diff --git a/cli.py b/cli.py
index c0313fd24..26a223388 100644
--- a/cli.py
+++ b/cli.py
@@ -1817,6 +1817,7 @@ class HermesCLI:
         self._approval_state = None
         self._approval_deadline = 0
         self._approval_lock = threading.Lock()
+        self._model_picker_state = None
         self._secret_state = None
         self._secret_deadline = 0
         self._spinner_text: str = ""  # thinking spinner text for TUI
@@ -2059,7 +2060,7 @@ class HermesCLI:
             return f"⚕ {self.model if getattr(self, 'model', None) else 'Hermes'}"
 
     def _get_status_bar_fragments(self):
-        if not self._status_bar_visible:
+        if not self._status_bar_visible or getattr(self, '_model_picker_state', None):
             return []
         try:
             snapshot = self._get_status_bar_snapshot()
@@ -4291,6 +4292,265 @@ class HermesCLI:
         remaining = len(self.conversation_history)
         print(f"  {remaining} message(s) remaining in history.")
     
+    def _run_curses_picker(self, title: str, items: list[str], default_index: int = 0) -> int | None:
+        """Run curses_single_select via run_in_terminal so prompt_toolkit handles terminal ownership cleanly."""
+        import threading
+        from hermes_cli.curses_ui import curses_single_select
+
+        result = [None]
+
+        def _pick():
+            result[0] = curses_single_select(title, items, default_index=default_index)
+
+        # run_in_terminal requires an asyncio event loop — only exists in the
+        # main prompt_toolkit thread.  If we're in a background thread (e.g.
+        # process_loop), fall back to direct curses call.
+        in_main_thread = threading.current_thread() is threading.main_thread()
+
+        if self._app and in_main_thread:
+            from prompt_toolkit.application import run_in_terminal
+            was_visible = self._status_bar_visible
+            self._status_bar_visible = False
+            self._app.invalidate()
+            try:
+                run_in_terminal(_pick)
+            finally:
+                self._status_bar_visible = was_visible
+                self._app.invalidate()
+        else:
+            _pick()
+
+        return result[0]
+
+    def _prompt_text_input(self, prompt_text: str) -> str | None:
+        """Prompt for free-text input safely inside or outside prompt_toolkit."""
+        result = [None]
+
+        def _ask():
+            try:
+                result[0] = input(prompt_text).strip() or None
+            except (KeyboardInterrupt, EOFError):
+                pass
+
+        if self._app:
+            from prompt_toolkit.application import run_in_terminal
+            was_visible = self._status_bar_visible
+            self._status_bar_visible = False
+            self._app.invalidate()
+            try:
+                run_in_terminal(_ask)
+            finally:
+                self._status_bar_visible = was_visible
+                self._app.invalidate()
+        else:
+            _ask()
+        return result[0]
+
+    def _interactive_provider_selection(
+        self, providers: list, current_model: str, current_provider: str
+    ) -> str | None:
+        """Show provider picker, return slug or None on cancel."""
+        choices = []
+        for p in providers:
+            count = p.get("total_models", len(p.get("models", [])))
+            label = f"{p['name']} ({count} model{'s' if count != 1 else ''})"
+            if p.get("is_current"):
+                label += "  ← current"
+            choices.append(label)
+
+        default_idx = next(
+            (i for i, p in enumerate(providers) if p.get("is_current")), 0
+        )
+
+        idx = self._run_curses_picker(
+            f"Select a provider (current: {current_model} on {current_provider}):",
+            choices,
+            default_index=default_idx,
+        )
+        if idx is None:
+            return None
+        return providers[idx]["slug"]
+
+    def _interactive_model_selection(
+        self, model_list: list, provider_data: dict
+    ) -> str | None:
+        """Show model picker for a given provider, return model_id or None on cancel."""
+        pname = provider_data.get("name", provider_data.get("slug", ""))
+        total = provider_data.get("total_models", len(model_list))
+
+        if not model_list:
+            _cprint(f"\n  No models listed for {pname}.")
+            return self._prompt_text_input("  Enter model name manually (or Enter to cancel): ")
+
+        choices = list(model_list) + ["Enter custom model name"]
+        idx = self._run_curses_picker(
+            f"Select model from {pname} ({len(model_list)} of {total}):",
+            choices,
+        )
+        if idx is None:
+            return None
+        if idx < len(model_list):
+            return model_list[idx]
+        return self._prompt_text_input("  Enter model name: ")
+
+    def _open_model_picker(self, providers: list, current_model: str, current_provider: str, user_provs=None, custom_provs=None) -> None:
+        """Open prompt_toolkit-native /model picker modal."""
+        self._capture_modal_input_snapshot()
+        default_idx = next((i for i, p in enumerate(providers) if p.get("is_current")), 0)
+        self._model_picker_state = {
+            "stage": "provider",
+            "providers": providers,
+            "selected": default_idx,
+            "current_model": current_model,
+            "current_provider": current_provider,
+            "user_provs": user_provs,
+            "custom_provs": custom_provs,
+        }
+        self._invalidate(min_interval=0.0)
+
+    def _close_model_picker(self) -> None:
+        self._model_picker_state = None
+        self._restore_modal_input_snapshot()
+        self._invalidate(min_interval=0.0)
+
+    def _apply_model_switch_result(self, result, persist_global: bool) -> None:
+        if not result.success:
+            _cprint(f"  ✗ {result.error_message}")
