diff --git a/.changes/live-tv-hidden-channel-list.md b/.changes/live-tv-hidden-channel-list.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..108e7fee0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changes/live-tv-hidden-channel-list.md
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+---
+type: fix
+area: live-tv
+issues: [1458]
+---
+
+A hidden channel list no longer looks like a playlist that lost its channels: the player now says the list is hidden and offers a "Show channels list" button, a toggle in the workspace header stays in place in both states, and hiding the list in one place (M3U player, portal Live TV, favorites/recent) no longer hides it everywhere else.
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 52769fda7..01af2cd7a 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -504,6 +504,8 @@ The M3U playlist module handles traditional M3U/M3U8 playlists with support for
 
 The live EPG panel is a horizontal **timeline ribbon** under the player (`app-epg-timeline`, `libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-timeline/`), not a right-side drawer (reworked in PR #1102). See `docs/architecture/m3u-playlist-module.md` for the timeline's controllers and scroll behavior.
 
+**Collapsible live channel rail** (M3U player, Xtream/Stalker live layouts, unified favorites/recent live tab): collapse state is owned by `LiveLayoutSidebarStateService` (`@iptvnator/portal/shared/util`) and kept per surface (`m3u` / `portal` / `collection`, localStorage `live-sidebar-state:<surface>`); the pre-split shared key `live-sidebar-state` is forgotten on startup and never read (issue #1458: one stored `collapsed` hid every channel list in the app behind a 32px chevron and survived restart, "Remove all playlists" and re-import). The workspace header renders a `view_sidebar` toggle on every route that renders its own rail (`resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface`) so the control exists in both states, and a collapsed rail with nothing playing shows `app-channel-list-hidden-state` (title + hint + "Show channels list" button) instead of "select a channel". Contract: "Collapsible Live Sidebar" in `docs/architecture/iptvnator-ui-guidelines.md`.
+
 **Radio Channel Layout** (when `channel.radio === 'true'`):
 
 ```
diff --git a/apps/electron-backend-e2e/src/live-sidebar-collapse.e2e.ts b/apps/electron-backend-e2e/src/live-sidebar-collapse.e2e.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9c99fcad8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/electron-backend-e2e/src/live-sidebar-collapse.e2e.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,386 @@
+import { Page } from '@playwright/test';
+import {
+    addXtreamPortal,
+    channelItemByTitle,
+    clickCategoryByNameExact,
+    closeElectronApp,
+    expect,
+    importM3uPlaylistFromNativeDialog,
+    launchElectronApp,
+    LaunchedElectronApp,
+    openPlaylistRecent,
+    openSources,
+    openWorkspaceSection,
+    resetMockServers,
+    restartElectronApp,
+    sourceRowByTitle,
+    test,
+    waitForM3uCatalog,
+    waitForXtreamWorkspaceReady,
+    writeTemporaryM3uFile,
+} from './electron-test-fixtures';
+import { fetchXtreamLiveFixture } from './portal-mock-fixtures';
+
+/**
+ * Issue #1458, second report: "all channels disappear after clearing the
+ * playback history; a reset does not bring them back". The history write
+ * never touched the channels — the reporter's screenshot shows a collapsed
+ * channel rail, a state that used to be persisted under one key shared by
+ * every live surface and that survived restart, "Remove all playlists" and
+ * re-import. These scenarios pin both halves: the data path stays intact,
+ * and the collapsed rail is discoverable, scoped, and restorable.
+ */
+
+const CHANNELS = [
+    {
+        groupTitle: 'News',
+        name: 'Channel Alpha',
+        url: 'https://streams.example.test/alpha.m3u8',
+    },
+    {
+        groupTitle: 'News',
+        name: 'Channel Beta',
+        url: 'https://streams.example.test/beta.m3u8',
+    },
+    {
+        groupTitle: 'Sports',
+        name: 'Channel Gamma',
+        url: 'https://streams.example.test/gamma.m3u8',
+    },
+];
+
+const M3U_STATE_KEY = 'live-sidebar-state:m3u';
+const PORTAL_STATE_KEY = 'live-sidebar-state:portal';
+const LEGACY_STATE_KEY = 'live-sidebar-state';
+
+function playlistIdFromUrl(page: Page): string {
+    const match = page.url().match(/\/workspace\/playlists\/([^/?#]+)\//);
+    if (!match) {
+        throw new Error(`Not on a playlist route: ${page.url()}`);
+    }
+    return match[1];
+}
+
+async function storedItemCount(
+    page: Page,
+    playlistId: string
+): Promise<number> {
+    return page.evaluate(async (id) => {
+        const bridge = (
+            window as unknown as {
+                electron: {
+                    dbGetAppPlaylist: (
+                        playlistId: string
+                    ) => Promise<{ playlist?: { items?: unknown[] } } | null>;
+                };
+            }
+        ).electron;
+        const playlist = await bridge.dbGetAppPlaylist(id);
+        return playlist?.playlist?.items?.length ?? -1;
+    }, playlistId);
+}
+
+async function reopenPlaylist(page: Page, sourceTitle: string): Promise<void> {
+    await openSources(page);
+    await sourceRowByTitle(page, sourceTitle).first().click();
+    await page.waitForURL(/\/workspace\/playlists\/.+\/all$/);
+}
+
+function readStorage(page: Page, key: string): Promise<string | null> {
+    return page.evaluate((storageKey) => localStorage.getItem(storageKey), key);
+}
+
+function headerToggle(page: Page) {
+    return page.locator('app-workspace-shell-header .header-sidebar-toggle');
+}
+
+function hiddenStateRestoreButton(page: Page) {
+    return page.locator(
+        'app-channel-list-hidden-state button.empty-state-action'
+    );
+}
+
+/**
+ * The collapsed rail keeps its children in the DOM (overflow-clipped inside
+ * a zero-width container), so Playwright still reports them "visible";
+ * assert on the container and its restore affordances instead.
+ */
+async function expectRailCollapsed(page: Page): Promise<void> {
+    const sidebar = page.locator('.sidebar').first();
+    await expect(sidebar).toHaveClass(/sidebar-collapsed/);
+    // width: 0 !important, but the 1px (transparent) border still counts.
+    await expect
+        .poll(async () => (await sidebar.boundingBox())?.width ?? -1)
+        .toBeLessThanOrEqual(1);
+    await expect(page.locator('.sidebar-restore')).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(headerToggle(page)).toHaveAttribute('aria-pressed', 'false');
+}
+
+async function expectRailExpanded(page: Page): Promise<void> {
+    await expect(page.locator('.sidebar').first()).not.toHaveClass(
+        /sidebar-collapsed/
+    );
+    await expect(page.locator('.sidebar-restore')).toHaveCount(0);
+    await expect(page.getByTestId('channel-item').first()).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(headerToggle(page)).toHaveAttribute('aria-pressed', 'true');
+}
+
+test.describe('Live channel rail collapse (#1458)', () => {
+    test('clearing the playlist history keeps every channel in SQLite and in the All channels view, also after restart', async ({
+        dataDir,
+    }) => {
+        const sourceTitle = 'rail-history';
+        const filePath = writeTemporaryM3uFile(
+            dataDir,
+            `${sourceTitle}.m3u`,
+            CHANNELS
+        );
+        const app: LaunchedElectronApp = await launchElectronApp(dataDir);
+
+        try {
+            await importM3uPlaylistFromNativeDialog(app, filePath);
+            await waitForM3uCatalog(app.mainWindow);
+            const playlistId = playlistIdFromUrl(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await storedItemCount(app.mainWindow, playlistId)).toBe(3);
+
+            await channelItemByTitle(app.mainWindow, 'Channel Alpha')
+                .first()
+                .click();
+
+            await openPlaylistRecent(app.mainWindow);
+            await expect(
+                channelItemByTitle(app.mainWindow, 'Channel Alpha').first()
+            ).toBeVisible({ timeout: 20000 });
+
+            await app.mainWindow
+                .getByRole('button', { name: 'Clear recently viewed Live TV' })
+                .click();
+            await app.mainWindow.getByRole('button', { name: 'Yes' }).click();
+            await expect(
+                channelItemByTitle(app.mainWindow, 'Channel Alpha')
+            ).toHaveCount(0);
+
+            await reopenPlaylist(app.mainWindow, sourceTitle);
+            await expect(
+                app.mainWindow.getByTestId('channel-item')
+            ).toHaveCount(3);
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await storedItemCount(app.mainWindow, playlistId)).toBe(3);
+
+            const restarted = await restartElectronApp(app, dataDir);
+            app.electronApp = restarted.electronApp;
+            app.mainWindow = restarted.mainWindow;
+
+            await reopenPlaylist(app.mainWindow, sourceTitle);
+            await expect(
+                app.mainWindow.getByTestId('channel-item')
+            ).toHaveCount(3);
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await storedItemCount(app.mainWindow, playlistId)).toBe(3);
+        } finally {
+            await closeElectronApp(app);
+        }
+    });
+
+    test('a collapsed rail stays discoverable and restorable: hidden-list state, header toggle, restart, and a fresh import', async ({
+        dataDir,
+    }) => {
+        const firstTitle = 'rail-collapse-a';
+        const secondTitle = 'rail-collapse-b';
+        const firstPath = writeTemporaryM3uFile(
+            dataDir,
+            `${firstTitle}.m3u`,
+            CHANNELS
+        );
+        const secondPath = writeTemporaryM3uFile(
+            dataDir,
+            `${secondTitle}.m3u`,
+            CHANNELS
+        );
+        const app: LaunchedElectronApp = await launchElectronApp(dataDir);
+
+        try {
+            await importM3uPlaylistFromNativeDialog(app, firstPath);
+            await waitForM3uCatalog(app.mainWindow);
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, M3U_STATE_KEY)).not.toBe(
+                'collapsed'
+            );
+
+            // The chevron in the "All channels" header hides the rail. With
+            // nothing playing, the content area must say so instead of
+            // asking the user to pick from a list they cannot see.
+            await app.mainWindow
+                .locator('.all-channels-sidebar-toggle')
+                .first()
+                .click();
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+            await expect(
+                app.mainWindow.locator('app-channel-list-hidden-state')
+            ).toBeVisible();
+            await expect(
+                hiddenStateRestoreButton(app.mainWindow)
+            ).toBeVisible();
+            await expect(
+                app.mainWindow.locator('app-portal-empty-state', {
+                    hasText: 'select a channel',
+                })
+            ).toHaveCount(0);
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, M3U_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'collapsed'
+            );
+
+            // The full-size action restores the rail.
+            await hiddenStateRestoreButton(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, M3U_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'expanded'
+            );
+
+            // The header toggle exists in both states and drives the same
+            // rail.
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+
+            // A hidden rail is a preference the user made, so it survives a
+            // restart and applies to a second playlist — but the way back
+            // survives with it.
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+
+            const restarted = await restartElectronApp(app, dataDir);
+            app.electronApp = restarted.electronApp;
+            app.mainWindow = restarted.mainWindow;
+
+            await reopenPlaylist(app.mainWindow, firstTitle);
+            const playlistId = playlistIdFromUrl(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await storedItemCount(app.mainWindow, playlistId)).toBe(3);
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+            await expect(
+                hiddenStateRestoreButton(app.mainWindow)
+            ).toBeVisible();
+
+            await importM3uPlaylistFromNativeDialog(app, secondPath);
+            await app.mainWindow.waitForURL(/\/workspace\/playlists\/.+\/all$/);
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+
+            // Ctrl/Cmd+B still works and is reflected by the header toggle.
+            await app.mainWindow.keyboard.press('Control+b');
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, M3U_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'expanded'
+            );
+        } finally {
+            await closeElectronApp(app);
+        }
+    });
+
+    test('the collapsed state is scoped per surface and the legacy shared key is forgotten', async ({
+        dataDir,
+        request,
+    }) => {
+        await resetMockServers(request, ['xtream']);
+        const liveFixture = await fetchXtreamLiveFixture(request, {
+            username: 'user1',
+            password: 'pass1',
+        });
+        const m3uTitle = 'rail-scope';
+        const m3uPath = writeTemporaryM3uFile(
+            dataDir,
+            `${m3uTitle}.m3u`,
+            CHANNELS
+        );
+        const app: LaunchedElectronApp = await launchElectronApp(dataDir);
+
+        try {
+            // A leftover pre-split value must not hide anything after the
+            // update, and it must be cleaned up.
