diff --git a/apps/calendar/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/calendar/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index 5013ffb8b..6320acdc9 100644
--- a/apps/calendar/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/calendar/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { locale } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { PillNavigation, InputBarHelpModal, ImmersiveModeToggle } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import {
@@ -55,7 +54,7 @@
 	import { voiceRecordingStore } from '$lib/stores/voice-recording.svelte';
 	import { calendarOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	// App switcher items
 	const appItems = getPillAppItems('calendar');
@@ -70,9 +69,6 @@
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	// InputBar search - search events
 	async function handleSearch(query: string): Promise<QuickInputItem[]> {
 		if (!query.trim()) return [];
@@ -431,19 +427,7 @@
 		);
 	}
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth state from stored tokens
-		await authStore.initialize();
-
-		// Redirect to login if not authenticated
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		// Initialize split-panel from URL/localStorage
 		splitPanel.initialize();
 
@@ -459,26 +443,20 @@
 
 		// Note: Birthdays are loaded via reactive $effect when showBirthdays is enabled
 
-		// Redirect to start page if on root and a custom start page is set (only if authenticated)
-		if (authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			const currentPath = window.location.pathname;
-			if (currentPath === '/' && userSettings.startPage && userSettings.startPage !== '/') {
-				goto(userSettings.startPage, { replaceState: true });
-			}
+		// Redirect to start page if on root and a custom start page is set
+		const currentPath = window.location.pathname;
+		if (currentPath === '/' && userSettings.startPage && userSettings.startPage !== '/') {
+			goto(userSettings.startPage, { replaceState: true });
 		}
 
 		// Initialize mobile state
 		updateMobileState();
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} onresize={updateMobileState} />
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
-		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<SplitPaneContainer>
 		<div class="layout-container">
 			<a
@@ -598,7 +576,7 @@
 		<MiniOnboardingModal store={calendarOnboarding} appName="Kalender" appEmoji="📅" />
 	{/if}
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/chat/apps/web/src/routes/(protected)/+layout.svelte b/apps/chat/apps/web/src/routes/(protected)/+layout.svelte
index c3e859cb5..eb8777638 100644
--- a/apps/chat/apps/web/src/routes/(protected)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/chat/apps/web/src/routes/(protected)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 <script lang="ts">
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
 	import { locale } from 'svelte-i18n';
@@ -24,14 +23,13 @@
 	import type { LayoutData } from './$types';
 	import { chatOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	// App switcher items
 	const appItems = getPillAppItems('chat');
 
 	let { children, data }: { children: any; data: LayoutData } = $props();
 
-	let isChecking = $state(true);
 	let isCollapsed = $state(false);
 
 	// Use theme store's isDark directly
@@ -144,15 +142,7 @@
 		goto('/login');
 	}
 
-	// Initialize on mount - enforce login
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth and redirect if not authenticated
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		// Initialize theme
 		theme.initialize();
 
@@ -176,24 +166,12 @@
 		if (currentPath === '/chat' && userSettings.startPage && userSettings.startPage !== '/chat') {
 			goto(userSettings.startPage, { replaceState: true });
 		}
-
-		isChecking = false;
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} />
 
-{#if isChecking}
-	<!-- Loading state while checking auth -->
-	<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-background">
-		<div class="text-center">
-			<div
-				class="mb-4 inline-block h-12 w-12 animate-spin rounded-full border-4 border-solid border-primary border-r-transparent"
-			></div>
-			<p class="text-muted-foreground">Laden...</p>
-		</div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<!-- Navigation Layout -->
 	<div class="layout-container">
 		<!-- Floating Pill Navigation -->
@@ -245,7 +223,7 @@
 		{/if}
 	</div>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/clock/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/clock/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index 0e6968604..673cddd3a 100644
--- a/apps/clock/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/clock/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { locale } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { PillNavigation, CommandBar } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import type {
@@ -32,16 +31,13 @@
 	import { timersApi } from '$lib/api/timers';
 	import { clockOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	// App switcher items
 	const appItems = getPillAppItems('clock');
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	// CommandBar state
 	let commandBarOpen = $state(false);
 