+            return
+
+        old_model = self.model
+        self.model = result.new_model
+        self.provider = result.target_provider
+        self.requested_provider = result.target_provider
+        if result.api_key:
+            self.api_key = result.api_key
+            self._explicit_api_key = result.api_key
+        if result.base_url:
+            self.base_url = result.base_url
+            self._explicit_base_url = result.base_url
+        if result.api_mode:
+            self.api_mode = result.api_mode
+
+        if self.agent is not None:
+            try:
+                self.agent.switch_model(
+                    new_model=result.new_model,
+                    new_provider=result.target_provider,
+                    api_key=result.api_key,
+                    base_url=result.base_url,
+                    api_mode=result.api_mode,
+                )
+            except Exception as exc:
+                _cprint(f"  ⚠ Agent swap failed ({exc}); change applied to next session.")
+
+        self._pending_model_switch_note = (
+            f"[Note: model was just switched from {old_model} to {result.new_model} "
+            f"via {result.provider_label or result.target_provider}. "
+            f"Adjust your self-identification accordingly.]"
+        )
+
+        provider_label = result.provider_label or result.target_provider
+        _cprint(f"  ✓ Model switched: {result.new_model}")
+        _cprint(f"    Provider: {provider_label}")
+
+        mi = result.model_info
+        if mi:
+            if mi.context_window:
+                _cprint(f"    Context: {mi.context_window:,} tokens")
+            if mi.max_output:
+                _cprint(f"    Max output: {mi.max_output:,} tokens")
+            if mi.has_cost_data():
+                _cprint(f"    Cost: {mi.format_cost()}")
+            _cprint(f"    Capabilities: {mi.format_capabilities()}")
+        else:
+            try:
+                from agent.model_metadata import get_model_context_length
+                ctx = get_model_context_length(
+                    result.new_model,
+                    base_url=result.base_url or self.base_url,
+                    api_key=result.api_key or self.api_key,
+                    provider=result.target_provider,
+                )
+                _cprint(f"    Context: {ctx:,} tokens")
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
+        cache_enabled = (
+            ("openrouter" in (result.base_url or "").lower() and "claude" in result.new_model.lower())
+            or result.api_mode == "anthropic_messages"
+        )
+        if cache_enabled:
+            _cprint("    Prompt caching: enabled")
+        if result.warning_message:
+            _cprint(f"    ⚠ {result.warning_message}")
+        if persist_global:
+            save_config_value("model.default", result.new_model)
+            if result.provider_changed:
+                save_config_value("model.provider", result.target_provider)
+            _cprint("    Saved to config.yaml (--global)")
+        else:
+            _cprint("    (session only — add --global to persist)")
+
+    def _handle_model_picker_selection(self, persist_global: bool = False) -> None:
+        state = self._model_picker_state
+        if not state:
+            return
+        selected = state.get("selected", 0)
+        stage = state.get("stage")
+        if stage == "provider":
+            providers = state.get("providers") or []
+            if selected >= len(providers):
+                self._close_model_picker()
+                return
+            provider_data = providers[selected]
+            model_list = []
+            try:
+                from hermes_cli.models import provider_model_ids
+                live = provider_model_ids(provider_data["slug"])
+                if live:
+                    model_list = live
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            if not model_list:
+                model_list = provider_data.get("models", [])
+            state["stage"] = "model"
+            state["provider_data"] = provider_data
+            state["model_list"] = model_list
+            state["selected"] = 0
+            self._invalidate(min_interval=0.0)
+            return
+        if stage == "model":
+            provider_data = state.get("provider_data") or {}
+            model_list = state.get("model_list") or []
+            back_idx = len(model_list)
+            cancel_idx = len(model_list) + 1
+            if selected == back_idx:
+                state["stage"] = "provider"
+                state["selected"] = next((i for i, p in enumerate(state.get("providers") or []) if p.get("slug") == provider_data.get("slug")), 0)
+                self._invalidate(min_interval=0.0)
+                return
+            if selected >= cancel_idx:
+                self._close_model_picker()
+                return
+            if selected < len(model_list):
+                from hermes_cli.model_switch import switch_model
+                chosen_model = model_list[selected]
+                result = switch_model(
+                    raw_input=chosen_model,
+                    current_provider=self.provider or "",
+                    current_model=self.model or "",
+                    current_base_url=self.base_url or "",
+                    current_api_key=self.api_key or "",
+                    is_global=persist_global,
+                    explicit_provider=provider_data.get("slug"),
+                    user_providers=state.get("user_provs"),
+                    custom_providers=state.get("custom_provs"),
+                )
+                self._close_model_picker()
+                self._apply_model_switch_result(result, persist_global)
+                return
+            self._close_model_picker()
+
     def _handle_model_switch(self, cmd_original: str):
         """Handle /model command — switch model for this session.
 