+            await app.mainWindow.evaluate((key) => {
+                localStorage.setItem(key, 'collapsed');
+            }, LEGACY_STATE_KEY);
+
+            await importM3uPlaylistFromNativeDialog(app, m3uPath);
+            await waitForM3uCatalog(app.mainWindow);
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+
+            const restarted = await restartElectronApp(app, dataDir);
+            app.electronApp = restarted.electronApp;
+            app.mainWindow = restarted.mainWindow;
+
+            await reopenPlaylist(app.mainWindow, m3uTitle);
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, LEGACY_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                null
+            );
+
+            // Hide the M3U rail, then open an Xtream portal's Live TV: its
+            // rail (and the header toggle for it) must still be expanded.
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+
+            await addXtreamPortal(app.mainWindow, {
+                name: 'Rail Scope Portal',
+            });
+            await waitForXtreamWorkspaceReady(app.mainWindow);
+            await openWorkspaceSection(app.mainWindow, 'Live TV');
+            await clickCategoryByNameExact(
+                app.mainWindow,
+                liveFixture.categoryName
+            );
+
+            await expect(headerToggle(app.mainWindow)).toHaveAttribute(
+                'aria-pressed',
+                'true'
+            );
+            await expect(
+                app.mainWindow.locator('.sidebar-restore')
+            ).toHaveCount(0);
+            expect(
+                await readStorage(app.mainWindow, PORTAL_STATE_KEY)
+            ).not.toBe('collapsed');
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, M3U_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'collapsed'
+            );
+
+            // And the other way round: hiding the portal rail leaves the
+            // M3U preference untouched. With a category open and nothing
+            // playing, the portal host shows the same hidden-list state and
+            // its button restores the rail.
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expect(headerToggle(app.mainWindow)).toHaveAttribute(
+                'aria-pressed',
+                'false'
+            );
+            await expect(hiddenStateRestoreButton(app.mainWindow)).toBeVisible();
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, PORTAL_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'collapsed'
+            );
+
+            await hiddenStateRestoreButton(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expect(headerToggle(app.mainWindow)).toHaveAttribute(
+                'aria-pressed',
+                'true'
+            );
+            await expect(
+                app.mainWindow.locator('app-channel-list-hidden-state')
+            ).toHaveCount(0);
+
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, PORTAL_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'collapsed'
+            );
+
+            await reopenPlaylist(app.mainWindow, m3uTitle);
+            await expectRailCollapsed(app.mainWindow);
+            await headerToggle(app.mainWindow).click();
+            await expectRailExpanded(app.mainWindow);
+            expect(await readStorage(app.mainWindow, PORTAL_STATE_KEY)).toBe(
+                'collapsed'
+            );
+        } finally {
+            await closeElectronApp(app);
+        }
+    });
+});
diff --git a/apps/web-e2e/src/mobile-layout.e2e.ts b/apps/web-e2e/src/mobile-layout.e2e.ts
index 71c1be549..c0535cdad 100644
--- a/apps/web-e2e/src/mobile-layout.e2e.ts
+++ b/apps/web-e2e/src/mobile-layout.e2e.ts
@@ -134,9 +134,7 @@ test.describe('portrait phone 375x812', () => {
         // sections; now the list scrolls and ends above the footer.
         const listBox = await boxOf(panel.locator('.settings-sections-list'));
         const footerBox = await boxOf(footer);
-        expect(listBox.y + listBox.height).toBeLessThanOrEqual(
-            footerBox.y + 1
-        );
+        expect(listBox.y + listBox.height).toBeLessThanOrEqual(footerBox.y + 1);
 
         // Tapping the backdrop (right of the drawer) closes it.
         await page
@@ -216,7 +214,16 @@ test.describe('xtream portal routes on a phone', () => {
         const sidebar = page.locator('app-live-stream-layout .sidebar');
         await expect(sidebar).toBeVisible();
 
+        // The workspace header carries the live rail toggle at desktop
+        // width only; on the phone the rail is a bottom drawer with its own
+        // toggle and the header has no room for another permanent icon.
+        const headerRailToggle = page.locator(
+            'app-workspace-shell-header .header-sidebar-toggle'
+        );
+        await expect(headerRailToggle).toBeVisible();
+
         await page.setViewportSize(LANDSCAPE_PHONE);
+        await expect(headerRailToggle).toBeHidden();
 
         // The sidebar stacks at full width above the player.
         await expect
diff --git a/apps/web-e2e/src/stalker.e2e.ts b/apps/web-e2e/src/stalker.e2e.ts
index 651b43c25..8f0f48bd3 100644
--- a/apps/web-e2e/src/stalker.e2e.ts
+++ b/apps/web-e2e/src/stalker.e2e.ts
@@ -513,13 +513,22 @@ test('@stalker radio — stations use the inline audio player without EPG', asyn
         timeout: 20_000,
     });
 
-    await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Hide channels list' }).click();
-    const restoreButton = page.getByRole('button', {
-        name: 'Show channels list',
-    });
+    // The rail's own chevron hides the list; the workspace header carries a
+    // second toggle with the same accessible name, so scope to the rail.
+    await page
+        .locator('.sidebar')
+        .getByRole('button', { name: 'Hide channels list' })
+        .click();
+    const restoreButton = page.locator('.sidebar-restore');
     await expect(restoreButton).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(
+        page.locator('app-workspace-shell-header .header-sidebar-toggle')
+    ).toHaveAttribute('aria-pressed', 'false');
     await restoreButton.click();
     await expect(stations.first()).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(
+        page.locator('app-workspace-shell-header .header-sidebar-toggle')
+    ).toHaveAttribute('aria-pressed', 'true');
 
     await expect(page.locator('app-epg-timeline')).toHaveCount(0);
     expect(epgRequests).toHaveLength(0);
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json
index 0ceee228e..729b84b1c 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "إخفاء قائمة القنوات",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "إظهار قائمة القنوات",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "تبديل قائمة القنوات (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "تبديل قائمة القنوات (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "قائمة القنوات مخفية",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "أعدها باستخدام الزر أدناه أو اضغط ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "إظهار القناة قيد التشغيل",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json
index 3e0964d6e..cc6a21c4d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "إخفاء قائمة القنوات",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "إظهار قائمة القنوات",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "تبديل قائمة القنوات (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "تبديل قائمة القنوات (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "قائمة القنوات مخبية",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "رجّعها بالزر اللي تحت ولا ضغط على ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "بيّن القناة اللي خدامة",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json
index e61367805..e0c736366 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Схаваць спіс каналаў",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Паказаць спіс каналаў",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Пераключыць спіс каналаў (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Пераключыць спіс каналаў (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "Спіс каналаў схаваны",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Вярніце яго кнопкай ніжэй або націсніце ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Паказаць бягучы канал",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json
index 3cc695184..141aa1314 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Senderliste ausblenden",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Senderliste einblenden",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Senderliste umschalten (⌘/Strg+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Senderliste umschalten (⌘/Strg+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "Die Senderliste ist ausgeblendet",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Blenden Sie sie über die Schaltfläche unten oder mit ⌘/Strg+B wieder ein."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Laufenden Sender anzeigen",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json
index 1b32e374f..2492622d6 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Απόκρυψη λίστας καναλιών",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Εμφάνιση λίστας καναλιών",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Εναλλαγή λίστας καναλιών (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Εναλλαγή λίστας καναλιών (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "Η λίστα καναλιών είναι κρυφή",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Επαναφέρετέ την με το παρακάτω κουμπί ή πατήστε ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Εμφάνιση του καναλιού που παίζει",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json
index a2c4f1b68..24c173208 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Hide channels list",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Show channels list",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Toggle channels list (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Toggle channels list (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "The channels list is hidden",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Bring it back with the button below or press ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Show playing channel",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json
index 578d9275e..c9c4444ce 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Ocultar lista de canales",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Mostrar lista de canales",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Alternar lista de canales (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Alternar lista de canales (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "La lista de canales está oculta",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Vuelve a mostrarla con el botón de abajo o pulsa ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Mostrar el canal en reproducción",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json
index 3c11651e5..6ac584f32 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Masquer la liste des chaînes",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Afficher la liste des chaînes",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Basculer la liste des chaînes (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Basculer la liste des chaînes (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "La liste des chaînes est masquée",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Réaffichez-la avec le bouton ci-dessous ou appuyez sur ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Afficher la chaîne en cours",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/hu.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/hu.json
index d031e6794..da78c5060 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/hu.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/hu.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Csatornalista elrejtése",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Csatornalista megjelenítése",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Csatornalista megjelenítése vagy elrejtése (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Csatornalista megjelenítése vagy elrejtése (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "A csatornalista el van rejtve",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Az alábbi gombbal vagy a ⌘/Ctrl+B billentyűkkel jelenítheti meg újra."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Lejátszott csatorna megjelenítése",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json
index b7a049cc1..0ae8eb489 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Nascondi elenco canali",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Mostra elenco canali",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Attiva/disattiva elenco canali (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Attiva/disattiva elenco canali (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "L'elenco canali è nascosto",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Mostralo di nuovo con il pulsante qui sotto o premi ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Mostra il canale in riproduzione",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json
index 40514202a..5da77c661 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "チャンネル一覧を非表示",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "チャンネル一覧を表示",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "チャンネル一覧の切り替え (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "チャンネル一覧の切り替え (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "チャンネル一覧は非表示です",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "下のボタンまたは ⌘/Ctrl+B で再表示できます。"
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "再生中のチャンネルを表示",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json
index 3566b1a42..64cd75eb1 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "채널 목록 숨기기",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "채널 목록 표시",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "채널 목록 전환 (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "채널 목록 전환 (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "채널 목록이 숨겨져 있습니다",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "아래 버튼을 누르거나 ⌘/Ctrl+B를 눌러 다시 표시하세요."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "재생 중인 채널 표시",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json
index 63a5798e6..e50c3dda2 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Zenderlijst verbergen",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Zenderlijst tonen",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Zenderlijst aan-/uitzetten (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Zenderlijst aan-/uitzetten (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "De zenderlijst is verborgen",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Toon de lijst opnieuw met de knop hieronder of druk op ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Huidige zender tonen",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json
index 8388b00f7..ea7f39e10 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Ukryj listę kanałów",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Pokaż listę kanałów",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Przełącz listę kanałów (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Przełącz listę kanałów (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "Lista kanałów jest ukryta",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Przywróć ją przyciskiem poniżej lub naciśnij ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Pokaż odtwarzany kanał",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json
index 072e838ba..59eebef7d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Ocultar lista de canais",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Mostrar lista de canais",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Alternar lista de canais (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Alternar lista de canais (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "A lista de canais está oculta",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Volte a mostrá-la com o botão abaixo ou pressione ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Mostrar canal em reprodução",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json
index 2d871c185..152862748 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Скрыть список каналов",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Показать список каналов",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Переключить список каналов (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Переключить список каналов (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "Список каналов скрыт",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Верните его кнопкой ниже или нажмите ⌘/Ctrl+B."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Показать текущий канал",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json
index 237dc8e4a..a9df159cb 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "Kanal listesini gizle",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "Kanal listesini göster",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Kanal listesini aç/kapat (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "Kanal listesini aç/kapat (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "Kanal listesi gizli",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "Aşağıdaki düğmeyle geri getirin veya ⌘/Ctrl+B tuşlarına basın."
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "Oynatılan kanalı göster",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json
index 4ab122512..9fc8fb6cd 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "隐藏频道列表",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "显示频道列表",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "切换频道列表 (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "切换频道列表 (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "频道列表已隐藏",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "点击下方按钮或按 ⌘/Ctrl+B 重新显示。"
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "显示正在播放的频道",
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json
index 57035cd01..5d9f5931d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json
@@ -674,7 +674,9 @@
     "LAYOUT": {
         "HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST": "隱藏頻道列表",
         "SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST": "顯示頻道列表",
-        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "切換頻道列表 (⌘/Ctrl+B)"
+        "TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP": "切換頻道列表 (⌘/Ctrl+B)",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN": "頻道列表已隱藏",
+        "CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT": "點選下方按鈕或按 ⌘/Ctrl+B 重新顯示。"
     },
     "CHANNELS": {
         "SHOW_PLAYING_CHANNEL": "顯示正在播放的頻道",
diff --git a/docs/architecture/iptvnator-ui-guidelines.md b/docs/architecture/iptvnator-ui-guidelines.md
index 8a168d498..546ac4c91 100644
--- a/docs/architecture/iptvnator-ui-guidelines.md
+++ b/docs/architecture/iptvnator-ui-guidelines.md
@@ -267,8 +267,8 @@ remain local when the meaning is explicit.