@@ -235,14 +231,7 @@
 		goto('/login');
 	}
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth and redirect if not authenticated
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		// Initialize collapsed state from localStorage
 		const savedCollapsed = localStorage.getItem('clock-nav-collapsed');
 		if (savedCollapsed === 'true') {
@@ -266,19 +255,12 @@
 		if (currentPath === '/' && userSettings.startPage && userSettings.startPage !== '/') {
 			goto(userSettings.startPage, { replaceState: true });
 		}
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} />
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
-		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<div class="layout-container">
 		<PillNavigation
 			items={navItems}
@@ -335,7 +317,7 @@
 		{/if}
 	</div>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/contacts/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/contacts/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index 13b78df8b..3b38edc25 100644
--- a/apps/contacts/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/contacts/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { locale } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { PillNavigation, QuickInputBar, ImmersiveModeToggle } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import {
@@ -46,7 +45,7 @@
 	import { tagsStore } from '$lib/stores/tags.svelte';
 	import { contactsOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	// Tags state for Quick-Create
 	let availableTags = $state<{ id: string; name: string }[]>([]);
@@ -69,9 +68,6 @@
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	// Show toolbar only on main contacts page
 	const showContactsToolbar = $derived($page.url.pathname === '/');
 
@@ -268,14 +264,7 @@
 		previousOnboardingShow = showing;
 	});
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth and redirect if not authenticated
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		// Initialize split-panel from URL/localStorage
 		splitPanel.initialize();
 
@@ -290,19 +279,12 @@
 		// Load tags (used by TagStrip and Quick-Create)
 		await tagsStore.fetchTags();
 		availableTags = tagsStore.tags.map((t) => ({ id: t.id, name: t.name }));
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} />
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
-		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<SplitPaneContainer>
 		<!-- Navigation Layout -->
 		<div class="layout-container">
@@ -410,7 +392,7 @@
 		</div>
 	</SplitPaneContainer>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/mukke/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/mukke/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index 9b9f339bb..7682863d3 100644
--- a/apps/mukke/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/mukke/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { PillNavigation, QuickInputBar, DevBuildBadge } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import type {
 		PillNavItem,
@@ -27,7 +26,7 @@
 	import { playlistStore } from '$lib/stores/playlist.svelte';
 	import { projectStore } from '$lib/stores/project.svelte';
 	import { parseSongInput, formatParsedSongPreview } from '$lib/utils/song-parser';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 	import MiniPlayer from '$lib/components/MiniPlayer.svelte';
 	import FullPlayer from '$lib/components/FullPlayer.svelte';
 	import QueuePanel from '$lib/components/QueuePanel.svelte';
@@ -167,25 +166,14 @@
 		goto('/projects');
 	}
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		splitPanel.initialize();
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} />
 
-{#if !authStore.isAuthenticated}
-	<div class="min-h-screen flex items-center justify-center bg-background">
-		<div
-			class="w-8 h-8 border-4 border-primary border-t-transparent rounded-full animate-spin"
-		></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<SplitPaneContainer>
 		<div class="layout-container">
 			<a
@@ -251,7 +239,7 @@
 		</div>
 	</SplitPaneContainer>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale="de" loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/nutriphi/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte b/apps/nutriphi/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
index a590fec6a..c0926fbd8 100644
--- a/apps/nutriphi/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/nutriphi/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
@@ -8,14 +8,9 @@
 	import { authStore } from '$lib/stores/auth.svelte';
 	import { mealsStore } from '$lib/stores/meals.svelte';
 	import { parseMealInput, formatParsedMealPreview } from '$lib/utils/meal-parser';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
-
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	let loading = $state(true);
-	let appReady = $derived(!loading && !$i18nLoading);
-
 	// QuickInputBar handlers - search recent meals
 	async function handleSearch(query: string): Promise<QuickInputItem[]> {
 		const q = query.toLowerCase();
@@ -55,46 +50,42 @@
 		});
 		goto(`/add?${params.toString()}`);
 	}
-
-	onMount(() => {
-		authStore.initialize().then(() => {
-			loading = false;
-		});
-	});
 </script>
 
 <svelte:head>
-	{#if appReady}
+	{#if !$i18nLoading}
 		<title>{$t('app.name')} - {$t('app.tagline')}</title>
 	{:else}
 		<title>NutriPhi</title>
 	{/if}
 </svelte:head>
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-background">
-		<div
-			class="h-8 w-8 animate-spin rounded-full border-4 border-primary border-t-transparent"
-		></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
-	{@render children()}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} allowGuest={true}>
+	{#if $i18nLoading}
+		<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-background">
+			<div
+				class="h-8 w-8 animate-spin rounded-full border-4 border-primary border-t-transparent"
+			></div>
+		</div>
+	{:else}
+		{@render children()}
 
