diff --git a/src/lib/app_components/e_app_help_tech.svelte b/src/lib/app_components/e_app_help_tech.svelte
index b90f9192..479da6d6 100644
--- a/src/lib/app_components/e_app_help_tech.svelte
+++ b/src/lib/app_components/e_app_help_tech.svelte
@@ -459,7 +459,7 @@ class:to-90%={$ae_sess.show_help_tech} -->
                     onclick={async () => {
                         const edit_mode = $ae_loc.edit_mode;
                         const confirm_msg = edit_mode
-                            ? 'Clear all IDB caches, localStorage, and sessionStorage? This will reload the page and sign you out.'
+                            ? 'Clear all IDB caches, localStorage, and sessionStorage? Your sign-in will be preserved. This will reload the page.'
                             : 'Clear all IDB caches? This will reload the page.';
 
                         if (!confirm(confirm_msg)) return;
@@ -472,8 +472,11 @@ class:to-90%={$ae_sess.show_help_tech} -->
                         }
 
                         if (edit_mode) {
+                            // Preserve ae_loc (sign-in credentials + permissions) across the wipe.
+                            const ae_loc_saved = localStorage.getItem('ae_loc');
                             localStorage.clear();
                             sessionStorage.clear();
+                            if (ae_loc_saved) localStorage.setItem('ae_loc', ae_loc_saved);
                         }
 
                         window.location.reload();
@@ -486,7 +489,7 @@ class:to-90%={$ae_sess.show_help_tech} -->
                         transition-all
                         {btn_class}
                         "
-                    title="Clear & Reload: Delete all IDB caches and reload. In edit mode also clears localStorage/sessionStorage — you will be signed out.">
+                    title="Clear & Reload: Delete all IDB caches and reload. In edit mode also clears localStorage/sessionStorage, preserving your sign-in.">
                     <RefreshCw size="1em" class="inline-block" />
                     <span class="md:inline">Clear & Reload</span>
                 </button>