 
 ### Collapsible Live Sidebar
 
-- M3U, Xtream, and Stalker live layouts share a single sidebar collapse toggle
-  that hides the channels rail to give the player and EPG full width.
+- M3U, Xtream, and Stalker live layouts share a sidebar collapse toggle that
+  hides the channels rail to give the player and EPG full width.
 - Xtream Live TV's root view (`/live` with no selected category) follows the
   same paginated `All Items` shell as VOD and Series: a widget header with the
   total channel count, page-size controls, and page navigation above the shared
@@ -285,15 +285,41 @@ remain local when the meaning is explicit.
   is `live` (Xtream) or `itv`/`radio` (Stalker); movies, series, favorites,
   and recent routes leave it untouched.
 - Collapsed state is owned by `LiveLayoutSidebarStateService`
-  (`providedIn: 'root'`) in `@iptvnator/portal/shared/util`. Every surface that
-  participates injects the service and reads `isCollapsed`; any toggle calls
-  `service.toggle()`. Persistence delegates to the existing
-  `live-sidebar-state` helpers, so the localStorage key stays unchanged and
-  missing/invalid values restore to expanded.
-- A `mat-icon-button` with `chevron_left` lives in the sidebar header and
-  toggles state. While collapsed, a floating `chevron_right` mini-fab appears
-  at the left edge of `.content-container` to restore the rail (and the
-  categories rail, in Xtream/Stalker live).
+  (`providedIn: 'root'`) in `@iptvnator/portal/shared/util` and kept **per
+  surface** (`LiveSidebarSurface`): `m3u` (the M3U player), `portal` (Xtream
+  and Stalker live layouts plus the shell categories rail) and `collection`
+  (the unified favorites/recent live tab). Every participant injects the
+  service, holds `isCollapsedFor(surface)` (a stable signal) and calls
+  `toggle(surface)`; nothing reads localStorage directly. Persistence lives
+  under `live-sidebar-state:<surface>`. Hiding the list is a per-context
+  choice: it must not follow the user from a portal to an M3U playlist, nor
+  from the desktop rail to the phone bottom drawer of another surface. The
+  pre-split shared key `live-sidebar-state` is forgotten on service
+  construction and never read — a stored `collapsed` there hid every channel
+  list in the app behind a 32px chevron and survived restart, "Remove all
+  playlists" and re-import (issue #1458).
+- The control never moves. Inside the rail a `mat-icon-button` with
+  `chevron_left` hides it; while collapsed a floating `chevron_right` mini-fab
+  sits at the left edge of `.content-container`. Because both of those live
+  in the thing they hide, the workspace header additionally renders
+  `view_sidebar` (`headerSidebarToggle`, `WorkspaceShellHeaderService`) on
+  every route that renders its own rail — M3U `all`/`groups`, Xtream `live`,
+  Stalker `itv`/`radio` (`resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface`). It stays in place
+  in both states, uses `aria-pressed` (pressed = rail visible) and tints
+  primary only while the rail is hidden, since the hidden state is the
+  exception that deserves the cue. Collection pages are deliberately excluded:
+  only the page knows whether its live tab, and therefore the rail, is on
+  screen, so its own header toggle beside the content switch stays the owner.
+  At the phone breakpoint (≤640px) the header toggle is hidden: the rail is a
+  bottom drawer there with its own toggle and the header has no spare width.
+- While the rail is collapsed and nothing is playing, every live host renders
+  `app-channel-list-hidden-state` (`@iptvnator/portal/shared/ui`) instead of
+  the "select a channel" empty state: a title that says the list is hidden, a
+  one-line hint naming the shortcut, and a full-size "Show channels list"
+  stroked button wired to the same toggle. The generic
+  `app-portal-empty-state` grew optional `hint`, `actionLabel`, `actionIcon`
+  inputs and an `action` output for this; the action keeps full opacity while
+  icon and copy stay muted, because it is the way out of the state.
 - Keyboard shortcut: `Cmd/Ctrl+B`. The handler ignores events that originate
   inside `<input>`, `<textarea>`, `<select>`, or content-editable elements via
   the shared `isTypingInInput` helper.
diff --git a/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player-sidebar.spec.ts b/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player-sidebar.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d79fe3c72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player-sidebar.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,352 @@
+import { AsyncPipe } from '@angular/common';
+import { Component, NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA, output, signal } from '@angular/core';
+import { ComponentFixture, TestBed } from '@angular/core/testing';
+import { By } from '@angular/platform-browser';
+import { ActivatedRoute, Router } from '@angular/router';
+import { Overlay } from '@angular/cdk/overlay';
+import { Store } from '@ngrx/store';
+import { StorageMap } from '@ngx-pwa/local-storage';
+import { TranslatePipe } from '@ngx-translate/core';
+import { MockPipe } from 'ng-mocks';
+import { BehaviorSubject, of } from 'rxjs';
+import {
+    selectActive,
+    selectActiveEpgProgram,
+    selectActivePlaybackUrl,
+    selectChannels,
+    selectChannelsLoading,
+    selectCurrentEpgProgram,
+} from '@iptvnator/m3u-state';
+import { EpgService } from '@iptvnator/epg/data-access';
+import { PlaylistContextFacade } from '@iptvnator/playlist/shared/util';
+import {
+    LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
+    liveSidebarStateStorageKey,
+    PORTAL_EXTERNAL_PLAYBACK,
+} from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/util';
+import {
+    DataService,
+    PlaylistsService,
+    RuntimeCapabilitiesService,
+    SettingsStore,
+    TmdbEnrichmentService,
+} from '@iptvnator/services';
+import {
+    Channel,
+    EpgProgram,
+    Settings,
+    VideoPlayer,
+} from '@iptvnator/shared/interfaces';
+import type { VideoPlayerComponent as VideoPlayerComponentInstance } from './video-player.component';
+
+// The component's chain reaches video.js (ui/playback → VjsPlayer); the CJS
+// bundle breaks under the ESM jest environment, so it is mocked before the
+// dynamic import evaluates the chain.
+jest.unstable_mockModule('video.js', () => ({
+    default: jest.fn(),
+}));
+jest.unstable_mockModule('@yangkghjh/videojs-aspect-ratio-panel', () => ({}));
+jest.unstable_mockModule('videojs-contrib-quality-levels', () => ({}));
+jest.unstable_mockModule('videojs-quality-selector-hls', () => ({}));
+
+@Component({
+    selector: 'app-channel-list-hidden-state',
+    standalone: true,
+    template: '',
+})
+class StubChannelListHiddenStateComponent {
+    readonly restore = output<void>();
+}
+
+/**
+ * The collapsible channels rail of the M3U player. Separate from
+ * `video-player.component.spec.ts` only because that file sits at the
+ * max-lines test budget; the harness here is the minimal subset needed to
+ * render the rail and the content-area empty states.
+ */
+describe('VideoPlayerComponent — collapsible channels rail', () => {
+    let VideoPlayerComponent: typeof import('./video-player.component').VideoPlayerComponent;
+    let fixture: ComponentFixture<VideoPlayerComponentInstance>;
+    let component: VideoPlayerComponentInstance;
+    let sidebarState: LiveLayoutSidebarStateService;
+
+    const playlistId = signal('playlist-1');
+    const activeChannel = signal<Channel | null>(null);
+    const activePlaybackUrl = signal<string | null>(null);
+    const channels = signal<Channel[]>([]);
+    const channelsLoading = signal(false);
+    const currentEpgProgram = signal<EpgProgram | null>(null);
+    const activeEpgProgram = signal<EpgProgram | null>(null);
+    const channels$ = new BehaviorSubject<Channel[]>([]);
+    const activeChannel$ = new BehaviorSubject<Channel | null>(null);
+    const currentEpgProgram$ = new BehaviorSubject<EpgProgram | null>(null);
+    const epgPrograms$ = new BehaviorSubject<EpgProgram[]>([]);
+
+    const player = signal<VideoPlayer>(VideoPlayer.VideoJs);
+    const showCaptions = signal(false);
+    const stripCountryPrefix = signal(false);
+
+    const storeMock = {
+        dispatch: jest.fn(),
+        selectSignal: jest.fn((selector: unknown) => {
+            switch (selector) {
+                case selectActive:
+                    return activeChannel;
+                case selectActivePlaybackUrl:
+                    return activePlaybackUrl;
+                case selectChannels:
+                    return channels;
+                case selectChannelsLoading:
+                    return channelsLoading;
+                case selectCurrentEpgProgram:
+                    return currentEpgProgram;
+                case selectActiveEpgProgram:
+                    return activeEpgProgram;
+                default:
+                    return signal(null);
+            }
+        }),
+        select: jest.fn((selector: unknown) => {
+            switch (selector) {
+                case selectChannels:
+                    return channels$.asObservable();
+                case selectActive:
+                    return activeChannel$.asObservable();
+                case selectCurrentEpgProgram:
+                    return currentEpgProgram$.asObservable();
+                default:
+                    return of(null);
+            }
+        }),
+    };
+
+    function clearSidebarStorage(): void {
+        localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('m3u'));
+        localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('portal'));
+        localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('collection'));
+    }
+
+    function query(selector: string): Element | null {
+        return fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(selector);
+    }
+
+    function hiddenState() {
+        return fixture.debugElement.query(
+            By.directive(StubChannelListHiddenStateComponent)
+        );
+    }
+
+    beforeAll(async () => {
+        ({ VideoPlayerComponent } = await import('./video-player.component'));
+    });
+
+    beforeEach(async () => {
+        clearSidebarStorage();
+        activeChannel.set(null);
+        activeChannel$.next(null);
+        channels.set([]);
+        channels$.next([]);
+
+        await TestBed.configureTestingModule({
+            imports: [VideoPlayerComponent],
+            providers: [
+                {
+                    provide: ActivatedRoute,
+                    useValue: {
+                        params: of({ id: playlistId(), view: 'all' }),
+                        queryParams: of({}),
+                        snapshot: {
+                            data: { layout: 'workspace' },
+                            queryParams: {},
+                        },
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: Router,
+                    useValue: {
+                        url: '/workspace/playlists/playlist-1/all',
+                        navigate: jest.fn(),
+                        currentNavigation: jest.fn().mockReturnValue(null),
+                    },
+                },
+                { provide: Store, useValue: storeMock },
+                {
+                    provide: Overlay,
+                    useValue: { position: jest.fn(), create: jest.fn() },
+                },
+                { provide: DataService, useValue: { sendIpcEvent: jest.fn() } },
+                {
+                    provide: RuntimeCapabilitiesService,
+                    useValue: {
+                        supportsEpg: true,
+                        isElectron: false,
+                        supportsRemoteControl: false,
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: PlaylistsService,
+                    useValue: {
+                        getPlaylist: jest.fn(() =>
+                            of({ playlist: { items: [] }, favorites: [] })
+                        ),
+                        getPlaylistWithGlobalFavorites: jest.fn(() =>
+                            of({ playlist: { items: [] }, favorites: [] })
+                        ),
+                        addM3uRecentlyViewed: jest.fn(() =>
+                            of({ recentlyViewed: [] })
+                        ),
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: EpgService,
+                    useValue: {
+                        currentEpgPrograms$: epgPrograms$.asObservable(),
+                        getChannelMetadataForChannels: () => of(new Map()),
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: PlaylistContextFacade,
+                    useValue: { resolvedPlaylistId: playlistId },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: SettingsStore,
+                    useValue: {
+                        player,
+                        showCaptions,
+                        stripCountryPrefix,
+                        m3uVodDetails: signal(true),
+                        resolvedEpgViewMode: signal('timeline'),
+                        resolvedEpgOffsetMinutes: signal(0),
+                        epgUrl: signal<string[]>([]),
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: StorageMap,
+                    useValue: {
+                        get: jest.fn(() =>
+                            of({
+                                player: player(),
+                                showCaptions: showCaptions(),
+                            } as Partial<Settings>)
+                        ),
+                    },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: PORTAL_EXTERNAL_PLAYBACK,
+                    useValue: { activeSession: signal(null) },
+                },
+                {
+                    provide: TmdbEnrichmentService,
+                    useValue: { isEnabled: () => true },
+                },
+            ],
+        })
+            // The rail and the content-area empty states are the subject;
+            // everything else renders as inert unknown elements.