-	{#if authStore.isAuthenticated}
-		<QuickInputBar
-			onSearch={handleSearch}
-			onSelect={handleSelect}
-			onParseCreate={handleParseCreate}
-			onCreate={handleCreate}
-			placeholder="Mahlzeit eingeben..."
-			emptyText="Keine Mahlzeiten gefunden"
-			searchingText="Suche..."
-			createText="Analysieren"
-			deferSearch={true}
-			locale="de"
-			appIcon="search"
-			bottomOffset="70px"
-		/>
+		{#if authStore.isAuthenticated}
+			<QuickInputBar
+				onSearch={handleSearch}
+				onSelect={handleSelect}
+				onParseCreate={handleParseCreate}
+				onCreate={handleCreate}
+				placeholder="Mahlzeit eingeben..."
+				emptyText="Keine Mahlzeiten gefunden"
+				searchingText="Suche..."
+				createText="Analysieren"
+				deferSearch={true}
+				locale="de"
+				appIcon="search"
+				bottomOffset="70px"
+			/>
+		{/if}
+		<SessionExpiredBanner locale="de" loginHref="/login" />
 	{/if}
-	<SessionExpiredBanner locale="de" loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
diff --git a/apps/photos/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/photos/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index b8847b14c..8c82bf3ae 100644
--- a/apps/photos/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/photos/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { _, locale } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { PillNavigation, QuickInputBar } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import type { PillNavItem, PillDropdownItem, QuickInputItem } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
@@ -12,13 +11,10 @@
 	import { tagStore } from '$lib/stores/tags.svelte';
 	import { THEME_DEFINITIONS, DEFAULT_THEME_VARIANTS } from '@manacore/shared-theme';
 	import type { ThemeVariant } from '@manacore/shared-theme';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	let isDark = $derived(theme.isDark);
 	let userEmail = $derived(authStore.user?.email || 'Menu');
 
@@ -83,26 +79,12 @@
 		}
 	}
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
-		// Load initial data
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		await Promise.all([photoStore.loadStats(), albumStore.loadAlbums(), tagStore.loadTags()]);
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
-		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<div class="layout-container">
 		<PillNavigation
 			items={navItems}
@@ -145,7 +127,7 @@
 		</main>
 	</div>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/picture/apps/web/src/routes/app/+layout.svelte b/apps/picture/apps/web/src/routes/app/+layout.svelte
index fadea715c..48de722ba 100644
--- a/apps/picture/apps/web/src/routes/app/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/picture/apps/web/src/routes/app/+layout.svelte
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 	import { isUIVisible, toggleUI, showKeyboardShortcuts } from '$lib/stores/ui';
 	import { pictureOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 	import { viewMode, setViewMode } from '$lib/stores/view';
 	import type { ViewMode } from '$lib/stores/view';
 	import { browser } from '$app/environment';
@@ -60,34 +60,23 @@
 		theme.setMode(mode);
 	}
 
-	// Client-side auth check
-	$effect(() => {
-		if (authStore.initialized && !authStore.loading && !authStore.user) {
-			goto('/auth/login');
-		}
-	});
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
+		await userSettings.load();
 
-	// Load user settings when authenticated
-	$effect(() => {
-		if (authStore.initialized && authStore.user) {
-			userSettings.load().then(() => {
-				// Redirect to start page if on /app and a custom start page is set
-				const currentPath = window.location.pathname;
-				if (
-					currentPath === '/app' &&
-					userSettings.startPage &&
-					userSettings.startPage !== '/' &&
-					userSettings.startPage !== '/app'
-				) {
-					// Prepend /app if the start page doesn't include it
-					const targetPath = userSettings.startPage.startsWith('/app')
-						? userSettings.startPage
-						: `/app${userSettings.startPage}`;
-					goto(targetPath, { replaceState: true });
-				}
-			});
+		// Redirect to start page if on /app and a custom start page is set
+		const currentPath = window.location.pathname;
+		if (
+			currentPath === '/app' &&
+			userSettings.startPage &&
+			userSettings.startPage !== '/' &&
+			userSettings.startPage !== '/app'
+		) {
+			const targetPath = userSettings.startPage.startsWith('/app')
+				? userSettings.startPage
+				: `/app${userSettings.startPage}`;
+			goto(targetPath, { replaceState: true });
 		}
-	});
+	}
 
