diff --git a/docs/host-control-mode-EDGECASES.md b/docs/host-control-mode-EDGECASES.md
index 501bd42..ebb425d 100644
--- a/docs/host-control-mode-EDGECASES.md
+++ b/docs/host-control-mode-EDGECASES.md
@@ -49,8 +49,9 @@ Deferred by decision (see §8): host grace period on disconnect (EC-10).
 - ~~**Control-mode race at join:**~~ FIXED — `hcmHandleBlocked` now treats `HOST_BLOCKED`
   as authoritative (adopts host-only/guest role) instead of re-checking local mode,
   since background only sends it to gated guests.
-- **Dialog/badge text is English-only** — content.js has no i18n loader; the in-page
-  strings aren't localized yet. Follow-up.
+- ~~**Dialog/badge text is English-only**~~ FIXED — background resolves the strings
+  via GET_HCM_STRINGS (it has the i18n loader); content fetches them on init with
+  English fallback. 6 new keys (HCM_DIALOG_*/HCM_BADGE_*) across all 15 locales.
 
 ---
 
diff --git a/extension/background.js b/extension/background.js
index f372993..f280fe8 100644
--- a/extension/background.js
+++ b/extension/background.js
@@ -1731,6 +1731,20 @@ async function handleAsyncMessage(message, sender, sendResponse) {
     } else if (message.type === 'REQUEST_HOST_SYNC') {
         // content.js resync: hand back the host's extrapolated current position.
         sendResponse({ target: getHostSyncTarget() });
+    } else if (message.type === 'GET_HCM_STRINGS') {
+        // Localized strings for the in-page host-control dialog/badge. content.js
+        // has no i18n loader of its own, so background resolves them here.
+        const settings = await chrome.storage.local.get(['locale']);
+        const lang = settings.locale || getSystemLanguage();
+        await loadLocale(lang);
+        sendResponse({
+            title:  getMessage('HCM_DIALOG_TITLE'),
+            body:   getMessage('HCM_DIALOG_BODY'),
+            stay:   getMessage('HCM_DIALOG_STAY'),
+            solo:   getMessage('HCM_DIALOG_SOLO'),
+            badge:  getMessage('HCM_BADGE_SOLO'),
+            resync: getMessage('HCM_BADGE_RESYNC')
+        });
     } else if (message.type === 'HCM_DESYNC_STATE') {
         // content.js tells us whether the local user chose to watch on their own.
         // Only accept from the currently selected tab.
diff --git a/extension/content.js b/extension/content.js
index daa4d80..2351333 100644
--- a/extension/content.js
+++ b/extension/content.js
@@ -115,6 +115,16 @@
     let hcmLastUserGestureAt = 0;      // for deliberate-vs-involuntary classification
     let hcmBufferingUntil = 0;         // set on 'waiting' — buffering grace window
     let hcmDialogTimer = null;         // 8s auto-stay timer — cleared on dialog replace (H-4)
+    // Localized strings for the in-page dialog/badge (content has no i18n loader;
+    // background resolves them via GET_HCM_STRINGS on init). English fallbacks here.