+            .overrideComponent(VideoPlayerComponent, {
+                set: {
+                    imports: [
+                        AsyncPipe,
+                        StubChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
+                        MockPipe(
+                            TranslatePipe,
+                            (value: string | null | undefined) => value ?? ''
+                        ),
+                    ],
+                    schemas: [NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA],
+                },
+            })
+            .compileComponents();
+
+        fixture = TestBed.createComponent(VideoPlayerComponent);
+        component = fixture.componentInstance;
+        sidebarState = TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService);
+    });
+
+    afterEach(() => {
+        fixture?.destroy();
+        clearSidebarStorage();
+    });
+
+    it('starts with the rail visible and the "select a channel" empty state', () => {
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.isSidebarCollapsed()).toBe(false);
+        expect(query('.sidebar')?.classList.contains('sidebar-collapsed')).toBe(
+            false
+        );
+        expect(query('.sidebar-restore')).toBeNull();
+        expect(query('app-portal-empty-state')).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(hiddenState()).toBeNull();
+    });
+
+    it('hides the rail through the shared per-surface state and swaps the empty state for a full-size way back', () => {
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        component.toggleSidebar();
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.isSidebarCollapsed()).toBe(true);
+        expect(query('.sidebar')?.classList.contains('sidebar-collapsed')).toBe(
+            true
+        );
+        expect(query('.sidebar-restore')).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(query('app-portal-empty-state')).toBeNull();
+        expect(hiddenState()).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(localStorage.getItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('m3u'))).toBe(
+            'collapsed'
+        );
+
+        hiddenState().componentInstance.restore.emit();
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.isSidebarCollapsed()).toBe(false);
+        expect(query('.sidebar-restore')).toBeNull();
+        expect(hiddenState()).toBeNull();
+        expect(query('app-portal-empty-state')).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(localStorage.getItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('m3u'))).toBe(
+            'expanded'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('reflects a toggle made elsewhere for the M3U surface (the header) and ignores other surfaces', () => {
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        sidebarState.setState('portal', 'collapsed');
+        sidebarState.setState('collection', 'collapsed');
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.isSidebarCollapsed()).toBe(false);
+        expect(query('.sidebar-restore')).toBeNull();
+
+        sidebarState.toggle('m3u');
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.isSidebarCollapsed()).toBe(true);
+        expect(query('.sidebar-restore')).not.toBeNull();
+    });
+
+    it('does not show the hidden-list state while a channel is playing', () => {
+        const liveChannel = {
+            id: 'channel-1',
+            url: 'http://localhost/live.m3u8',
+            name: 'Sample TV',
+            epgParams: '',
+            radio: 'false',
+            tvg: { id: '', logo: '', name: 'Sample TV' },
+        } as Channel;
+        activeChannel.set(liveChannel);
+        activeChannel$.next(liveChannel);
+        channels.set([liveChannel]);
+        channels$.next([liveChannel]);
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        component.toggleSidebar();
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.isSidebarCollapsed()).toBe(true);
+        expect(query('.sidebar-restore')).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(hiddenState()).toBeNull();
+        expect(query('.video-player')).not.toBeNull();
+    });
+});
diff --git a/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.html b/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.html
index 679f54e71..11bff69cf 100644
--- a/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.html
+++ b/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.html
@@ -206,6 +206,8 @@
                 </div>
             </div>
         }
+    } @else if (isSidebarCollapsed()) {
+        <app-channel-list-hidden-state (restore)="toggleSidebar()" />
     } @else {
         <app-portal-empty-state
             icon="live_tv"
diff --git a/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.ts b/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.ts
index 9ce078e24..4b22190cc 100644
--- a/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.ts
+++ b/libs/playlist/m3u/feature-player/src/lib/video-player/video-player.component.ts
@@ -83,17 +83,18 @@ import {
     isTypingInInput,
     isWorkspaceLayoutRoute,
     LiveEpgPanelState,
-    LiveSidebarState,
+    LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
     persistLiveEpgPanelState,
-    persistLiveSidebarState,
     PORTAL_EXTERNAL_PLAYBACK,
     isLiveExternalPlayerSession,
     REMOTE_CONTROL_RESET_STATUS,
     restoreLiveEpgPanelState,
-    restoreLiveSidebarState,
     WorkspaceHeaderContextService,
 } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/util';
-import { PortalEmptyStateComponent } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/ui';
+import {
+    ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
+    PortalEmptyStateComponent,
+} from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/ui';
 import {
     AudioPlayerComponent,
     FULLSCREEN_CHANNEL_PANEL,
@@ -200,6 +201,7 @@ function isInsideScrollableRegion(
         MatButtonModule,
         MatIconModule,
         MatTooltipModule,
+        ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
         PortalEmptyStateComponent,
         ResizableDirective,
         SidebarComponent,
@@ -232,6 +234,9 @@ export class VideoPlayerComponent
     private readonly storage = inject(StorageMap);
     private readonly store = inject(Store);
     private readonly epgService = inject(EpgService);
+    private readonly liveSidebarStateService = inject(
+        LiveLayoutSidebarStateService
+    );
     private readonly tmdbEnrichment = inject(TmdbEnrichmentService);
     private readonly externalPlayback = inject(PORTAL_EXTERNAL_PLAYBACK);
     private readonly workspaceHeaderContext = inject(
@@ -481,12 +486,9 @@ export class VideoPlayerComponent
     readonly isLiveEpgPanelCollapsed = computed(
         () => this.liveEpgPanelState() === 'collapsed'
     );
-    readonly liveSidebarState = signal<LiveSidebarState>(
-        restoreLiveSidebarState()
-    );
-    readonly isSidebarCollapsed = computed(
-        () => this.liveSidebarState() === 'collapsed'
-    );
+    /** Shared with the workspace header toggle; persisted per surface. */
+    readonly isSidebarCollapsed =
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsedFor('m3u');
 
     /** Channels list */
     readonly channels$: Observable<Channel[]> = this.store.select(
@@ -1007,11 +1009,7 @@ export class VideoPlayerComponent
     }
 
     toggleSidebar(): void {
-        const next: LiveSidebarState = this.isSidebarCollapsed()
-            ? 'expanded'
-            : 'collapsed';
-        this.liveSidebarState.set(next);
-        persistLiveSidebarState(next);
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle('m3u');
     }
 
     onLiveEpgDateNavigation(direction: EpgDateNavigationDirection): void {
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/index.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/index.ts
index 0f3a180f3..f0133438e 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/index.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/index.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ export * from './lib/components/grid-list/grid-list.component';
 export * from './lib/components/playlist-error-view/playlist-error-view.component';
 export { ProgressCapsuleComponent } from '@iptvnator/ui/components';
 export * from './lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component';
+export * from './lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component';
 export * from './lib/components/search-form/search-form.component';
 export * from './lib/components/search-layout/search-layout.component';
 export { WatchedBadgeComponent } from '@iptvnator/ui/components';
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component.spec.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..032d259b1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+import { ComponentFixture, TestBed } from '@angular/core/testing';
+import { TranslatePipe } from '@ngx-translate/core';
+import { MockPipe } from 'ng-mocks';
+import { ChannelListHiddenStateComponent } from './channel-list-hidden-state.component';
+
+describe('ChannelListHiddenStateComponent', () => {
+    let fixture: ComponentFixture<ChannelListHiddenStateComponent>;
+
+    beforeEach(async () => {
+        await TestBed.configureTestingModule({
+            imports: [ChannelListHiddenStateComponent],
+        })
+            .overrideComponent(ChannelListHiddenStateComponent, {
+                remove: { imports: [TranslatePipe] },
+                add: {
+                    imports: [MockPipe(TranslatePipe, (key: string) => key)],
+                },
+            })
+            .compileComponents();
+
+        fixture = TestBed.createComponent(ChannelListHiddenStateComponent);
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+    });
+
+    it('explains that the list is hidden instead of asking to pick a channel', () => {
+        const host: HTMLElement = fixture.nativeElement;
+
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-title')?.textContent).toContain(
+            'LAYOUT.CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN'
+        );
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-hint')?.textContent).toContain(
+            'LAYOUT.CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT'
+        );
+        expect(host.textContent).not.toContain('SELECT_CHANNEL_PLAYBACK');
+    });
+
+    it('offers a full-size restore action that emits once per click', () => {
+        const restore = jest.fn();
+        fixture.componentInstance.restore.subscribe(restore);
+        const button: HTMLButtonElement | null =
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('button.empty-state-action');
+
+        expect(button?.textContent).toContain('LAYOUT.SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST');
+
+        button?.click();
+
+        expect(restore).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+});
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..ae1ebd396
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+import { ChangeDetectionStrategy, Component, output } from '@angular/core';
+import { TranslatePipe } from '@ngx-translate/core';
+import { PortalEmptyStateComponent } from '../portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component';
+
+/**
+ * Content-area placeholder for a live layout whose channel rail is collapsed
+ * and nothing is playing. It replaces the "select a channel" empty state,
+ * which would otherwise ask the user to pick from a list they cannot see,
+ * and gives the collapsed state a full-size way back next to the 32px
+ * restore chevron. Every live host (M3U player, Xtream/Stalker live layouts,
+ * unified live tab) renders this same component so the copy stays identical.
+ */
+@Component({
+    selector: 'app-channel-list-hidden-state',
+    imports: [PortalEmptyStateComponent, TranslatePipe],
+    template: `
+        <app-portal-empty-state
+            icon="view_sidebar"
+            [message]="'LAYOUT.CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN' | translate"
+            [hint]="'LAYOUT.CHANNELS_LIST_HIDDEN_HINT' | translate"
+            [actionLabel]="'LAYOUT.SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST' | translate"
+            actionIcon="chevron_right"
+            (action)="restore.emit()"
+        />
+    `,
+    styles: `
+        :host {
+            display: flex;
+            flex: 1;
+            min-height: 0;
+        }
+    `,
+    changeDetection: ChangeDetectionStrategy.OnPush,
+})
+export class ChannelListHiddenStateComponent {
+    readonly restore = output<void>();
+}
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.html b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.html
index ca8370317..9f9f0d8de 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.html
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.html
@@ -1,4 +1,20 @@
 <div class="empty-state-container">
     <mat-icon class="empty-state-icon">{{ icon() }}</mat-icon>
     <h2 class="empty-state-title">{{ message() }}</h2>
+    @if (hint(); as hint) {
+        <p class="empty-state-hint">{{ hint }}</p>
+    }
+    @if (actionLabel(); as label) {
+        <button
+            type="button"
+            mat-stroked-button
+            class="empty-state-action"
+            (click)="action.emit()"
+        >
+            @if (actionIcon(); as actionIcon) {
+                <mat-icon>{{ actionIcon }}</mat-icon>
+            }
+            {{ label }}
+        </button>
+    }
 </div>
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.scss b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.scss
index 787f2f427..d712c4f37 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.scss
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.scss
@@ -33,6 +33,27 @@
     opacity: 0.6;
 }
 
+.empty-state-hint {
+    margin: 8px 0 0;
+    max-width: 36ch;
+    font-size: 0.88rem;
+    line-height: 1.4;
+    text-wrap: balance;
+    opacity: 0.55;
+}
+
+// The action is the one element here that must not fade into the backdrop:
+// it is the way out of the state, so it keeps full opacity and a real
+// hit target while the icon and copy stay muted.