 	// Base navigation items (Mana is in user dropdown via manaHref)
 	const baseNavItems: PillNavItem[] = [
@@ -236,16 +225,7 @@
 
 <svelte:window on:keydown={handleKeyDown} />
 
-{#if authStore.loading}
-	<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center">
-		<div class="text-center">
-			<div
-				class="mb-4 inline-block h-12 w-12 animate-spin rounded-full border-4 border-solid border-blue-600 border-r-transparent"
-			></div>
-			<p class="text-gray-600">Loading...</p>
-		</div>
-	</div>
-{:else if authStore.user}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} loginHref="/auth/login" onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<div class="min-h-screen" style="background-color: hsl(var(--color-background));">
 		<!-- PillNavigation (conditionally visible) -->
 		{#if $isUIVisible}
@@ -297,7 +277,7 @@
 		{/if}
 	</div>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/auth/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.main-content {
diff --git a/apps/planta/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/planta/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index 763857567..164181bec 100644
--- a/apps/planta/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/planta/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { PillNavigation, QuickInputBar } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import type { PillNavItem, QuickInputItem, CreatePreview } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import { theme } from '$lib/stores/theme';
@@ -12,13 +11,10 @@
 		resolvePlantData,
 		formatParsedPlantPreview,
 	} from '$lib/utils/plant-parser';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	// Navigation items for Planta
 	const navItems: PillNavItem[] = [
 		{ href: '/dashboard', label: 'Meine Pflanzen', icon: 'document' },
@@ -85,21 +81,9 @@
 			goto(`/plant/${plant.id}`);
 		}
 	}
-
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth state from stored tokens
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-	});
 </script>
 
-{#if appReady}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto}>
 	<div class="layout-container">
 		<PillNavigation
 			items={navItems}
@@ -137,13 +121,7 @@
 		</main>
 	</div>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale="de" loginHref="/login" />
-{:else}
-	<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center">
-		<div
-			class="h-12 w-12 animate-spin rounded-full border-4 border-solid border-primary border-r-transparent"
-		></div>
-	</div>
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/skilltree/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte b/apps/skilltree/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
index b5afccd19..16d32127b 100644
--- a/apps/skilltree/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/skilltree/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,25 +1,20 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import '../app.css';
 	import '$lib/i18n';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { isLoading as i18nLoading, _ as t } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { skillStore } from '$lib/stores/skills.svelte';
 	import { achievementStore } from '$lib/stores/achievements.svelte';
 	import { authStore } from '$lib/stores/auth.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
 	import { skilltreeOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	let loading = $state(true);
-	let appReady = $derived(!loading && !$i18nLoading);
-
-	onMount(async () => {
-		await Promise.all([authStore.initialize(), skillStore.initialize()]);
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
+		await skillStore.initialize();
 		await achievementStore.initialize();
-		loading = false;
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:head>
@@ -27,20 +22,22 @@
 	<meta name="description" content="Track your skills like a game. Level up in real life." />
 </svelte:head>
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-gray-900">
-		<div class="text-center">
-			<div class="mb-4 text-6xl">🌳</div>
-			<div class="text-xl text-gray-300">{$t('app.loading')}</div>
+<AuthGate {authStore} allowGuest={true} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
+	{#if $i18nLoading}
+		<div class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-gray-900">
+			<div class="text-center">
+				<div class="mb-4 text-6xl">🌳</div>
+				<div class="text-xl text-gray-300">Loading...</div>
+			</div>
+		</div>
+	{:else}
+		<div class="min-h-screen bg-gray-900 text-gray-100">
+			{@render children()}
 		</div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
-	<div class="min-h-screen bg-gray-900 text-gray-100">
-		{@render children()}
-	</div>
 