+    const hcmStrings = {
+        title:  'KoalaSync · Host controls this room',
+        body:   'Only the host can control playback in this room. Keep watching together, or watch on your own?',
+        stay:   'Stay in sync',
+        solo:   'Watch on my own',
+        badge:  'Watching on your own',
+        resync: 'Resync'
+    };
     const HCM_USER_GESTURE_MS = 1000;
     const HCM_BUFFERING_GRACE_MS = 1500;
     const HCM_SNAP_BACK_COOLDOWN_MS = 1000;
@@ -256,12 +266,11 @@
 
         const wrap = hcmEl('div', 'position:fixed;z-index:2147483647;left:50%;bottom:32px;transform:translateX(-50%);background:#1f2937;color:#f9fafb;font:14px/1.4 system-ui,sans-serif;padding:16px 18px;border-radius:12px;box-shadow:0 8px 30px rgba(0,0,0,.45);max-width:360px;border:1px solid #374151');
         wrap.setAttribute('role', 'dialog');
-        const verb = action === EVENTS.SEEK ? 'jumped' : 'paused';
-        const title = hcmEl('div', 'font-weight:600;margin-bottom:6px', 'KoalaSync · Host controls this room');
-        const body = hcmEl('div', 'margin-bottom:12px;color:#d1d5db', `You ${verb} your player. Only the host can control the group. Keep watching together, or watch on your own?`);
+        const title = hcmEl('div', 'font-weight:600;margin-bottom:6px', hcmStrings.title);
+        const body = hcmEl('div', 'margin-bottom:12px;color:#d1d5db', hcmStrings.body);
         const btnRow = hcmEl('div', 'display:flex;gap:8px;justify-content:flex-end');
-        const soloBtn = hcmEl('button', 'background:#374151;color:#f9fafb;border:0;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:8px;cursor:pointer', 'Watch on my own');
-        const stayBtn = hcmEl('button', 'background:#10b981;color:#062a20;border:0;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:8px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600', 'Stay in sync');
+        const soloBtn = hcmEl('button', 'background:#374151;color:#f9fafb;border:0;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:8px;cursor:pointer', hcmStrings.solo);
+        const stayBtn = hcmEl('button', 'background:#10b981;color:#062a20;border:0;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:8px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600', hcmStrings.stay);
         btnRow.append(soloBtn, stayBtn);
         wrap.append(title, body, btnRow);
         root.appendChild(wrap);
@@ -326,7 +335,7 @@
         const host = hcmEl('div', 'all:initial');
         const root = host.attachShadow({ mode: 'open' });
         const b = hcmEl('div', 'position:fixed;z-index:2147483646;right:16px;bottom:16px;background:#b45309;color:#fff;font:13px/1.3 system-ui,sans-serif;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0 6px 20px rgba(0,0,0,.4);cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px');
-        b.append(hcmEl('span', null, '● Watching on your own'), hcmEl('span', 'text-decoration:underline', 'Resync'));
+        b.append(hcmEl('span', null, '● ' + hcmStrings.badge), hcmEl('span', 'text-decoration:underline', hcmStrings.resync));
         b.addEventListener('click', hcmExitDesync);
         root.appendChild(b);
         document.body.appendChild(host);
@@ -1448,4 +1457,13 @@
         }
     });
 
+    // Pull localized strings for the in-page dialog/badge (English fallback above).
+    chrome.runtime.sendMessage({ type: 'GET_HCM_STRINGS' }, (res) => {
+        if (chrome.runtime.lastError || !res) return;
+        Object.keys(hcmStrings).forEach(k => { if (res[k]) hcmStrings[k] = res[k]; });
+        // If the badge is already showing (early desync), re-render it with the
+        // localized text now that we have it.
+        if (hcmBadgeHost) { hcmRemoveBadge(); hcmShowBadge(); }
+    });
+
 })();
diff --git a/extension/locales/de.json b/extension/locales/de.json
index cd21b0e..1313c47 100644
--- a/extension/locales/de.json
+++ b/extension/locales/de.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Gast",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Schaut alleine — ignoriert die Befehle des Hosts",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · Der Host steuert diesen Raum",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Nur der Host kann die Wiedergabe in diesem Raum steuern. Weiter gemeinsam schauen oder allein weiterschauen?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Synchron bleiben",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Allein weiterschauen",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Du schaust allein",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Neu sync",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Keine Teilnehmer verbunden",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Raum verlassen",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Video auswählen",
diff --git a/extension/locales/en.json b/extension/locales/en.json
index 358e6c8..3bc6356 100644
--- a/extension/locales/en.json
+++ b/extension/locales/en.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Guest",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Watching on their own — host's commands are ignored",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · Host controls this room",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Only the host can control playback in this room. Keep watching together, or watch on your own?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Stay in sync",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Watch on my own",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Watching on your own",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Resync",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "No peers connected",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Leave Room",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Select Video",
diff --git a/extension/locales/es.json b/extension/locales/es.json
index af95d76..2c1f2d6 100644
--- a/extension/locales/es.json
+++ b/extension/locales/es.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Invitado",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Viendo por su cuenta — ignora los comandos del anfitrión",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · El anfitrión controla esta sala",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Solo el anfitrión puede controlar la reproducción en esta sala. ¿Seguir viendo juntos o ver por tu cuenta?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Seguir sincronizado",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Ver por mi cuenta",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Viendo por tu cuenta",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Resincronizar",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Sin participantes conectados",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Salir de la sala",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Seleccionar video",