@@ -4313,56 +4573,46 @@ class HermesCLI:
 
         user_provs = None
         custom_provs = None
-        try:
-            from hermes_cli.config import load_config
-            cfg = load_config()
-            user_provs = cfg.get("providers")
-            custom_provs = cfg.get("custom_providers")
-        except Exception:
-            pass
 
-        # No args at all: show available providers + models
+        # No args at all: open prompt_toolkit-native picker modal
         if not model_input and not explicit_provider:
             model_display = self.model or "unknown"
             provider_display = get_label(self.provider) if self.provider else "unknown"
-            _cprint(f"  Current: {model_display} on {provider_display}")
-            _cprint("")
 
-            # Show authenticated providers with top models
+            user_provs = None
+            custom_provs = None
+            try:
+                from hermes_cli.config import load_config
+                cfg = load_config()
+                user_provs = cfg.get("providers")
+                custom_provs = cfg.get("custom_providers")
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+
             try:
                 providers = list_authenticated_providers(
                     current_provider=self.provider or "",
                     user_providers=user_provs,
                     custom_providers=custom_provs,
-                    max_models=6,
+                    max_models=50,
                 )
-                if providers:
-                    for p in providers:
-                        tag = " (current)" if p["is_current"] else ""
-                        _cprint(f"  {p['name']} [--provider {p['slug']}]{tag}:")
-                        if p["models"]:
-                            model_strs = ", ".join(p["models"])
-                            extra = f"  (+{p['total_models'] - len(p['models'])} more)" if p["total_models"] > len(p["models"]) else ""
-                            _cprint(f"    {model_strs}{extra}")
-                        elif p.get("api_url"):
-                            _cprint(f"    {p['api_url']} (use /model <name> --provider {p['slug']})")
-                        else:
-                            _cprint(f"    (no models listed)")
-                        _cprint("")
-                else:
-                    _cprint("  No authenticated providers found.")
-                    _cprint("")
             except Exception:
-                pass
+                providers = []
 
-            # Aliases
-            from hermes_cli.model_switch import MODEL_ALIASES
-            alias_list = ", ".join(sorted(MODEL_ALIASES.keys()))
-            _cprint(f"  Aliases: {alias_list}")
-            _cprint("")
-            _cprint("  /model <name>                        switch model")
-            _cprint("  /model <name> --provider <slug>      switch provider")
-            _cprint("  /model <name> --global               persist to config")
+            if not providers:
+                _cprint("  No authenticated providers found.")
+                _cprint("")
+                _cprint("  /model <name>                        switch model")
+                _cprint("  /model --provider <slug>             switch provider")
+                return
+
+            self._open_model_picker(
+                providers,
+                model_display,
+                provider_display,
+                user_provs=user_provs,
+                custom_provs=custom_provs,
+            )
             return
 
         # Perform the switch
@@ -4470,6 +4720,18 @@ class HermesCLI:
         else:
             _cprint("    (session only — add --global to persist)")
 
+    def _should_handle_model_command_inline(self, text: str, has_images: bool = False) -> bool:
+        """Return True when /model should be handled immediately on the UI thread."""
+        if not text or has_images or not _looks_like_slash_command(text):
+            return False
+        try:
+            from hermes_cli.commands import resolve_command
+            base = text.split(None, 1)[0].lower().lstrip('/')
+            cmd = resolve_command(base)
+            return bool(cmd and cmd.name == "model")
+        except Exception:
+            return False
+
     def _show_model_and_providers(self):
         """Show current model + provider and list all authenticated providers.
 