-	{#if skilltreeOnboarding.shouldShow}
-		<MiniOnboardingModal store={skilltreeOnboarding} appName="SkillTree" appEmoji="🌳" />
+		{#if skilltreeOnboarding.shouldShow}
+			<MiniOnboardingModal store={skilltreeOnboarding} appName="SkillTree" appEmoji="🌳" />
+		{/if}
+		<SessionExpiredBanner locale="de" loginHref="/login" />
 	{/if}
-	<SessionExpiredBanner locale="de" loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
diff --git a/apps/storage/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte b/apps/storage/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
index da1ff3ae0..0b62b7cac 100644
--- a/apps/storage/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/storage/apps/web/src/routes/+layout.svelte
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 	import { ToastContainer } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import { storageOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 	import '../app.css';
 
 	// App switcher items
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	let loading = $state(true);
 	let isCollapsed = $state(false);
 
 	// Use theme store's isDark directly
@@ -130,33 +129,24 @@
 		goto('/login');
 	}
 
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
+		// Initialize theme
+		theme.initialize();
+
+		// Load user settings
+		await userSettings.load();
+
+		// Initialize collapsed state from localStorage
+		const savedCollapsed = localStorage.getItem('storage-nav-collapsed');
+		if (savedCollapsed === 'true') {
+			isCollapsed = true;
+			collapsedStore.set(true);
+		}
+	}
+
 	onMount(() => {
 		// Setup global error handling
 		const cleanupErrorHandler = setupGlobalErrorHandler();
-
-		// Initialize async operations
-		const init = async () => {
-			// Initialize theme
-			theme.initialize();
-
-			// Initialize auth
-			await authStore.initialize();
-
-			// Load user settings
-			await userSettings.load();
-
-			// Initialize collapsed state from localStorage
-			const savedCollapsed = localStorage.getItem('storage-nav-collapsed');
-			if (savedCollapsed === 'true') {
-				isCollapsed = true;
-				collapsedStore.set(true);
-			}
-
-			loading = false;
-		};
-
-		init();
-
 		return cleanupErrorHandler;
 	});
 </script>
@@ -165,71 +155,58 @@
 
 <ToastContainer />
 
-{#if loading}
-	<div
-		class="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center bg-background"
-		role="status"
-		aria-live="polite"
-		aria-busy="true"
-	>
-		<div class="text-center">
-			<div
-				class="mb-4 inline-block h-12 w-12 animate-spin rounded-full border-4 border-solid border-primary border-r-transparent"
-				aria-hidden="true"
-			></div>
-			<p class="text-muted-foreground">Laden...</p>
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} allowGuest={true} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
+	{#if isAuthPage}
+		<!-- Auth pages without navigation -->
+		{@render children()}
+	{:else}
+		<!-- Navigation Layout -->
+		<div class="layout-container">
+			<PillNavigation
+				items={navItems}
+				currentPath={$page.url.pathname}
+				appName="Storage"
+				homeRoute="/files"
+				onToggleTheme={handleToggleTheme}
+				{isDark}
+				{isCollapsed}
+				onCollapsedChange={handleCollapsedChange}
+				showThemeToggle={true}
+				showThemeVariants={true}
+				{themeVariantItems}
+				{currentThemeVariantLabel}
+				themeMode={theme.mode}
+				onThemeModeChange={handleThemeModeChange}
+				showLanguageSwitcher={true}
+				{languageItems}
+				{currentLanguageLabel}
+				showLogout={authStore.isAuthenticated}
+				onLogout={handleLogout}
+				loginHref="/login"
+				primaryColor="#3b82f6"
+				showAppSwitcher={true}
+				{appItems}
+				{userEmail}
+				settingsHref="/settings"
+				manaHref="/mana"
+				profileHref="/profile"
+				allAppsHref="/apps"
+			/>
+
+			<main class="main-content bg-background">
+				<div class="content-wrapper">
+					{@render children()}
+				</div>
+			</main>
+
+			<!-- Onboarding Modal -->
+			{#if storageOnboarding.shouldShow}
+				<MiniOnboardingModal store={storageOnboarding} appName="Storage" appEmoji="☁️" />
+			{/if}
 		</div>
-	</div>
-{:else if isAuthPage}
-	<!-- Auth pages without navigation -->
-	{@render children()}
-{:else}
-	<!-- Navigation Layout -->
-	<div class="layout-container">
-		<PillNavigation
-			items={navItems}
-			currentPath={$page.url.pathname}
-			appName="Storage"
-			homeRoute="/files"
-			onToggleTheme={handleToggleTheme}
-			{isDark}
-			{isCollapsed}
-			onCollapsedChange={handleCollapsedChange}
-			showThemeToggle={true}
-			showThemeVariants={true}
-			{themeVariantItems}
-			{currentThemeVariantLabel}
-			themeMode={theme.mode}
-			onThemeModeChange={handleThemeModeChange}
-			showLanguageSwitcher={true}
-			{languageItems}
-			{currentLanguageLabel}
-			showLogout={authStore.isAuthenticated}
-			onLogout={handleLogout}
-			loginHref="/login"
-			primaryColor="#3b82f6"
-			showAppSwitcher={true}
-			{appItems}
-			{userEmail}
-			settingsHref="/settings"
-			manaHref="/mana"
-			profileHref="/profile"
-			allAppsHref="/apps"
-		/>
-
-		<main class="main-content bg-background">
-			<div class="content-wrapper">
-				{@render children()}
-			</div>
-		</main>
-
-		<!-- Onboarding Modal -->
-		{#if storageOnboarding.shouldShow}
-			<MiniOnboardingModal store={storageOnboarding} appName="Storage" appEmoji="☁️" />
-		{/if}
-	</div>
-	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+		<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
+	{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/todo/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/todo/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index bf95d4ee0..324d2b0b0 100644
--- a/apps/todo/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/todo/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { locale } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { PillNavigation, QuickInputBar, ImmersiveModeToggle } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import {
@@ -40,7 +39,7 @@
 	import { parseTaskInput, resolveTaskIds, formatParsedTaskPreview } from '$lib/utils/task-parser';
 	import { todoOnboarding } from '$lib/stores/app-onboarding.svelte';
 	import { MiniOnboardingModal } from '@manacore/shared-app-onboarding';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 	import { TodoEvents } from '@manacore/shared-utils/analytics';
 
