'audiobooks',
+        accessToken: 'tk_mytoken123',
+      });
+
+      expect(masked.accessToken).toBe('••••••••');
+      expect(masked.serverUrl).toBe('https://ntfy.example.com'); // Not masked
+      expect(masked.topic).toBe('audiobooks'); // Not masked
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/utils/copy-file.test.ts b/tests/utils/copy-file.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe5d031
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/utils/copy-file.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+/**
+ * Component: Stream-based File Copy Utility Tests
+ * Documentation: documentation/phase3/file-organization.md
+ */
+
+import { describe, expect, it, vi, beforeEach } from 'vitest';
+import { Readable, Writable } from 'stream';
+
+const pipelineMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+const createReadStreamMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+const createWriteStreamMock = vi.hoisted(() => vi.fn());
+
+vi.mock('stream/promises', () => ({
+  pipeline: pipelineMock,
+}));
+
+vi.mock('fs', () => ({
+  createReadStream: createReadStreamMock,
+  createWriteStream: createWriteStreamMock,
+}));
+
+import { copyFile } from '@/lib/utils/copy-file';
+
+describe('copyFile', () => {
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+  });
+
+  it('pipes source to destination via pipeline', async () => {
+    const mockReadStream = new Readable({ read() {} });
+    const mockWriteStream = new Writable({ write(_, __, cb) { cb(); } });
+
+    createReadStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockReadStream);
+    createWriteStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockWriteStream);
+    pipelineMock.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+
+    await copyFile('/source/file.m4b', '/dest/file.m4b');
+
+    expect(createReadStreamMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/source/file.m4b');
+    expect(createWriteStreamMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/dest/file.m4b');
+    expect(pipelineMock).toHaveBeenCalledWith(mockReadStream, mockWriteStream);
+  });
+
+  it('propagates read errors', async () => {
+    const mockReadStream = new Readable({ read() {} });
+    const mockWriteStream = new Writable({ write(_, __, cb) { cb(); } });
+
+    createReadStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockReadStream);
+    createWriteStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockWriteStream);
+    pipelineMock.mockRejectedValue(
+      Object.assign(new Error('ENOENT: no such file or directory'), { code: 'ENOENT' })
+    );
+
+    await expect(copyFile('/missing/file.m4b', '/dest/file.m4b'))
+      .rejects.toThrow('ENOENT');
+  });
+
+  it('propagates write errors', async () => {
+    const mockReadStream = new Readable({ read() {} });
+    const mockWriteStream = new Writable({ write(_, __, cb) { cb(); } });
+
+    createReadStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockReadStream);
+    createWriteStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockWriteStream);
+    pipelineMock.mockRejectedValue(
+      Object.assign(new Error('EACCES: permission denied'), { code: 'EACCES' })
+    );
+
+    await expect(copyFile('/source/file.m4b', '/readonly/file.m4b'))
+      .rejects.toThrow('EACCES');
+  });
+
+  it('propagates EPERM errors (the original bug scenario)', async () => {
+    const mockReadStream = new Readable({ read() {} });
+    const mockWriteStream = new Writable({ write(_, __, cb) { cb(); } });
+
+    createReadStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockReadStream);
+    createWriteStreamMock.mockReturnValue(mockWriteStream);
+    pipelineMock.mockRejectedValue(
+      Object.assign(new Error('EPERM: operation not permitted'), { code: 'EPERM' })
+    );
+
+    await expect(copyFile('/nfs/source.m4b', '/nfs/dest.m4b'))
+      .rejects.toThrow('EPERM');
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/utils/file-organizer.test.ts b/tests/utils/file-organizer.test.ts
index 13b83e2..93178c3 100644
--- a/tests/utils/file-organizer.test.ts
+++ b/tests/utils/file-organizer.test.ts
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@ const fsMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   access: vi.fn(),
   stat: vi.fn(),
   mkdir: vi.fn(),
-  copyFile: vi.fn(),
   chmod: vi.fn(),
   unlink: vi.fn(),
   writeFile: vi.fn(),
@@ -71,11 +70,17 @@ const ebookMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   downloadEbook: vi.fn(),
 }));
 
+const copyFileMock = vi.hoisted(() => ({
+  copyFile: vi.fn(),
+}));
+
 vi.mock('fs/promises', () => ({
   default: fsMock,
   ...fsMock,
 }));
 