@@ -7692,7 +7954,8 @@ class HermesCLI:
         secret_widget,
         approval_widget,
         clarify_widget,
-        spinner_widget,
+        model_picker_widget=None,
+        spinner_widget=None,
         spacer,
         status_bar,
         input_rule_top,
@@ -7709,21 +7972,24 @@ class HermesCLI:
         ordering.
         """
         return [
-            Window(height=0),
-            sudo_widget,
-            secret_widget,
-            approval_widget,
-            clarify_widget,
-            spinner_widget,
-            spacer,
-            *self._get_extra_tui_widgets(),
-            status_bar,
-            input_rule_top,
-            image_bar,
-            input_area,
-            input_rule_bot,
-            voice_status_bar,
-            completions_menu,
+            item for item in [
+                Window(height=0),
+                sudo_widget,
+                secret_widget,
+                approval_widget,
+                clarify_widget,
+                model_picker_widget,
+                spinner_widget,
+                spacer,
+                *self._get_extra_tui_widgets(),
+                status_bar,
+                input_rule_top,
+                image_bar,
+                input_area,
+                input_rule_bot,
+                voice_status_bar,
+                completions_menu,
+            ] if item is not None
         ]
 
     def run(self):
@@ -7884,6 +8150,12 @@ class HermesCLI:
                 event.app.invalidate()
                 return
 
+            # --- /model picker modal ---
+            if self._model_picker_state:
+                self._handle_model_picker_selection()
+                event.app.invalidate()
+                return
+
             # --- Clarify freetext mode: user typed their own answer ---
             if self._clarify_freetext and self._clarify_state:
                 text = event.app.current_buffer.text.strip()
@@ -7914,6 +8186,16 @@ class HermesCLI:
             text = event.app.current_buffer.text.strip()
             has_images = bool(self._attached_images)
             if text or has_images:
+                # Handle /model directly on the UI thread so interactive pickers
+                # can safely use prompt_toolkit terminal handoff helpers.
+                if self._should_handle_model_command_inline(text, has_images=has_images):
+                    if not self.process_command(text):
+                        self._should_exit = True
+                        if event.app.is_running:
+                            event.app.exit()
+                    event.app.current_buffer.reset(append_to_history=True)
+                    return
+
                 # Snapshot and clear attached images
                 images = list(self._attached_images)
                 self._attached_images.clear()
@@ -8017,12 +8299,31 @@ class HermesCLI:
                 self._approval_state["selected"] = min(max_idx, self._approval_state["selected"] + 1)
                 event.app.invalidate()
 
+        # --- /model picker: arrow-key navigation ---
+        @kb.add('up', filter=Condition(lambda: bool(self._model_picker_state)))
+        def model_picker_up(event):
+            if self._model_picker_state:
+                self._model_picker_state["selected"] = max(0, self._model_picker_state.get("selected", 0) - 1)
+                event.app.invalidate()
+
+        @kb.add('down', filter=Condition(lambda: bool(self._model_picker_state)))
+        def model_picker_down(event):
+            state = self._model_picker_state
+            if not state:
+                return
+            if state.get("stage") == "provider":
+                max_idx = len(state.get("providers") or [])
+            else:
+                max_idx = len(state.get("model_list") or []) + 1
+            state["selected"] = min(max_idx, state.get("selected", 0) + 1)
+            event.app.invalidate()
+
         # --- History navigation: up/down browse history in normal input mode ---
         # The TextArea is multiline, so by default up/down only move the cursor.
         # Buffer.auto_up/auto_down handle both: cursor movement when multi-line,
         # history browsing when on the first/last line (or single-line input).
         _normal_input = Condition(
-            lambda: not self._clarify_state and not self._approval_state and not self._sudo_state and not self._secret_state
+            lambda: not self._clarify_state and not self._approval_state and not self._sudo_state and not self._secret_state and not self._model_picker_state
         )
 
         @kb.add('up', filter=_normal_input)
@@ -8088,6 +8389,13 @@ class HermesCLI:
                 event.app.invalidate()
                 return
 
+            # Cancel /model picker
+            if self._model_picker_state:
+                self._close_model_picker()
+                event.app.current_buffer.reset()
+                event.app.invalidate()
+                return
+
             # Cancel clarify prompt
             if self._clarify_state:
                 self._clarify_state["response_queue"].put(
@@ -8140,7 +8448,7 @@ class HermesCLI:
             agent_name = get_active_skin().get_branding("agent_name", "Hermes Agent")
             msg = f"\n{agent_name} has been suspended. Run `fg` to bring {agent_name} back."
             def _suspend():
-                os.write(1, msg.encode("utf-8", errors="replace"))
+                os.write(1, msg.encode())
                 os.kill(0, _sig.SIGTSTP)
             run_in_terminal(_suspend)
 
@@ -8705,6 +9013,60 @@ class HermesCLI:
             filter=Condition(lambda: cli_ref._approval_state is not None),
         )
 