 	// App switcher items
@@ -56,9 +55,6 @@
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	// QuickInputBar search - search tasks
 	async function handleSearch(query: string): Promise<QuickInputItem[]> {
 		if (!query.trim()) return [];
@@ -277,14 +273,7 @@
 		goto('/login');
 	}
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth and redirect if not authenticated
-		await authStore.initialize();
-		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated) {
-			goto('/login');
-			return;
-		}
-
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		// Initialize split-panel from URL/localStorage
 		splitPanel.initialize();
 
@@ -310,19 +299,12 @@
 		} catch {
 			// localStorage not available
 		}
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
 <svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} />
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
-		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<SplitPaneContainer>
 		<div class="layout-container">
 			<a
@@ -474,7 +456,7 @@
 		</div>
 	</SplitPaneContainer>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/apps/zitare/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte b/apps/zitare/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
index 637495faa..63b82abbc 100644
--- a/apps/zitare/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
+++ b/apps/zitare/apps/web/src/routes/(app)/+layout.svelte
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 <script lang="ts">
 	import { goto } from '$app/navigation';
 	import { page } from '$app/stores';
-	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
 	import { locale, _ } from 'svelte-i18n';
 	import { PillNavigation, QuickInputBar, ImmersiveModeToggle } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
 	import type { PillNavItem, PillDropdownItem, QuickInputItem } from '@manacore/shared-ui';
@@ -26,7 +25,7 @@
 	import { getLanguageDropdownItems, getCurrentLanguageLabel } from '@manacore/shared-i18n';
 	import { getPillAppItems } from '@manacore/shared-branding';
 	import { setLocale, supportedLocales } from '$lib/i18n';
-	import { SessionExpiredBanner } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
+	import { SessionExpiredBanner, AuthGate } from '@manacore/shared-auth-ui';
 	import { QUOTES, type Quote } from '@zitare/content';
 
 	// App switcher items
@@ -41,9 +40,6 @@
 
 	let { children } = $props();
 
-	// Auth gate - prevent children from mounting before auth is confirmed
-	let appReady = $state(false);
-
 	// Use theme store's isDark directly
 	let isDark = $derived(theme.isDark);
 
@@ -213,10 +209,7 @@
 		zitareSettings.togglePillNav();
 	}
 
-	onMount(async () => {
-		// Initialize auth state from stored tokens
-		await authStore.initialize();
-
+	async function handleAuthReady() {
 		// Initialize settings
 		zitareSettings.initialize();
 