+vi.mock('@/lib/utils/copy-file', () => copyFileMock);
+
 vi.mock('axios', () => ({
   default: axiosMock,
   ...axiosMock,
@@ -109,7 +114,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
     const organizer = new FileOrganizer('/media', '/tmp');
@@ -174,7 +179,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
     const organizer = new FileOrganizer('/media', '/tmp');
@@ -216,7 +221,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.unlink.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
@@ -235,7 +240,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     const expectedDir = path.join('/media', 'Author', 'Book');
     expect(result.success).toBe(true);
     expect(result.targetPath).toBe(expectedDir);
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/tmp/tagged.m4b', path.join(expectedDir, 'book.m4b'));
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/tmp/tagged.m4b', path.join(expectedDir, 'book.m4b'));
     expect(fsMock.unlink).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/tmp/tagged.m4b');
   });
 
@@ -261,7 +266,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
     const result = await organizer.organize('/downloads/book', {
@@ -272,7 +277,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     expect(result.success).toBe(true);
     expect(result.errors).toContain('Metadata tagging skipped: ffmpeg not available');
     expect(metadataMock.tagMultipleFiles).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
   });
 
   it('downloads remote cover art when no local cover exists', async () => {
@@ -294,7 +299,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.writeFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
@@ -316,7 +321,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     // NOTE: Ebook downloads are now handled as first-class requests through the job queue
     // The file organizer no longer downloads ebooks inline
     expect(ebookMock.downloadEbook).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
     expect(result.filesMovedCount).toBe(1);
   });
 
@@ -340,7 +345,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     axiosMock.get.mockRejectedValue(new Error('cover failed'));
 
@@ -352,7 +357,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
 
     expect(result.success).toBe(true);
     expect(result.errors.join(' ')).toContain('Failed to download cover art');
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
   });
 
   it('continues when chapter analysis returns no valid chapters', async () => {
@@ -378,7 +383,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
     const result = await organizer.organize('/downloads/book', {
@@ -415,7 +420,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.unlink.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
@@ -502,7 +507,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     expect(result.audioFiles).toEqual([]);
     expect(result.errors.join(' ')).toContain('Source file not found');
     expect(result.errors.join(' ')).toContain('No audio files were successfully copied');
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
   });
 
   it('skips copying when target files already exist', async () => {
@@ -535,7 +540,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     expect(result.success).toBe(true);
     expect(result.audioFiles).toEqual([targetPath]);
     expect(result.filesMovedCount).toBe(0);
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
   });
 
   it('continues when metadata tagging throws', async () => {
@@ -557,7 +562,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
 
     const result = await organizer.organize('/downloads/book', {
@@ -567,7 +572,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
 
     expect(result.success).toBe(true);
     expect(result.errors.join(' ')).toContain('Metadata tagging failed');
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalled();
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalled();
   });
 
   it('validates paths and reports multiple issues', async () => {
@@ -668,7 +673,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockRejectedValue(
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockRejectedValue(
       Object.assign(new Error('EPERM: operation not permitted, copyfile'), { code: 'EPERM' })
     );
 
@@ -705,7 +710,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockImplementation(async (src: string, dest: string) => {
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockImplementation(async (src: string, dest: string) => {
       // Tagged file copy fails with EPERM
       if (path.normalize(src) === path.normalize(taggedPath)) {
         throw Object.assign(new Error('EPERM: operation not permitted'), { code: 'EPERM' });
@@ -736,7 +741,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     // Tagged temp file should be cleaned up
     expect(fsMock.unlink).toHaveBeenCalledWith(taggedPath);
     // Fallback copy should use the original source
-    expect(fsMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
+    expect(copyFileMock.copyFile).toHaveBeenCalledWith(sourcePath, targetFile);
     // Should record that tagged copy failed
     expect(result.errors.join(' ')).toContain('Tagged copy failed');
     expect(result.errors.join(' ')).toContain('without metadata tags');
@@ -760,7 +765,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     // Both tagged and original copies fail
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockRejectedValue(
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockRejectedValue(
       Object.assign(new Error('EPERM: operation not permitted'), { code: 'EPERM' })
     );
     fsMock.unlink.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
@@ -808,7 +813,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockImplementation(async (src: string) => {
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockImplementation(async (src: string) => {
       // First file succeeds, second fails
       if (path.normalize(src) === path.normalize(source2)) {
         throw Object.assign(new Error('EPERM: operation not permitted'), { code: 'EPERM' });
@@ -847,7 +852,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.chmod.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     fsMock.writeFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
     axiosMock.get.mockResolvedValue({ data: Buffer.from('cover') });
@@ -881,7 +886,7 @@ describe('file organizer', () => {
       throw new Error('missing');
     });
     fsMock.mkdir.mockResolvedValue(undefined);
-    fsMock.copyFile.mockRejectedValue(
+    copyFileMock.copyFile.mockRejectedValue(
       Object.assign(new Error('EPERM: operation not permitted'), { code: 'EPERM' })
     );
     fsMock.writeFile.mockResolvedValue(undefined);