+        # --- /model picker: display widget ---
+        def _get_model_picker_display():
+            state = cli_ref._model_picker_state
+            if not state:
+                return []
+            stage = state.get("stage", "provider")
+            if stage == "provider":
+                title = "⚙ Model Picker — Select Provider"
+                choices = []
+                for p in state.get("providers") or []:
+                    count = p.get("total_models", len(p.get("models", [])))
+                    label = f"{p['name']} ({count} model{'s' if count != 1 else ''})"
+                    if p.get("is_current"):
+                        label += "  ← current"
+                    choices.append(label)
+                choices.append("Cancel")
+                hint = f"Current: {state.get('current_model', 'unknown')} on {state.get('current_provider', 'unknown')}"
+            else:
+                provider_data = state.get("provider_data") or {}
+                model_list = state.get("model_list") or []
+                title = f"⚙ Model Picker — {provider_data.get('name', provider_data.get('slug', 'Provider'))}"
+                choices = list(model_list) + ["← Back", "Cancel"]
+                if model_list:
+                    hint = f"Select a model ({len(model_list)} available)"
+                else:
+                    hint = "No models listed for this provider. Use Back or Cancel."
+
+            box_width = _panel_box_width(title, [hint] + choices, min_width=46, max_width=84)
+            inner_text_width = max(8, box_width - 6)
+            lines = []
+            lines.append(('class:clarify-border', '╭─ '))
+            lines.append(('class:clarify-title', title))
+            lines.append(('class:clarify-border', ' ' + ('─' * max(0, box_width - len(title) - 3)) + '╮\n'))
+            _append_blank_panel_line(lines, 'class:clarify-border', box_width)
+            _append_panel_line(lines, 'class:clarify-border', 'class:clarify-hint', hint, box_width)
+            _append_blank_panel_line(lines, 'class:clarify-border', box_width)
+            selected = state.get("selected", 0)
+            for idx, choice in enumerate(choices):
+                style = 'class:clarify-selected' if idx == selected else 'class:clarify-choice'
+                prefix = '❯ ' if idx == selected else '  '
+                for wrapped in _wrap_panel_text(prefix + choice, inner_text_width, subsequent_indent='  '):
+                    _append_panel_line(lines, 'class:clarify-border', style, wrapped, box_width)
+            _append_blank_panel_line(lines, 'class:clarify-border', box_width)
+            lines.append(('class:clarify-border', '╰' + ('─' * box_width) + '╯\n'))
+            return lines
+
+        model_picker_widget = ConditionalContainer(
+            Window(
+                FormattedTextControl(_get_model_picker_display),
+                wrap_lines=True,
+            ),
+            filter=Condition(lambda: cli_ref._model_picker_state is not None),
+        )
+
         # Horizontal rules above and below the input.
         # On narrow/mobile terminals we keep the top separator for structure but
         # hide the bottom one to recover a full row for conversation content.
@@ -8780,6 +9142,7 @@ class HermesCLI:
                     secret_widget=secret_widget,
                     approval_widget=approval_widget,
                     clarify_widget=clarify_widget,
+                    model_picker_widget=model_picker_widget,
                     spinner_widget=spinner_widget,
                     spacer=spacer,
                     status_bar=status_bar,
diff --git a/hermes_cli/curses_ui.py b/hermes_cli/curses_ui.py
index 9cebaf60f..4880171fd 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/curses_ui.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/curses_ui.py
@@ -287,6 +287,129 @@ def _radio_numbered_fallback(
         return cancel_returns
 