diff --git a/extension/locales/fr.json b/extension/locales/fr.json
index 944912c..0ff7b82 100644
--- a/extension/locales/fr.json
+++ b/extension/locales/fr.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Invité",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Regarde de son côté — ignore les commandes de l'hôte",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · L'hôte contrôle ce salon",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Seul l'hôte peut contrôler la lecture dans ce salon. Continuer à regarder ensemble, ou regarder de votre côté ?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Rester synchronisé",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Regarder de mon côté",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Vous regardez seul",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Resynchroniser",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Aucun membre connecté",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Quitter le salon",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Choisir une vidéo",
diff --git a/extension/locales/it.json b/extension/locales/it.json
index c911ed4..b5780b7 100644
--- a/extension/locales/it.json
+++ b/extension/locales/it.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Ospite",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Guarda per conto proprio — ignora i comandi dell'host",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · L'host controlla questa stanza",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Solo l'host può controllare la riproduzione in questa stanza. Continuare a guardare insieme o guardare per conto tuo?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Resta sincronizzato",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Guarda per conto mio",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Stai guardando da solo",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Risincronizza",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Nessun partecipante connesso",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Lascia Stanza",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Seleziona Video",
diff --git a/extension/locales/ja.json b/extension/locales/ja.json
index 9b5bcda..f4f6e66 100644
--- a/extension/locales/ja.json
+++ b/extension/locales/ja.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "ゲスト",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "ソロ",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "単独で視聴中 — ホストのコマンドを無視しています",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · ホストがこのルームを操作中",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "このルームではホストのみが再生を操作できます。一緒に視聴を続けますか、それとも自分だけで視聴しますか？",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "同期を維持",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "自分だけで視聴",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "自分だけで視聴中",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "再同期",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "接続しているメンバーはいません",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "ルームを退室",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "ビデオを選択",
diff --git a/extension/locales/ko.json b/extension/locales/ko.json
index 595db59..f9bbe80 100644
--- a/extension/locales/ko.json
+++ b/extension/locales/ko.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "게스트",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "단독",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "혼자 시청 중 — 호스트 명령을 무시합니다",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · 호스트가 이 방을 제어합니다",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "이 방에서는 호스트만 재생을 제어할 수 있습니다. 계속 함께 보시겠어요, 아니면 혼자 보시겠어요?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "동기화 유지",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "혼자 보기",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "혼자 시청 중",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "다시 동기화",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "연결된 참여자가 없습니다",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "방 나가기",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "비디오 선택",
diff --git a/extension/locales/nl.json b/extension/locales/nl.json
index 4c808ac..fe6ede8 100644
--- a/extension/locales/nl.json
+++ b/extension/locales/nl.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Gast",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Zelfstandig aan het kijken — negeert de commando's van de host",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · De host bedient deze kamer",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Alleen de host kan de weergave in deze kamer bedienen. Samen blijven kijken of zelf verder kijken?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Gesynchroniseerd blijven",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Zelf verder kijken",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Je kijkt zelfstandig",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Opnieuw sync",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Geen deelnemers verbonden",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Kamer verlaten",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Selecteer video",
diff --git a/extension/locales/pl.json b/extension/locales/pl.json
index b5f3480..e28a7ce 100644
--- a/extension/locales/pl.json
+++ b/extension/locales/pl.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Gość",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Ogląda samodzielnie — ignoruje polecenia hosta",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · Host steruje tym pokojem",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Tylko host może sterować odtwarzaniem w tym pokoju. Oglądać dalej razem czy oglądać samodzielnie?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Pozostań zsynchronizowany",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Oglądaj samodzielnie",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Oglądasz samodzielnie",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Zsynchronizuj",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Brak połączonych uczestników",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Opuść pokój",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Wybierz wideo",