+.empty-state-action {
+    margin-top: 20px;
+    min-height: 40px;
+
+    mat-icon {
+        margin-right: 6px;
+    }
+}
+
 @keyframes portal-empty-state-fade-in {
     from {
         opacity: 0;
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.spec.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c37f1dc12
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+import { ComponentFixture, TestBed } from '@angular/core/testing';
+import { PortalEmptyStateComponent } from './portal-empty-state.component';
+
+describe('PortalEmptyStateComponent', () => {
+    let fixture: ComponentFixture<PortalEmptyStateComponent>;
+
+    beforeEach(async () => {
+        await TestBed.configureTestingModule({
+            imports: [PortalEmptyStateComponent],
+        }).compileComponents();
+
+        fixture = TestBed.createComponent(PortalEmptyStateComponent);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('message', 'Nothing here');
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+    });
+
+    it('renders only the icon and message by default', () => {
+        const host: HTMLElement = fixture.nativeElement;
+
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-icon')?.textContent).toBe(
+            'live_tv'
+        );
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-title')?.textContent).toBe(
+            'Nothing here'
+        );
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-hint')).toBeNull();
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-action')).toBeNull();
+    });
+
+    it('renders the hint and a labelled action that emits on click', () => {
+        const action = jest.fn();
+        fixture.componentInstance.action.subscribe(action);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('hint', 'Try the button');
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('actionLabel', 'Do it');
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('actionIcon', 'chevron_right');
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const host: HTMLElement = fixture.nativeElement;
+        const button = host.querySelector<HTMLButtonElement>(
+            'button.empty-state-action'
+        );
+
+        expect(host.querySelector('.empty-state-hint')?.textContent).toBe(
+            'Try the button'
+        );
+        expect(button?.textContent).toContain('Do it');
+        expect(button?.querySelector('mat-icon')?.textContent).toBe(
+            'chevron_right'
+        );
+
+        button?.click();
+
+        expect(action).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+});
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.ts
index 7166cf06b..f23633985 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,10 @@
-import { ChangeDetectionStrategy, Component, input } from '@angular/core';
+import {
+    ChangeDetectionStrategy,
+    Component,
+    input,
+    output,
+} from '@angular/core';
+import { MatButton } from '@angular/material/button';
 import { MatIcon } from '@angular/material/icon';
 
 @Component({
@@ -6,9 +12,15 @@ import { MatIcon } from '@angular/material/icon';
     templateUrl: './portal-empty-state.component.html',
     styleUrl: './portal-empty-state.component.scss',
     changeDetection: ChangeDetectionStrategy.OnPush,
-    imports: [MatIcon],
+    imports: [MatButton, MatIcon],
 })
 export class PortalEmptyStateComponent {
     readonly icon = input<string>('live_tv');
     readonly message = input.required<string>();
+    /** One short secondary sentence under the title. */
+    readonly hint = input<string | null>(null);
+    /** Renders the primary action button; the host reacts to `action`. */
+    readonly actionLabel = input<string | null>(null);
+    readonly actionIcon = input<string | null>(null);
+    readonly action = output<void>();
 }
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.html b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.html
index 8b2024bca..4fc26257f 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.html
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.html
@@ -191,6 +191,7 @@
                     (reorderItems)="onReorder($event)"
                     (itemPlayed)="onItemPlayed($event)"
                     (autoOpenHandled)="onLiveAutoOpenHandled()"
+                    (restoreSidebarRequested)="toggleSidebar()"
                 />
             }
         }
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.spec.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.spec.ts
index 0bfeb27dd..e25f799de 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.spec.ts
@@ -20,12 +20,17 @@ import {
     ScopeToggleService,
     UnifiedCollectionItem,
     WorkspaceViewCommandService,
+    LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
+    liveSidebarStateStorageKey,
 } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/util';
 import {
     UnifiedFavoritesDataService,
     UnifiedRecentDataService,
 } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/data-access';
-import { selectAllPlaylistsMeta, selectPlaylistsLoadingFlag } from '@iptvnator/m3u-state';
+import {
+    selectAllPlaylistsMeta,
+    selectPlaylistsLoadingFlag,
+} from '@iptvnator/m3u-state';
 import { RuntimeCapabilitiesService } from '@iptvnator/services';
 import { BehaviorSubject } from 'rxjs';
 import { PlaylistMeta } from '@iptvnator/shared/interfaces';
@@ -53,6 +58,7 @@ class StubUnifiedLiveTabComponent {
     readonly reorderItems = output<UnifiedCollectionItem[]>();
     readonly itemPlayed = output<UnifiedCollectionItem>();
     readonly autoOpenHandled = output<void>();
+    readonly restoreSidebarRequested = output<void>();
 }
 
 @Component({
@@ -507,19 +513,70 @@ describe('UnifiedCollectionPageComponent', () => {
         await fixture.whenStable();
 
         expect(favoritesData.removeFavorite).toHaveBeenCalledWith(recentItem);
-        expect(fixture.componentInstance.favoriteUidSet().has(recentItem.uid))
-            .toBe(false);
+        expect(
+            fixture.componentInstance.favoriteUidSet().has(recentItem.uid)
+        ).toBe(false);
         expect(fixture.componentInstance.allItems()).toEqual([recentItem]);
 
         liveTab.favoriteToggled.emit(recentItem);
         await fixture.whenStable();
 
         expect(favoritesData.addFavorite).toHaveBeenCalledWith(recentItem);
-        expect(fixture.componentInstance.favoriteUidSet().has(recentItem.uid))
-            .toBe(true);
+        expect(
+            fixture.componentInstance.favoriteUidSet().has(recentItem.uid)
+        ).toBe(true);
         expect(fixture.componentInstance.allItems()).toEqual([recentItem]);
     });
 
+    it('toggles the collection live rail with Cmd/Ctrl+B only while the live tab is on screen', async () => {
+        const recentItem = {
+            uid: 'm3u::playlist-1::https://example.com/one.m3u8',
+            name: 'Recent One',
+            contentType: 'live',
+            sourceType: 'm3u',
+            playlistId: 'playlist-1',
+            playlistName: 'Playlist One',
+            streamUrl: 'https://example.com/one.m3u8',
+        } satisfies UnifiedCollectionItem;
+        recentData.getRecentItems.mockResolvedValueOnce([recentItem]);
+        const sidebarState = TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService);
+        sidebarState.setState('collection', 'expanded');
+
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('mode', 'recent');
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+        await fixture.whenStable();
+        await new Promise<void>((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 0));
+
+        fixture.componentInstance.isLoading.set(false);
+        fixture.componentInstance.selectedContentType.set('live');
+        fixture.componentInstance.allItems.set([recentItem]);
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const press = () => {
+            const event = new KeyboardEvent('keydown', {
+                key: 'b',
+                ctrlKey: true,
+                cancelable: true,
+                bubbles: true,
+            });
+            document.dispatchEvent(event);
+            return event;
+        };
+
+        expect(press().defaultPrevented).toBe(true);
+        expect(sidebarState.isCollapsedFor('collection')()).toBe(true);
+        expect(sidebarState.isCollapsedFor('m3u')()).toBe(false);
+
+        // Not on the movies grid: there is no rail to hide there.
+        fixture.componentInstance.selectedContentType.set('movie');
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+        expect(press().defaultPrevented).toBe(false);
+        expect(sidebarState.isCollapsedFor('collection')()).toBe(true);
+
+        sidebarState.setState('collection', 'expanded');
+        localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('collection'));
+    });
+
     it('removes one recent live row through the live tab remove event', async () => {
         const recentItems = [
             {
@@ -826,9 +883,7 @@ describe('UnifiedCollectionPageComponent', () => {
                     },
                 }
             );
-            expect(
-                fixture.componentInstance.selectedDetailItem()
-            ).toBeNull();
+            expect(fixture.componentInstance.selectedDetailItem()).toBeNull();
         } finally {
             router.url = originalUrl;
         }
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.ts
index a03b82f7b..139d81699 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-collection-page.component.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ import {
     contentChild,
     DestroyRef,
     effect,
+    ElementRef,
+    HostListener,
     inject,
     linkedSignal,
     input,
@@ -38,6 +40,7 @@ import {
     getOpenLiveCollectionItemState,
     getUnifiedCollectionNavigation,
     isWorkspaceLayoutRoute,
+    isTypingInInput,
     LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
     OPEN_COLLECTION_DETAIL_STATE_KEY,
     OPEN_LIVE_COLLECTION_ITEM_STATE_KEY,
@@ -96,6 +99,7 @@ export class UnifiedCollectionPageComponent implements AfterContentInit {
     private readonly router = inject(Router);
     private readonly store = inject(Store);
     private readonly destroyRef = inject(DestroyRef);
+    private readonly hostElement = inject(ElementRef<HTMLElement>);
     private readonly scopeService = inject(ScopeToggleService);
     private readonly favoritesData = inject(UnifiedFavoritesDataService);
     private readonly recentData = inject(UnifiedRecentDataService);
@@ -276,7 +280,8 @@ export class UnifiedCollectionPageComponent implements AfterContentInit {
             this.selectedContentType() === 'live' &&
             this.hasLive()
     );
-    readonly isSidebarCollapsed = this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsed;
+    readonly isSidebarCollapsed =
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsedFor('collection');
     readonly showSidebarToggle = computed(
         () => this.selectedContentType() === 'live' && this.hasLive()
     );
@@ -469,7 +474,30 @@ export class UnifiedCollectionPageComponent implements AfterContentInit {
     }
 
     toggleSidebar(): void {
-        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle();
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle('collection');
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Cmd/Ctrl+B mirrors the routed live layouts (M3U, Xtream, Stalker): the
+     * hidden-list state advertises the shortcut, so the collection live tab
+     * must honour it too. Only while that tab, and therefore the rail, is on
+     * screen; the movies/series grids have nothing to hide.
+     */
+    @HostListener('document:keydown', ['$event'])
+    handleSidebarShortcut(event: KeyboardEvent): void {
+        if (
+            this.showSidebarToggle() &&
+            (event.metaKey || event.ctrlKey) &&
+            event.key.toLowerCase() === 'b' &&
+            !isTypingInInput(event) &&
+            // Behind the workspace's phone context drawer the route content
+            // is inert; this document-level listener still fires, so it
+            // opts out itself instead of toggling an obscured rail.
+            !this.hostElement.nativeElement.closest('[inert]')
+        ) {
+            event.preventDefault();
+            this.toggleSidebar();
+        }
     }
 
     setFavSortMode(mode: FavoritesChannelSortMode): void {
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.html b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.html
index 274dc90f5..23b486f85 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.html
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.html
@@ -148,6 +148,10 @@
                 </div>
             </div>
         }
+    } @else if (isSidebarCollapsed()) {
+        <app-channel-list-hidden-state
+            (restore)="restoreSidebarRequested.emit()"
+        />
     } @else {
         <app-portal-empty-state
             icon="live_tv"
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.ts b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.ts
index e1b78b903..7a20a4edc 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/ui/src/lib/components/unified-collection/unified-live-tab.component.ts
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ import {
     toLiveEpgPanelSummary,
 } from './unified-live-epg-summary.util';
 import { GlobalFavoritesListComponent } from '../global-favorites-list/global-favorites-list.component';
+import { ChannelListHiddenStateComponent } from '../channel-list-hidden-state/channel-list-hidden-state.component';
 import { PortalEmptyStateComponent } from '../portal-empty-state/portal-empty-state.component';
 import {
     AudioPlayerComponent,
@@ -100,6 +101,7 @@ import { createUnifiedLivePlaybackSessionKey } from './unified-live-playback-ses
         MatButtonModule,
         MatIconModule,
         MatProgressSpinnerModule,
+        ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
         PortalEmptyStateComponent,
         ResizableDirective,
         TranslatePipe,
@@ -130,6 +132,8 @@ export class UnifiedLiveTabComponent implements FullscreenChannelPanelHost {
     readonly itemPlayed = output<UnifiedCollectionItem>();
     readonly autoOpenHandled = output<void>();
     readonly isSidebarCollapsed = input(false);
+    /** The rail is owned by the page header toggle; ask it to expand. */
+    readonly restoreSidebarRequested = output<void>();
 
     private readonly streamResolver = inject(StreamResolverService);
     private readonly recentData = inject(UnifiedRecentDataService);
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.spec.ts b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..b8f124f59
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+import { TestBed } from '@angular/core/testing';
+import { LiveLayoutSidebarStateService } from './live-layout-sidebar-state.service';
+import {
+    LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
+    LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES,
+    liveSidebarStateStorageKey,
+} from './live-sidebar-state';
+
+describe('LiveLayoutSidebarStateService', () => {
+    function clearStorage(): void {
+        localStorage.removeItem(LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
+        for (const surface of LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES) {
+            localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey(surface));
+        }
+    }
+
+    function createService(): LiveLayoutSidebarStateService {
+        TestBed.resetTestingModule();
+        return TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService);
+    }
+
+    beforeEach(clearStorage);
+    afterEach(clearStorage);
+
+    it('starts every surface expanded', () => {
+        const service = createService();
+
+        for (const surface of LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES) {
+            expect(service.stateOf(surface)()).toBe('expanded');
+            expect(service.isCollapsedFor(surface)()).toBe(false);
+        }
+    });
+
+    it('keeps surfaces independent: collapsing the M3U rail leaves portals and collections alone', () => {
+        const service = createService();
+
+        service.toggle('m3u');
+
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('m3u')()).toBe(true);
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('portal')()).toBe(false);
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('collection')()).toBe(false);
+        expect(localStorage.getItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('m3u'))).toBe(
+            'collapsed'
+        );
+        expect(
+            localStorage.getItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('portal'))
+        ).toBeNull();
+    });
+
+    it('returns the same signal instance per surface so components can hold it', () => {
+        const service = createService();
+
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('portal')).toBe(
+            service.isCollapsedFor('portal')
+        );
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('portal')).not.toBe(
+            service.isCollapsedFor('collection')
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('restores each surface from its own storage key', () => {
+        localStorage.setItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('portal'), 'collapsed');
+
+        const service = createService();
+
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('portal')()).toBe(true);
+        expect(service.isCollapsedFor('m3u')()).toBe(false);
+
+        service.setState('portal', 'expanded');
+
+        expect(localStorage.getItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('portal'))).toBe(
+            'expanded'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('ignores and removes the legacy shared key instead of inheriting it', () => {
+        localStorage.setItem(
+            LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
+            'collapsed'
+        );
+
+        const service = createService();
+
+        for (const surface of LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES) {
+            expect(service.isCollapsedFor(surface)()).toBe(false);
+        }
+        expect(
+            localStorage.getItem(LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY)
+        ).toBeNull();
+    });
+});
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.ts b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.ts
index 36a60ed9d..35d90519b 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-layout-sidebar-state.service.ts
@@ -1,31 +1,76 @@
-import { computed, Injectable, signal } from '@angular/core';
 import {
+    computed,
+    Injectable,
+    Signal,
+    signal,
+    WritableSignal,
+} from '@angular/core';
+import {
+    forgetLegacyLiveSidebarState,
     LiveSidebarState,
+    LiveSidebarSurface,
+    liveSidebarStateStorageKey,
     persistLiveSidebarState,
     restoreLiveSidebarState,
 } from './live-sidebar-state';
 
+function bySurface<T>(
+    create: (surface: LiveSidebarSurface) => T
+): Record<LiveSidebarSurface, T> {
+    return {
+        m3u: create('m3u'),
+        portal: create('portal'),
+        collection: create('collection'),
+    };
+}
+
 /**
- * Shared collapse state for the live-TV sidebar across the workspace shell
- * categories rail (Xtream/Stalker), the inline channels rail, and the
- * unified-collection live tab. A single signal keeps all surfaces in sync
- * within a session; localStorage persistence is delegated to the existing
- * `live-sidebar-state` helpers so the storage key stays unchanged.