 
+def curses_single_select(
+    title: str,
+    items: List[str],
+    default_index: int = 0,
+    *,
+    cancel_label: str = "Cancel",
+) -> int | None:
+    """Curses single-select menu. Returns selected index or None on cancel.
+
+    Works inside prompt_toolkit because curses.wrapper() restores the terminal
+    safely, unlike simple_term_menu which conflicts with /dev/tty.
+    """
+    if not sys.stdin.isatty():
+        return None
+
+    try:
+        import curses
+        result_holder: list = [None]
+
+        all_items = list(items) + [cancel_label]
+        cancel_idx = len(items)
+
+        def _draw(stdscr):
+            curses.curs_set(0)
+            if curses.has_colors():
+                curses.start_color()
+                curses.use_default_colors()
+                curses.init_pair(1, curses.COLOR_GREEN, -1)
+                curses.init_pair(2, curses.COLOR_YELLOW, -1)
+            cursor = min(default_index, len(all_items) - 1)
+            scroll_offset = 0
+
+            while True:
+                stdscr.clear()
+                max_y, max_x = stdscr.getmaxyx()
+
+                try:
+                    hattr = curses.A_BOLD
+                    if curses.has_colors():
+                        hattr |= curses.color_pair(2)
+                    stdscr.addnstr(0, 0, title, max_x - 1, hattr)
+                    stdscr.addnstr(
+                        1, 0,
+                        "  ↑↓ navigate  ENTER confirm  ESC/q cancel",
+                        max_x - 1, curses.A_DIM,
+                    )
+                except curses.error:
+                    pass
+
+                visible_rows = max_y - 3
+                if cursor < scroll_offset:
+                    scroll_offset = cursor
+                elif cursor >= scroll_offset + visible_rows:
+                    scroll_offset = cursor - visible_rows + 1
+
+                for draw_i, i in enumerate(
+                    range(scroll_offset, min(len(all_items), scroll_offset + visible_rows))
+                ):
+                    y = draw_i + 3
+                    if y >= max_y - 1:
+                        break
+                    arrow = "→" if i == cursor else " "
+                    line = f" {arrow} {all_items[i]}"
+                    attr = curses.A_NORMAL
+                    if i == cursor:
+                        attr = curses.A_BOLD
+                        if curses.has_colors():
+                            attr |= curses.color_pair(1)
+                    try:
+                        stdscr.addnstr(y, 0, line, max_x - 1, attr)
+                    except curses.error:
+                        pass
+
+                stdscr.refresh()
+                key = stdscr.getch()
+
+                if key in (curses.KEY_UP, ord("k")):
+                    cursor = (cursor - 1) % len(all_items)
+                elif key in (curses.KEY_DOWN, ord("j")):
+                    cursor = (cursor + 1) % len(all_items)
+                elif key in (curses.KEY_ENTER, 10, 13):
+                    result_holder[0] = cursor
+                    return
+                elif key in (27, ord("q")):
+                    result_holder[0] = None
+                    return
+
+        curses.wrapper(_draw)
+        flush_stdin()
+        if result_holder[0] is not None and result_holder[0] >= cancel_idx:
+            return None
+        return result_holder[0]
+
+    except Exception:
+        all_items = list(items) + [cancel_label]
+        cancel_idx = len(items)
+        return _numbered_single_fallback(title, all_items, cancel_idx)
+
+
+def _numbered_single_fallback(
+    title: str,
+    items: List[str],
+    cancel_idx: int,
+) -> int | None:
+    """Text-based numbered fallback for single-select."""
+    print(f"\n  {title}\n")
+    for i, label in enumerate(items, 1):
+        print(f"  {i}. {label}")
+    print()
+    try:
+        val = input(f"  Choice [1-{len(items)}]: ").strip()
+        if not val:
+            return None
+        idx = int(val) - 1
+        if 0 <= idx < len(items) and idx < cancel_idx:
+            return idx
+        if idx == cancel_idx:
+            return None
+    except (ValueError, KeyboardInterrupt, EOFError):
+        pass
+    return None
+
+
 def _numbered_fallback(
     title: str,
     items: List[str],
diff --git a/hermes_cli/model_normalize.py b/hermes_cli/model_normalize.py
index 8c0c30fbf..68e8dc898 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/model_normalize.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/model_normalize.py
@@ -74,13 +74,13 @@ _DOT_TO_HYPHEN_PROVIDERS: frozenset[str] = frozenset({
 _STRIP_VENDOR_ONLY_PROVIDERS: frozenset[str] = frozenset({
     "copilot",
     "copilot-acp",
+    "openai-codex",
 })
 
 # Providers whose native naming is authoritative -- pass through unchanged.
 _AUTHORITATIVE_NATIVE_PROVIDERS: frozenset[str] = frozenset({
     "gemini",
     "huggingface",
-    "openai-codex",
 })
 
 # Direct providers that accept bare native names but should repair a matching
@@ -360,7 +360,11 @@ def normalize_model_for_provider(model_input: str, target_provider: str) -> str:
 
     # --- Copilot: strip matching provider prefix, keep dots ---
     if provider in _STRIP_VENDOR_ONLY_PROVIDERS:
-        return _strip_matching_provider_prefix(name, provider)
+        stripped = _strip_matching_provider_prefix(name, provider)
+        if stripped == name and name.startswith("openai/"):
+            # openai-codex maps openai/gpt-5.4 -> gpt-5.4
+            return name.split("/", 1)[1]
+        return stripped
 
     # --- DeepSeek: map to one of two canonical names ---
     if provider == "deepseek":
diff --git a/hermes_cli/models.py b/hermes_cli/models.py
index 17c1072db..ae4146415 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/models.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/models.py
@@ -1809,6 +1809,35 @@ def validate_requested_model(
             "message": message,
         }
 