diff --git a/extension/locales/pt-BR.json b/extension/locales/pt-BR.json
index a8b2e31..d353142 100644
--- a/extension/locales/pt-BR.json
+++ b/extension/locales/pt-BR.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Convidado",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Assistindo por conta própria — ignora os comandos do anfitrião",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · O anfitrião controla esta sala",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Somente o anfitrião pode controlar a reprodução nesta sala. Continuar assistindo juntos ou assistir por conta própria?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Manter sincronizado",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Assistir por conta própria",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Assistindo por conta própria",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Ressincronizar",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Sem participantes conectados",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Sair da sala",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Selecionar vídeo",
diff --git a/extension/locales/pt.json b/extension/locales/pt.json
index 693b0ef..ab5544d 100644
--- a/extension/locales/pt.json
+++ b/extension/locales/pt.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Convidado",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "A ver por conta própria — ignora os comandos do anfitrião",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · O anfitrião controla esta sala",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Só o anfitrião pode controlar a reprodução nesta sala. Continuar a ver em conjunto ou ver por conta própria?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Manter sincronizado",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Ver por minha conta",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "A ver por tua conta",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Ressincronizar",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Nenhum participante ligado",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Sair da Sala",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Selecionar Vídeo",
diff --git a/extension/locales/ru.json b/extension/locales/ru.json
index c17d3fb..66a222c 100644
--- a/extension/locales/ru.json
+++ b/extension/locales/ru.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Гость",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Соло",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Смотрит отдельно — игнорирует команды ведущего",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · Комнатой управляет ведущий",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Управлять воспроизведением в этой комнате может только ведущий. Продолжить смотреть вместе или смотреть самостоятельно?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Оставаться синхронно",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Смотреть самостоятельно",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Вы смотрите самостоятельно",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Синхронизировать",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Нет подключенных участников",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Выйти из комнаты",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Выбрать видео",
diff --git a/extension/locales/tr.json b/extension/locales/tr.json
index f075493..ff4918b 100644
--- a/extension/locales/tr.json
+++ b/extension/locales/tr.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Misafir",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Solo",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Tek başına izliyor — sunucu komutlarını yok sayar",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · Bu odayı sunucu kontrol ediyor",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Bu odada oynatmayı yalnızca sunucu kontrol edebilir. Birlikte izlemeye devam mı, yoksa kendi başına mı izlemek istiyorsun?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Senkron kal",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Kendi başıma izle",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Kendi başına izliyorsun",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Yeniden senkronize et",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Bağlı kimse yok",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Odadan Ayrıl",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Video Seç",
diff --git a/extension/locales/uk.json b/extension/locales/uk.json
index 40a5bc2..a76366d 100644
--- a/extension/locales/uk.json
+++ b/extension/locales/uk.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "Гість",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "Соло",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "Дивиться окремо — ігнорує команди ведучого",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · Кімнатою керує ведучий",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "Керувати відтворенням у цій кімнаті може лише ведучий. Продовжити дивитися разом чи дивитися самостійно?",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "Залишатися синхронно",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "Дивитися самостійно",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "Ви дивитеся самостійно",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "Синхронізувати",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "Немає підключених однорангових пристроїв",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "Вийти з кімнати",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "Виберіть Відео",
diff --git a/extension/locales/zh.json b/extension/locales/zh.json
index 5ba0b55..9169d7b 100644
--- a/extension/locales/zh.json
+++ b/extension/locales/zh.json
@@ -52,6 +52,12 @@
   "BADGE_GUEST": "访客",
   "BADGE_DESYNCED": "单独",
   "TOOLTIP_PEER_DESYNCED": "单独观看中 — 忽略主持人的命令",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_TITLE": "KoalaSync · 主持人控制本房间",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_BODY": "本房间只有主持人可以控制播放。继续一起观看，还是自己单独观看？",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_STAY": "保持同步",
+  "HCM_DIALOG_SOLO": "自己单独观看",
+  "HCM_BADGE_SOLO": "正在单独观看",
+  "HCM_BADGE_RESYNC": "重新同步",
   "NO_PEERS_CONNECTED": "没有对等点连接",
   "BTN_LEAVE_ROOM": "离开房间",
   "LABEL_SELECT_VIDEO": "选择视频",