+ * Single owner of the live-TV sidebar collapse state. Every surface that
+ * renders a collapsible channel rail — the M3U player, the Xtream/Stalker
+ * live layouts together with the workspace shell categories rail, the
+ * unified favorites/recent live tab, and the workspace header toggle — reads
+ * and writes through this service, so a toggle in one place is reflected
+ * everywhere the same surface is rendered within the session.
+ *
+ * State is kept per surface (`live-sidebar-state:<surface>` in
+ * localStorage). The pre-split shared key is forgotten on construction.
  */
 @Injectable({ providedIn: 'root' })
 export class LiveLayoutSidebarStateService {
-    private readonly _state = signal<LiveSidebarState>(
-        restoreLiveSidebarState()
-    );
-    readonly state = this._state.asReadonly();
-    readonly isCollapsed = computed(() => this._state() === 'collapsed');
+    private readonly states: Record<
+        LiveSidebarSurface,
+        WritableSignal<LiveSidebarState>
+    >;
+    private readonly collapsed: Record<LiveSidebarSurface, Signal<boolean>>;
 
-    toggle(): void {
-        this.setState(this.isCollapsed() ? 'expanded' : 'collapsed');
+    constructor() {
+        forgetLegacyLiveSidebarState();
+        this.states = bySurface((surface) =>
+            signal(restoreLiveSidebarState(liveSidebarStateStorageKey(surface)))
+        );
+        this.collapsed = bySurface((surface) =>
+            computed(() => this.states[surface]() === 'collapsed')
+        );
     }
 
-    setState(state: LiveSidebarState): void {
-        this._state.set(state);
-        persistLiveSidebarState(state);
+    stateOf(surface: LiveSidebarSurface): Signal<LiveSidebarState> {
+        return this.states[surface].asReadonly();
+    }
+
+    /** Stable per-surface signal; safe to assign to a component field. */
+    isCollapsedFor(surface: LiveSidebarSurface): Signal<boolean> {
+        return this.collapsed[surface];
+    }
+
+    toggle(surface: LiveSidebarSurface): void {
+        this.setState(
+            surface,
+            this.collapsed[surface]() ? 'expanded' : 'collapsed'
+        );
+    }
+
+    setState(surface: LiveSidebarSurface, state: LiveSidebarState): void {
+        this.states[surface].set(state);
+        persistLiveSidebarState(state, liveSidebarStateStorageKey(surface));
     }
 }
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.spec.ts b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.spec.ts
index 7903bb750..7caf381c9 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.spec.ts
@@ -1,15 +1,21 @@
 import {
     DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE,
-    LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
+    forgetLegacyLiveSidebarState,
     isLiveSidebarState,
+    LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
+    LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES,
+    liveSidebarStateStorageKey,
     persistLiveSidebarState,
+    resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface,
     restoreLiveSidebarState,
 } from './live-sidebar-state';
 
 describe('live sidebar state', () => {
+    const key = liveSidebarStateStorageKey('m3u');
+
     afterEach(() => {
-        localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
-        localStorage.removeItem('custom-live-sidebar-state');
+        localStorage.removeItem(key);
+        localStorage.removeItem(LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
     });
 
     it('accepts only known sidebar states', () => {
@@ -19,32 +25,73 @@ describe('live sidebar state', () => {
         expect(isLiveSidebarState(null)).toBe(false);
     });
 
-    it('restores expanded as the default for missing or invalid storage', () => {
-        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState()).toBe(DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE);
+    it('derives one storage key per surface under the legacy prefix', () => {
+        const keys = LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES.map(liveSidebarStateStorageKey);
 
-        localStorage.setItem(LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY, 'hidden');
-
-        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState()).toBe(DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE);
+        expect(keys).toEqual([
+            'live-sidebar-state:m3u',
+            'live-sidebar-state:portal',
+            'live-sidebar-state:collection',
+        ]);
+        expect(new Set(keys).size).toBe(keys.length);
+        expect(keys).not.toContain(LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
     });
 
-    it('restores and persists collapsed state', () => {
-        persistLiveSidebarState('collapsed');
+    it('restores expanded as the default for missing or invalid storage', () => {
+        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState(key)).toBe(DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE);
 
-        expect(localStorage.getItem(LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY)).toBe(
+        localStorage.setItem(key, 'hidden');
+
+        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState(key)).toBe(DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE);
+    });
+
+    it('restores and persists collapsed state under the given key', () => {
+        persistLiveSidebarState('collapsed', key);
+
+        expect(localStorage.getItem(key)).toBe('collapsed');
+        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState(key)).toBe('collapsed');
+        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState(key, 'expanded')).toBe('collapsed');
+    });
+
+    it('never reads the legacy shared key and can forget it', () => {
+        localStorage.setItem(
+            LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
             'collapsed'
         );
-        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState()).toBe('collapsed');
+
+        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState(key)).toBe('expanded');
+
+        forgetLegacyLiveSidebarState();
+
+        expect(
+            localStorage.getItem(LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY)
+        ).toBeNull();
     });
 
-    it('supports custom storage keys and fallback values', () => {
-        expect(
-            restoreLiveSidebarState('custom-live-sidebar-state', 'collapsed')
-        ).toBe('collapsed');
-
-        persistLiveSidebarState('expanded', 'custom-live-sidebar-state');
-
-        expect(restoreLiveSidebarState('custom-live-sidebar-state')).toBe(
-            'expanded'
+    it('maps only routes that render their own live rail to a surface', () => {
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('playlists', 'all')).toBe('m3u');
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('playlists', 'groups')).toBe(
+            'm3u'
         );
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('xtreams', 'live')).toBe(
+            'portal'
+        );
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('stalker', 'itv')).toBe('portal');
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('stalker', 'radio')).toBe(
+            'portal'
+        );
+
+        // Collection pages own their toggle: only they know whether the live
+        // tab is on screen.
+        expect(
+            resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('playlists', 'recent')
+        ).toBeNull();
+        expect(
+            resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('xtreams', 'favorites')
+        ).toBeNull();
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('xtreams', 'vod')).toBeNull();
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('stalker', 'series')).toBeNull();
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface(null, 'live')).toBeNull();
+        expect(resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface('xtreams', null)).toBeNull();
     });
 });
diff --git a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.ts b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.ts
index 076d6b103..be5ff3e1b 100644
--- a/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/shared/util/src/lib/live-sidebar-state.ts
@@ -1,14 +1,48 @@
+import type {
+    PortalProvider,
+    PortalRailSection,
+} from './navigation/portal-rail-links';
+
 export type LiveSidebarState = 'expanded' | 'collapsed';
 
-export const LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY = 'live-sidebar-state';
+/**
+ * Collapsible live-channel rails. Each surface remembers its own state:
+ * hiding the list in the M3U player must not hide the channel rail of an
+ * Xtream/Stalker portal or of the favorites/recent collection pages — the
+ * user made that choice in one context, not in all of them.
+ */
+export type LiveSidebarSurface = 'm3u' | 'portal' | 'collection';
+
+export const LIVE_SIDEBAR_SURFACES: readonly LiveSidebarSurface[] = [
+    'm3u',
+    'portal',
+    'collection',
+];
+
+/**
+ * Key every live surface shared before the per-surface split. It is no longer
+ * read: a stored `collapsed` left every playlist and portal without a channel
+ * list and only a 32px chevron to recover it (issue #1458). The state service
+ * removes it once, so the update itself restores the list for everyone.
+ */
+export const LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY = 'live-sidebar-state';
+/** @deprecated The legacy shared key; use `liveSidebarStateStorageKey()`. */
+export const LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY =
+    LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY;
 export const DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE: LiveSidebarState = 'expanded';
 
+export function liveSidebarStateStorageKey(
+    surface: LiveSidebarSurface
+): string {
+    return `${LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY}:${surface}`;
+}
+
 export function isLiveSidebarState(value: unknown): value is LiveSidebarState {
     return value === 'expanded' || value === 'collapsed';
 }
 
 export function restoreLiveSidebarState(
-    storageKey: string = LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
+    storageKey: string,
     fallback: LiveSidebarState = DEFAULT_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE
 ): LiveSidebarState {
     const storedValue = localStorage.getItem(storageKey);
@@ -17,7 +51,41 @@ export function restoreLiveSidebarState(
 
 export function persistLiveSidebarState(
     state: LiveSidebarState,
-    storageKey: string = LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY
+    storageKey: string
 ): void {
     localStorage.setItem(storageKey, state);
 }
+
+export function forgetLegacyLiveSidebarState(): void {
+    try {
+        localStorage.removeItem(LEGACY_LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
+    } catch {
+        // Storage unavailable (private mode, blocked site data): nothing to forget.
+    }
+}
+
+/**
+ * The rail a portal route renders itself, for a toggle that lives outside the
+ * rail (the workspace header). Favorites/recent routes return `null` on
+ * purpose: the collection page owns that toggle, because only it knows
+ * whether the live tab, and therefore the rail, is on screen.