+    # OpenAI Codex has its own catalog path; /v1/models probing is not the right validation path.
+    if normalized == "openai-codex":
+        try:
+            codex_models = provider_model_ids("openai-codex")
+        except Exception:
+            codex_models = []
+        if codex_models:
+            if requested_for_lookup in set(codex_models):
+                return {
+                    "accepted": True,
+                    "persist": True,
+                    "recognized": True,
+                    "message": None,
+                }
+            suggestions = get_close_matches(requested_for_lookup, codex_models, n=3, cutoff=0.5)
+            suggestion_text = ""
+            if suggestions:
+                suggestion_text = "\n  Similar models: " + ", ".join(f"`{s}`" for s in suggestions)
+            return {
+                "accepted": True,
+                "persist": True,
+                "recognized": False,
+                "message": (
+                    f"Note: `{requested}` was not found in the OpenAI Codex model listing. "
+                    f"It may still work if your account has access to it."
+                    f"{suggestion_text}"
+                ),
+            }
+
     # Probe the live API to check if the model actually exists
     api_models = fetch_api_models(api_key, base_url)
 
diff --git a/tests/hermes_cli/test_cli_model_picker.py b/tests/hermes_cli/test_cli_model_picker.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1fe9fe51a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/hermes_cli/test_cli_model_picker.py
@@ -0,0 +1,254 @@
+"""Tests for the interactive CLI /model picker (provider → model drill-down)."""
+
+from types import SimpleNamespace
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
+
+
+class _FakeBuffer:
+    def __init__(self, text="draft text"):
+        self.text = text
+        self.cursor_position = len(text)
+        self.reset_calls = []
+
+    def reset(self, append_to_history=False):
+        self.reset_calls.append(append_to_history)
+        self.text = ""
+        self.cursor_position = 0
+
+
+def _make_providers():
+    return [
+        {
+            "slug": "openrouter",
+            "name": "OpenRouter",
+            "is_current": True,
+            "is_user_defined": False,
+            "models": ["anthropic/claude-opus-4.6", "openai/gpt-5.4"],
+            "total_models": 2,
+            "source": "built-in",
+        },
+        {
+            "slug": "anthropic",
+            "name": "Anthropic",
+            "is_current": False,
+            "is_user_defined": False,
+            "models": ["claude-opus-4.6", "claude-sonnet-4.6"],
+            "total_models": 2,
+            "source": "built-in",
+        },
+        {
+            "slug": "custom:my-ollama",
+            "name": "My Ollama",
+            "is_current": False,
+            "is_user_defined": True,
+            "models": ["llama3", "mistral"],
+            "total_models": 2,
+            "source": "user-config",
+            "api_url": "http://localhost:11434/v1",
+        },
+    ]
+
+
+def _make_picker_cli(picker_return_value):
+    cli = MagicMock()
+    cli._run_curses_picker = MagicMock(return_value=picker_return_value)
+    cli._app = MagicMock()
+    cli._status_bar_visible = True
+    return cli
+
+
+def _make_modal_cli():
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli = HermesCLI.__new__(HermesCLI)
+    cli.model = "gpt-5.4"
+    cli.provider = "openrouter"
+    cli.requested_provider = "openrouter"
+    cli.base_url = ""
+    cli.api_key = ""
+    cli.api_mode = ""
+    cli._explicit_api_key = ""
+    cli._explicit_base_url = ""
+    cli._pending_model_switch_note = None
+    cli._model_picker_state = None
+    cli._modal_input_snapshot = None
+    cli._status_bar_visible = True
+    cli._invalidate = MagicMock()
+    cli.agent = None
+    cli.config = {}
+    cli.console = MagicMock()
+    cli._app = SimpleNamespace(
+        current_buffer=_FakeBuffer(),
+        invalidate=MagicMock(),
+    )
+    return cli
+
+
+def test_provider_selection_returns_slug_on_choice():
+    providers = _make_providers()
+    cli = _make_picker_cli(1)
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    result = HermesCLI._interactive_provider_selection(cli, providers, "gpt-5.4", "OpenRouter")
+
+    assert result == "anthropic"
+    cli._run_curses_picker.assert_called_once()
+
+
+def test_provider_selection_returns_none_on_cancel():
+    providers = _make_providers()
+    cli = _make_picker_cli(None)
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    result = HermesCLI._interactive_provider_selection(cli, providers, "gpt-5.4", "OpenRouter")
+
+    assert result is None
+
+
+def test_provider_selection_default_is_current():
+    providers = _make_providers()
+    cli = _make_picker_cli(0)
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    HermesCLI._interactive_provider_selection(cli, providers, "gpt-5.4", "OpenRouter")
+
+    assert cli._run_curses_picker.call_args.kwargs["default_index"] == 0
+
+
