diff --git a/client/public/version.js b/client/public/version.js
index 92328ac..33e8a67 100644
--- a/client/public/version.js
+++ b/client/public/version.js
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 // Maintainer-controlled web client version.
 // Format: YYYY.MM.DD Rn (example: 2026.02.20 R2)
-window.CHGRID_WEB_VERSION = "2026.02.25 R253";
+window.CHGRID_WEB_VERSION = "2026.02.25 R254";
 // Optional display timezone for timestamps. Falls back to America/Detroit if unset/invalid.
 window.CHGRID_TIME_ZONE = "America/Detroit";
diff --git a/client/src/main.ts b/client/src/main.ts
index 60ffe60..505d698 100644
--- a/client/src/main.ts
+++ b/client/src/main.ts
@@ -1459,7 +1459,9 @@ async function handleAuthResult(message: Extract<IncomingMessage, { type: 'auth_
       settings.saveAuthSessionToken('');
     }
     setConnectionStatus(message.message);
-    audio.sfxUiCancel();
+    if (message.message.trim().toLowerCase() !== 'invalid username or password.') {
+      audio.sfxUiCancel();
+    }
     mediaSession.setConnecting(false);
     updateConnectAvailability();
     signaling.disconnect();
@@ -2681,5 +2683,5 @@ updateDeviceSummary();
 setConnectionStatus(
   isVersionReloadedSession()
     ? 'Client updated, please reconnect.'
-    : 'Welcome to the Chat Grid. Log in or register, configure audio if needed, then Connect to join the grid.',
+    : 'Welcome to the Chat Grid, your immersive audio playground. Configure your audio, then Log in or register to join the grid.',
 );