+ */
+export function resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface(
+    provider: PortalProvider | null | undefined,
+    section: PortalRailSection | null | undefined
+): LiveSidebarSurface | null {
+    if (!provider || !section) {
+        return null;
+    }
+
+    switch (provider) {
+        case 'playlists':
+            return section === 'all' || section === 'groups' ? 'm3u' : null;
+        case 'xtreams':
+            return section === 'live' ? 'portal' : null;
+        case 'stalker':
+            return section === 'itv' || section === 'radio' ? 'portal' : null;
+        default:
+            return null;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.spec.ts b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.spec.ts
index 2c1ab2dcc..67c85fd88 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.spec.ts
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ describe('StalkerLiveNavigation', () => {
         );
         expect(store.selectedCategoryId()).toBe('news');
         expect(store.searchPhrase()).toBe('');
-        expect(sidebar.setState).toHaveBeenCalledWith('expanded');
+        expect(sidebar.setState).toHaveBeenCalledWith('portal', 'expanded');
         expect(revealRow).toHaveBeenCalledWith('1');
         expect(play).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
         expect(navigation.canReveal()).toBe(false);
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.ts b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.ts
index ed1fc0fb3..612f6a4b6 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-navigation.ts
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ export class StalkerLiveNavigation {
         this.options.store.setSearchPhrase('');
         this.options.store.setSelectedCategory(category);
         this.options.store.setPage(0);
-        this.options.sidebar.setState('expanded');
+        this.options.sidebar.setState('portal', 'expanded');
         this.revealed.set({ owner, category, item: active });
         this.pendingReveal.set({
             owner,
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.html b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.html
index 99e945688..21e0070b3 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.html
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.html
@@ -142,6 +142,8 @@
                 <ng-container *ngTemplateOutlet="epgPanelContent" />
             </div>
         }
+    } @else if (isSidebarCollapsed()) {
+        <app-channel-list-hidden-state (restore)="toggleSidebar()" />
     } @else {
         <app-portal-empty-state
             icon="live_tv"
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.ts b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.ts
index 177dd316e..d1a16139e 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.component.ts
@@ -84,7 +84,10 @@ import {
     REMOTE_CONTROL_RESET_STATUS,
     restoreLiveEpgPanelState,
 } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/util';
-import { PortalEmptyStateComponent } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/ui';
+import {
+    ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
+    PortalEmptyStateComponent,
+} from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/ui';
 import {
     ACTIVE_EPG_FALLBACK_SIZE,
     StalkerFavoriteItem,
@@ -152,6 +155,7 @@ import { StalkerLiveNavigation } from './stalker-live-navigation';
         MatProgressSpinnerModule,
         MatTooltipModule,
         NgTemplateOutlet,
+        ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
         PortalEmptyStateComponent,
         ResizableDirective,
         StalkerItvAllItemsComponent,
@@ -484,7 +488,8 @@ export class StalkerLiveStreamLayoutComponent
     /** Live EPG panel layout chosen in settings; hosts swap timeline ↔ list. */
     readonly epgViewMode = this.settingsStore.resolvedEpgViewMode;
     readonly epgOffsetMinutes = this.settingsStore.resolvedEpgOffsetMinutes;
-    readonly isSidebarCollapsed = this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsed;
+    readonly isSidebarCollapsed =
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsedFor('portal');
     readonly liveEpgPanelSummary = computed(() =>
         this.toLiveEpgPanelSummary(this.currentProgram())
     );
@@ -1155,7 +1160,7 @@ export class StalkerLiveStreamLayoutComponent
     }
 
     toggleSidebar(): void {
-        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle();
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle('portal');
     }
 
     handleRadioChannelSwitch(direction: 'next' | 'previous'): void {
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.epg-races.spec.ts b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.epg-races.spec.ts
index e7f72ca05..5b162db9f 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.epg-races.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.epg-races.spec.ts
@@ -165,7 +165,10 @@ describe('StalkerLiveStreamLayoutComponent EPG fallback races', () => {
                 },
                 {
                     provide: LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
-                    useValue: { isCollapsed: signal(false), toggle: jest.fn() },
+                    useValue: {
+                        isCollapsedFor: () => signal(false),
+                        toggle: jest.fn(),
+                    },
                 },
                 { provide: EpgRuntimeBridgeService, useValue: {} },
                 { provide: MatDialog, useValue: { open: jest.fn() } },
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.panel-search.spec.ts b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.panel-search.spec.ts
index 2faea785c..9f3a59cfa 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.panel-search.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.panel-search.spec.ts
@@ -141,7 +141,10 @@ describe('StalkerLiveStreamLayoutComponent fullscreen panel search', () => {
                 },
                 {
                     provide: LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
-                    useValue: { isCollapsed: signal(false), toggle: jest.fn() },
+                    useValue: {
+                        isCollapsedFor: () => signal(false),
+                        toggle: jest.fn(),
+                    },
                 },
                 { provide: EpgRuntimeBridgeService, useValue: {} },
                 { provide: MatDialog, useValue: { open: jest.fn() } },
diff --git a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.playback-session-key.spec.ts b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.playback-session-key.spec.ts
index ad9c75394..9ea4a9abe 100644
--- a/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.playback-session-key.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/stalker/feature/src/lib/stalker-live-stream-layout/stalker-live-stream-layout.playback-session-key.spec.ts
@@ -138,7 +138,10 @@ describe('StalkerLiveStreamLayoutComponent playback session ownership', () => {
                 },
                 {
                     provide: LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
-                    useValue: { isCollapsed: signal(false), toggle: jest.fn() },
+                    useValue: {
+                        isCollapsedFor: () => signal(false),
+                        toggle: jest.fn(),
+                    },
                 },
                 { provide: EpgRuntimeBridgeService, useValue: {} },
                 { provide: MatDialog, useValue: { open: jest.fn() } },
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html
index da9b5422c..16cd5f49c 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html
@@ -170,6 +170,8 @@
                 />
             </div>
         }
+    } @else if (isSidebarCollapsed()) {
+        <app-channel-list-hidden-state (restore)="toggleSidebar()" />
     } @else {
         <app-portal-empty-state
             icon="live_tv"
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts
index 49ecaa805..c3a6f026d 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ import { TranslatePipe } from '@ngx-translate/core';
 import { BehaviorSubject, Subject, of } from 'rxjs';
 import {
     LIVE_EPG_PANEL_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
-    LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY,
+    liveSidebarStateStorageKey,
     LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
     PORTAL_PLAYER,
     ResizableDirective,
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
         settingsStore.resolvedEpgViewMode.set('timeline');
         localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_CHANNEL_SORT_STORAGE_KEY);
         localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_EPG_PANEL_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
-        localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
+        localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('portal'));
         settingsStore.openStreamOnDoubleClick.set(false);
 
         window.electron = {
@@ -345,16 +345,16 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
         fixture = TestBed.createComponent(LiveStreamLayoutComponent);
         component = fixture.componentInstance;
 
-        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('expanded');
+        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('portal', 'expanded');
     });
 
     afterEach(() => {
-        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('expanded');
+        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('portal', 'expanded');
         fixture.destroy();
         jest.useRealTimers();
         localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_CHANNEL_SORT_STORAGE_KEY);
         localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_EPG_PANEL_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
-        localStorage.removeItem(LIVE_SIDEBAR_STATE_STORAGE_KEY);
+        localStorage.removeItem(liveSidebarStateStorageKey('portal'));
         window.electron = originalElectron;
     });
 
@@ -1149,9 +1149,13 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
         );
     });
 
+    // Collapsing with a selected category and no stream renders the real
+    // `app-channel-list-hidden-state` (its TranslatePipe needs a
+    // TranslateService); this spec is at the max-lines budget, so that branch
+    // is covered by video-player-sidebar.spec.ts and the Electron E2E instead.
     it('shows the floating restore button when the sidebar is collapsed even without a selected category', () => {
         selectedCategoryId.set(null);
-        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('collapsed');
+        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('portal', 'collapsed');
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(
@@ -1161,7 +1165,7 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
 
     it('hides the floating restore button when the sidebar is expanded', () => {
         selectedCategoryId.set(1);
-        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('expanded');
+        TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService).setState('portal', 'expanded');
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts
index ad3d5cce4..106034fc1 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@ import { ResizableDirective } from '@iptvnator/ui/components';
 import {
     GridListComponent,
     InfiniteScrollDirective,
+    ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
     PortalEmptyStateComponent,
 } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/ui';
 import {
@@ -127,6 +128,7 @@ const LIVE_CHANNEL_SORT_STORAGE_KEY = 'xtream-live-channel-sort-mode';
         GridListComponent,
         InfiniteScrollDirective,
         PortalChannelsListComponent,
+        ChannelListHiddenStateComponent,
         PortalEmptyStateComponent,
         ResizableDirective,
         TranslatePipe,
@@ -320,7 +322,8 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent
     /** Live EPG panel layout chosen in settings; hosts swap timeline ↔ list. */
     readonly epgViewMode = this.settingsStore.resolvedEpgViewMode;
     readonly epgOffsetMinutes = this.settingsStore.resolvedEpgOffsetMinutes;
-    readonly isSidebarCollapsed = this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsed;
+    readonly isSidebarCollapsed =
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsedFor('portal');
     readonly liveEpgPanelSummary = computed(() =>
         this.toLiveEpgPanelSummary(
             this.activeCatchupProgram() ?? this.currentEpgItem()
@@ -623,7 +626,7 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent
     }
 
     toggleSidebar(): void {
-        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle();
+        this.liveSidebarStateService.toggle('portal');
     }
 
     @HostListener('document:keydown', ['$event'])
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.spec.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.spec.ts
index b7b75d76c..b1fcb47a3 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.spec.ts
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ describe('XtreamLiveChannelNavigationService', () => {
             );
             expect(selectedCategoryId()).toBe(10);
             expect(categorySearchTerm()).toBe('');
-            expect(sidebar.setState).toHaveBeenCalledWith('expanded');
+            expect(sidebar.setState).toHaveBeenCalledWith('portal', 'expanded');
             expect(service.revealRequest()).toEqual(
                 expect.objectContaining({ channelId: 1 })
             );
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.ts
index aab1bd65a..f02e62f4c 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/xtream-live-channel-navigation.service.ts
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ export class XtreamLiveChannelNavigationService {
                 return;
             this.store.setCategorySearchTerm('');
             this.store.setSelectedCategory(categoryId);
-            this.sidebar.setState('expanded');
+            this.sidebar.setState('portal', 'expanded');
             this.pendingReveal.set({
                 channelId: target.xtream_id,
                 categoryId,
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.spec.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.spec.ts
index b6a947eab..6eb3b5e45 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.spec.ts
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ describe('WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent', () => {
     let liveSidebarService: LiveLayoutSidebarStateService;
 
     beforeEach(async () => {
-        localStorage.removeItem('live-sidebar-state');
+        localStorage.removeItem('live-sidebar-state:portal');
 
         await TestBed.configureTestingModule({
             imports: [WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent],
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ describe('WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent', () => {
 
         fixture = TestBed.createComponent(WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent);
         liveSidebarService = TestBed.inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService);
-        liveSidebarService.setState('expanded');
+        liveSidebarService.setState('portal', 'expanded');
     });
 
     it('closes the phone drawer from its always-available close button', () => {
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ describe('WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent', () => {
         it('collapses the categories rail when the shared service is collapsed on a live route', () => {
             setupLiveCategory('live');
 
-            liveSidebarService.setState('collapsed');
+            liveSidebarService.setState('portal', 'collapsed');
             fixture.detectChanges();
 
             const aside = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
@@ -184,7 +184,7 @@ describe('WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent', () => {
         it('also collapses on the Stalker itv section', () => {
             setupLiveCategory('itv');
 
-            liveSidebarService.setState('collapsed');
+            liveSidebarService.setState('portal', 'collapsed');
             fixture.detectChanges();
 
             const aside = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ describe('WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent', () => {
         it('does not collapse the categories rail on non-live sections', () => {
             setupLiveCategory('vod');
 
-            liveSidebarService.setState('collapsed');
+            liveSidebarService.setState('portal', 'collapsed');
             fixture.detectChanges();
 
             const aside = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.ts
index 74d30ae8e..2678ae2ed 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-context-sidebar/workspace-shell-context-sidebar.component.ts
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ export class WorkspaceShellContextSidebarComponent {
     readonly isContextPanelCollapsed = computed(
         () =>
             this.isLiveCategoryRoute() &&
-            this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsed()
+            this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsedFor('portal')()
     );
 
     closeDrawer(): void {
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.html b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.html
index 32b3d22fe..7f80772df 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.html
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.html
@@ -115,6 +115,22 @@
             <mat-icon>add</mat-icon>
         </button>
         @if (!isSettingsRoute()) {
+            @if (headerSidebarToggle(); as sidebarToggle) {
+                <button
+                    type="button"
+                    class="header-shortcut header-sidebar-toggle"
+                    [class.header-sidebar-toggle--collapsed]="
+                        !sidebarToggle.expanded
+                    "
+                    mat-icon-button
+                    (click)="onHeaderSidebarToggleRequested()"
+                    [matTooltip]="sidebarToggle.tooltip"
+                    [attr.aria-label]="sidebarToggle.ariaLabel"
+                    [attr.aria-pressed]="sidebarToggle.expanded"
+                >
+                    <mat-icon>view_sidebar</mat-icon>
+                </button>
+            }
             @if (headerShortcut(); as action) {
                 <button
                     type="button"
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.scss b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.scss
index 3015442f8..64d98a8bb 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.scss
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.scss
@@ -209,6 +209,12 @@
     }
 }
 
+// The rail is visible most of the time, so the toggle stays neutral then and
+// only tints once the rail is hidden: the exception is what deserves the cue.