+def test_model_selection_returns_model_on_choice():
+    provider_data = _make_providers()[0]
+    cli = _make_picker_cli(0)
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    result = HermesCLI._interactive_model_selection(cli, provider_data["models"], provider_data)
+
+    assert result == "anthropic/claude-opus-4.6"
+
+
+def test_model_selection_custom_entry_prompts_for_input():
+    provider_data = _make_providers()[0]
+    cli = _make_picker_cli(2)
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli._prompt_text_input = MagicMock(return_value="my-custom-model")
+    result = HermesCLI._interactive_model_selection(cli, provider_data["models"], provider_data)
+
+    assert result == "my-custom-model"
+    cli._prompt_text_input.assert_called_once_with("  Enter model name: ")
+
+
+def test_model_selection_empty_prompts_for_manual_input():
+    provider_data = {
+        "slug": "custom:empty",
+        "name": "Empty Provider",
+        "models": [],
+        "total_models": 0,
+    }
+    cli = _make_picker_cli(None)
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli._prompt_text_input = MagicMock(return_value="my-model")
+    result = HermesCLI._interactive_model_selection(cli, [], provider_data)
+
+    assert result == "my-model"
+    cli._prompt_text_input.assert_called_once_with("  Enter model name manually (or Enter to cancel): ")
+
+
+def test_prompt_text_input_uses_run_in_terminal_when_app_active():
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli = _make_modal_cli()
+
+    with (
+        patch("prompt_toolkit.application.run_in_terminal", side_effect=lambda fn: fn()) as run_mock,
+        patch("builtins.input", return_value="manual-value"),
+    ):
+        result = HermesCLI._prompt_text_input(cli, "Enter value: ")
+
+    assert result == "manual-value"
+    run_mock.assert_called_once()
+    assert cli._status_bar_visible is True
+
+
+def test_should_handle_model_command_inline_uses_command_name_resolution():
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli = _make_modal_cli()
+
+    with patch("hermes_cli.commands.resolve_command", return_value=SimpleNamespace(name="model")):
+        assert HermesCLI._should_handle_model_command_inline(cli, "/model") is True
+
+    with patch("hermes_cli.commands.resolve_command", return_value=SimpleNamespace(name="help")):
+        assert HermesCLI._should_handle_model_command_inline(cli, "/model") is False
+
+    assert HermesCLI._should_handle_model_command_inline(cli, "/model", has_images=True) is False
+
+
+def test_process_command_model_without_args_opens_modal_picker_and_captures_draft():
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli = _make_modal_cli()
+    providers = _make_providers()
+
+    with (
+        patch("hermes_cli.model_switch.list_authenticated_providers", return_value=providers),
+        patch("cli._cprint"),
+    ):
+        result = cli.process_command("/model")
+
+    assert result is True
+    assert cli._model_picker_state is not None
+    assert cli._model_picker_state["stage"] == "provider"
+    assert cli._model_picker_state["selected"] == 0
+    assert cli._modal_input_snapshot == {"text": "draft text", "cursor_position": len("draft text")}
+    assert cli._app.current_buffer.text == ""
+
+
+def test_model_picker_provider_then_model_selection_applies_switch_result_and_restores_draft():
+    from cli import HermesCLI
+
+    cli = _make_modal_cli()
+    providers = _make_providers()
+
+    with (
+        patch("hermes_cli.model_switch.list_authenticated_providers", return_value=providers),
+        patch("cli._cprint"),
+    ):
+        assert cli.process_command("/model") is True
+
+    cli._model_picker_state["selected"] = 1
+    with patch("hermes_cli.models.provider_model_ids", return_value=["claude-opus-4.6", "claude-sonnet-4.6"]):
+        HermesCLI._handle_model_picker_selection(cli)
+
+    assert cli._model_picker_state["stage"] == "model"
+    assert cli._model_picker_state["provider_data"]["slug"] == "anthropic"
+    assert cli._model_picker_state["model_list"] == ["claude-opus-4.6", "claude-sonnet-4.6"]
+
+    cli._model_picker_state["selected"] = 0
+    switch_result = SimpleNamespace(
+        success=True,
+        error_message=None,
+        new_model="claude-opus-4.6",
+        target_provider="anthropic",
+        api_key="",
+        base_url="",
+        api_mode="anthropic_messages",
+        provider_label="Anthropic",
+        model_info=None,
+        warning_message=None,
+        provider_changed=True,
+    )
+
+    with (
+        patch("hermes_cli.model_switch.switch_model", return_value=switch_result) as switch_mock,
+        patch("cli._cprint"),
+    ):
+        HermesCLI._handle_model_picker_selection(cli)
+
+    assert cli._model_picker_state is None
+    assert cli.model == "claude-opus-4.6"
+    assert cli.provider == "anthropic"
+    assert cli.requested_provider == "anthropic"
+    assert cli._app.current_buffer.text == "draft text"
+    switch_mock.assert_called_once()
+    assert switch_mock.call_args.kwargs["explicit_provider"] == "anthropic"