@@ -226,24 +219,12 @@
 			favoritesStore.load();
 			listsStore.loadLists();
 		}
-
-		// Auth confirmed - allow children to render
-		appReady = true;
-
-		// Add keyboard listener
-		window.addEventListener('keydown', handleKeydown);
-
-		return () => {
-			window.removeEventListener('keydown', handleKeydown);
-		};
-	});
+	}
 </script>
 
-{#if !appReady}
-	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
-		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
-	</div>
-{:else}
+<svelte:window onkeydown={handleKeydown} />
+
+<AuthGate {authStore} {goto} allowGuest={true} onReady={handleAuthReady}>
 	<div class="layout-container">
 		{#if !zitareSettings.immersiveModeEnabled}
 			<!-- PillNav (shown/hidden via FAB) -->
@@ -337,7 +318,7 @@
 		</main>
 	</div>
 	<SessionExpiredBanner locale={$locale || 'de'} loginHref="/login" />
-{/if}
+</AuthGate>
 
 <style>
 	.layout-container {
diff --git a/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/components/AuthGate.svelte b/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/components/AuthGate.svelte
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..bf7104ce5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/components/AuthGate.svelte
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+<!--
+  AuthGate - Centralized auth initialization and loading gate.
+
+  Handles:
+  - Auth store initialization
+  - Loading spinner while checking auth
+  - Redirect to login if not authenticated (unless allowGuest)
+  - Calling onReady callback after auth is confirmed
+  - Rendering children only when ready
+
+  Usage:
+    <AuthGate authStore={authStore} onReady={loadAppData}>
+      <AppContent />
+    </AuthGate>
+-->
+<script lang="ts">
+	import { onMount } from 'svelte';
+	import type { Snippet } from 'svelte';
+
+	/**
+	 * Minimal interface that all app auth stores must satisfy.
+	 * Every app's authStore (e.g. `$lib/stores/auth.svelte`) already matches this.
+	 */
+	interface AuthStoreInterface {
+		initialize(): Promise<void>;
+		readonly isAuthenticated: boolean;
+	}
+
+	interface Props {
+		/** The app's auth store instance (must have initialize() and isAuthenticated) */
+		authStore: AuthStoreInterface;
+		/** Path to redirect to when not authenticated (default: '/login') */
+		loginHref?: string;
+		/** If true, render children even when not authenticated (for guest-mode apps) */
+		allowGuest?: boolean;
+		/** Callback invoked after auth is confirmed, before children are rendered.
+		 *  Use this for loading app-specific data (projects, calendars, etc.) */
+		onReady?: () => void | Promise<void>;
+		/** SvelteKit goto function for client-side navigation. Falls back to window.location. */
+		goto?: (url: string, opts?: Record<string, unknown>) => unknown;
+		/** Content to render when ready */
+		children: Snippet;
+	}
+
+	let {
+		authStore,
+		loginHref = '/login',
+		allowGuest = false,
+		onReady,
+		goto: gotoFn,
+		children,
+	}: Props = $props();
+
+	let ready = $state(false);
+
+	function navigate(url: string) {
+		if (gotoFn) {
+			gotoFn(url);
+		} else if (typeof window !== 'undefined') {
+			window.location.href = url;
+		}
+	}
+
+	onMount(async () => {
+		await authStore.initialize();
+
+		if (!authStore.isAuthenticated && !allowGuest) {
+			navigate(loginHref);
+			return;
+		}
+
+		if (onReady) {
+			await onReady();
+		}
+
+		ready = true;
+	});
+</script>
+
+{#if !ready}
+	<div class="flex items-center justify-center h-screen bg-background">
+		<div class="animate-spin rounded-full h-8 w-8 border-b-2 border-primary"></div>
+	</div>
+{:else}
+	{@render children()}
+{/if}
diff --git a/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/index.ts b/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/index.ts
index cc2636a0c..f0282c5cd 100644
--- a/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/index.ts
+++ b/packages/shared-auth-ui/src/index.ts
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ export { default as AppleSignInButton } from './components/AppleSignInButton.sve
 export { default as GuestWelcomeModal } from './components/GuestWelcomeModal.svelte';
 export { default as AuthGateModal } from './components/AuthGateModal.svelte';
 export { default as SessionExpiredBanner } from './components/SessionExpiredBanner.svelte';
+export { default as AuthGate } from './components/AuthGate.svelte';
 
 // Utilities
 export {