+.header-sidebar-toggle--collapsed {
+    color: var(--mat-sys-primary);
+}
+
 .header-actions--leading {
     margin-left: -4px;
 }
@@ -392,5 +398,12 @@
         .shortcuts-trigger {
             display: none;
         }
+
+        // At the phone breakpoint the live rail is a bottom drawer with its
+        // own toggle, and the header has no room left for another permanent
+        // icon: it already holds the drawer toggle, switcher, search and Add.
+        .header-sidebar-toggle {
+            display: none;
+        }
     }
 }
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.spec.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.spec.ts
index ba8004004..7e0c64835 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.spec.ts
@@ -158,6 +158,71 @@ describe('WorkspaceShellHeaderComponent', () => {
         expect(requested).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
     });
 
+    it('does not render the live rail toggle when the route has no rail', () => {
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.header-sidebar-toggle')
+        ).toBeNull();
+    });
+
+    it('renders the live rail toggle in both rail states and emits toggle requests', () => {
+        const requested = jest.fn();
+        component.headerSidebarToggleRequested.subscribe(requested);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('headerSidebarToggle', {
+            expanded: true,
+            tooltip: 'LAYOUT.TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP',
+            ariaLabel: 'LAYOUT.HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST',
+        });
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const button: HTMLButtonElement = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
+            '.header-sidebar-toggle'
+        );
+        expect(button.getAttribute('aria-pressed')).toBe('true');
+        expect(button.getAttribute('aria-label')).toBe(
+            'LAYOUT.HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST'
+        );
+        expect(button.classList).not.toContain(
+            'header-sidebar-toggle--collapsed'
+        );
+
+        button.click();
+        expect(requested).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+
+        // The control stays in place once the rail is hidden; only its
+        // pressed state, label and tint change.
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('headerSidebarToggle', {
+            expanded: false,
+            tooltip: 'LAYOUT.TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP',
+            ariaLabel: 'LAYOUT.SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST',
+        });
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const collapsedButton: HTMLButtonElement =
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.header-sidebar-toggle');
+        expect(collapsedButton).toBe(button);
+        expect(collapsedButton.getAttribute('aria-pressed')).toBe('false');
+        expect(collapsedButton.getAttribute('aria-label')).toBe(
+            'LAYOUT.SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST'
+        );
+        expect(collapsedButton.classList).toContain(
+            'header-sidebar-toggle--collapsed'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('hides the live rail toggle on the settings route', () => {
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('headerSidebarToggle', {
+            expanded: true,
+            tooltip: 'tooltip',
+            ariaLabel: 'aria',
+        });
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('isSettingsRoute', true);
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.header-sidebar-toggle')
+        ).toBeNull();
+    });
+
     it('renders scope and status chips when search metadata is provided', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('searchScopeLabel', 'Movies / All Items');
         fixture.componentRef.setInput(
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.ts
index 692510216..d26fc973c 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/components/workspace-shell-header/workspace-shell-header.component.ts
@@ -14,7 +14,10 @@ import { TranslatePipe } from '@ngx-translate/core';
 import { PlaylistSwitcherComponent } from '@iptvnator/playlist/shared/ui';
 import { WorkspaceHeaderAction } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/util';
 import { PlaylistMeta } from '@iptvnator/shared/interfaces';
-import { WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction } from '../../services/helpers/workspace-shell-constants';
+import {
+    WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction,
+    WorkspaceHeaderSidebarToggle,
+} from '../../services/helpers/workspace-shell-constants';
 
 @Component({
     selector: 'app-workspace-shell-header',
@@ -54,6 +57,9 @@ export class WorkspaceShellHeaderComponent {
     readonly searchStatusLabel = input('');
     readonly headerShortcut = input<WorkspaceHeaderAction | null>(null);
     readonly headerBulkAction = input<WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction | null>(null);
+    readonly headerSidebarToggle = input<WorkspaceHeaderSidebarToggle | null>(
+        null
+    );
     readonly canRefreshPlaylist = input(false);
     readonly isRefreshingPlaylist = input(false);
     readonly isElectron = input(false);
@@ -101,6 +107,7 @@ export class WorkspaceShellHeaderComponent {
     readonly addPlaylistRequested = output<void>();
     readonly headerShortcutRequested = output<void>();
     readonly headerBulkActionRequested = output<void>();
+    readonly headerSidebarToggleRequested = output<void>();
     readonly refreshPlaylistRequested = output<void>();
     readonly downloadsRequested = output<void>();
     readonly playlistInfoRequested = output<void>();
@@ -167,6 +174,10 @@ export class WorkspaceShellHeaderComponent {
         this.headerBulkActionRequested.emit();
     }
 
+    onHeaderSidebarToggleRequested(): void {
+        this.headerSidebarToggleRequested.emit();
+    }
+
     onRefreshPlaylistRequested(): void {
         this.refreshPlaylistRequested.emit();
     }
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/helpers/workspace-shell-constants.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/helpers/workspace-shell-constants.ts
index c0de77298..cbf3cdbc6 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/helpers/workspace-shell-constants.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/helpers/workspace-shell-constants.ts
@@ -43,3 +43,15 @@ export interface WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction {
     ariaLabel: string;
     disabled: boolean;
 }
+
+/**
+ * Header toggle for the live-channel rail of the current route. It exists in
+ * both rail states so the control never moves: inside the rail the chevron
+ * disappears together with the rail it hides.
+ */
+export interface WorkspaceHeaderSidebarToggle {
+    /** True while the rail is visible; drives `aria-pressed`. */
+    expanded: boolean;
+    tooltip: string;
+    ariaLabel: string;
+}
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell-header.service.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell-header.service.ts
index 51aecd51d..f52867499 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell-header.service.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell-header.service.ts
@@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ import {
     PlaylistRefreshActionService,
 } from '@iptvnator/playlist/shared/ui';
 import {
+    LiveLayoutSidebarStateService,
+    resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface,
     WorkspaceHeaderAction,
     WorkspaceHeaderContextService,
 } from '@iptvnator/portal/shared/util';
@@ -30,6 +32,7 @@ import {
     CLEAR_RECENTLY_VIEWED_ARIA,
     CLEAR_RECENTLY_VIEWED_TOOLTIP,
     WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction,
+    WorkspaceHeaderSidebarToggle,
 } from './helpers/workspace-shell-constants';
 import { bumpRefreshQueryParam } from './helpers/workspace-shell-route-utils';
 import { WorkspaceShellRouteStateService } from './workspace-shell-route-state.service';
@@ -48,6 +51,7 @@ export class WorkspaceShellHeaderService {
     private readonly playlistRefreshAction = inject(
         PlaylistRefreshActionService
     );
+    private readonly liveSidebar = inject(LiveLayoutSidebarStateService);
 
     private readonly languageTick = toSignal(
         this.translate.onLangChange.pipe(startWith(null)),
@@ -75,6 +79,38 @@ export class WorkspaceShellHeaderService {
 
         return action;
     });
+    /**
+     * The live rail of the current route, when the route renders one itself.
+     * The header toggle needs a rail that exists in both states; collection
+     * pages keep their own toggle beside the live/movies/series switch.
+     */
+    private readonly liveSidebarSurface = computed(() =>
+        resolveRouteLiveSidebarSurface(
+            this.routeState.currentContext()?.provider,
+            this.routeState.currentSection()
+        )
+    );
+    readonly headerSidebarToggle = computed<WorkspaceHeaderSidebarToggle | null>(
+        () => {
+            this.languageTick();
+
+            const surface = this.liveSidebarSurface();
+            if (!surface) {
+                return null;
+            }
+
+            const collapsed = this.liveSidebar.isCollapsedFor(surface)();
+            return {
+                expanded: !collapsed,
+                tooltip: this.translateText('LAYOUT.TOGGLE_SIDEBAR_TOOLTIP'),
+                ariaLabel: this.translateText(
+                    collapsed
+                        ? 'LAYOUT.SHOW_CHANNELS_LIST'
+                        : 'LAYOUT.HIDE_CHANNELS_LIST'
+                ),
+            };
+        }
+    );
     readonly canOpenPlaylistInfo = computed(() =>
         Boolean(this.routeState.activePlaylist())
     );
@@ -219,6 +255,13 @@ export class WorkspaceShellHeaderService {
         }
     }
 
+    toggleLiveSidebar(): void {
+        const surface = this.liveSidebarSurface();
+        if (surface) {
+            this.liveSidebar.toggle(surface);
+        }
+    }
+
     navigateToGlobalFavorites(): void {
         void this.router.navigate(['/workspace/global-favorites']);
     }
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell.facade.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell.facade.ts
index 5f191049e..4b0d4cc7e 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell.facade.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/services/workspace-shell.facade.ts
@@ -127,6 +127,7 @@ export class WorkspaceShellFacade {
     readonly canRefreshPlaylist = this.header.canRefreshPlaylist;
     readonly isRefreshingPlaylist = this.header.isRefreshingPlaylist;
     readonly headerBulkAction = this.header.headerBulkAction;
+    readonly headerSidebarToggle = this.header.headerSidebarToggle;
     readonly playlistSubtitle = this.header.playlistSubtitle;
     readonly activeDownloadsCount = computed(() =>
         this.supportsDownloads ? this.downloadsService.activeCount() : 0
@@ -205,6 +206,10 @@ export class WorkspaceShellFacade {
         return this.header.runHeaderBulkAction();
     }
 
+    toggleLiveSidebar(): void {
+        this.header.toggleLiveSidebar();
+    }
+
     navigateToGlobalFavorites(): void {
         this.header.navigateToGlobalFavorites();
     }
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.html b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.html
index 4a6dac447..a86730ffa 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.html
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.html
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@
         [searchStatusLabel]="facade.searchStatusLabel()"
         [headerShortcut]="facade.headerShortcut()"
         [headerBulkAction]="facade.headerBulkAction()"
+        [headerSidebarToggle]="facade.headerSidebarToggle()"
         [canRefreshPlaylist]="facade.canRefreshPlaylist()"
         [isRefreshingPlaylist]="facade.isRefreshingPlaylist()"
         [isElectron]="facade.isElectron"
@@ -59,6 +60,7 @@
         (addPlaylistRequested)="facade.openAddPlaylistDialog()"
         (headerShortcutRequested)="facade.runHeaderShortcut()"
         (headerBulkActionRequested)="facade.runHeaderBulkAction()"
+        (headerSidebarToggleRequested)="facade.toggleLiveSidebar()"
         (downloadsRequested)="facade.openDownloadsShortcut()"
         (playlistInfoRequested)="facade.openPlaylistInfo()"
         (accountInfoRequested)="facade.openAccountInfo()"
diff --git a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.spec.ts b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.spec.ts
index df39cd9c5..b1a170b38 100644
--- a/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/workspace/shell/feature/src/lib/workspace-shell/workspace-shell.component.spec.ts
@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ class MockWorkspaceShellHeaderComponent {
     readonly contextDrawerToggleAriaKey = input('');
     readonly contextDrawerTooltipKey = input('');
     readonly headerBulkAction = input<WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction | null>(null);
+    readonly headerSidebarToggle = input<unknown>(null);
     readonly searchChanged = output<string>();
     readonly searchSubmitted = output<string>();
     readonly commandPaletteRequested = output<void>();
@@ -73,6 +74,7 @@ class MockWorkspaceShellHeaderComponent {
     readonly refreshPlaylistRequested = output<void>();
     readonly downloadsRequested = output<void>();
     readonly headerBulkActionRequested = output<void>();
+    readonly headerSidebarToggleRequested = output<void>();
     readonly playlistInfoRequested = output<void>();
     readonly accountInfoRequested = output<void>();
     readonly contextDrawerToggleRequested = output<void>();
@@ -162,6 +164,8 @@ class MockWorkspaceShellFacade {
     readonly isDownloadsView = signal(false);
     readonly activeDownloadsCount = signal(3);
     readonly headerBulkAction = signal<WorkspaceHeaderBulkAction | null>(null);
+    readonly headerSidebarToggle = signal(null);
+    toggleLiveSidebar = jest.fn();
     readonly showContextPanel = signal(true);
     readonly hasContextPanelContent = signal(true);
     readonly contextDrawerLabelKeys = signal({