diff --git a/backend/auth.py b/backend/auth.py
index eaac1b2..bfafae5 100644
--- a/backend/auth.py
+++ b/backend/auth.py
@@ -13,6 +13,8 @@ import bcrypt
 
 from db import get_db, get_cursor
 
+print("[AUTH.PY] Module loaded - require_auth_flexible will be defined")
+
 
 def hash_pin(pin: str) -> str:
     """Hash password with bcrypt. Falls back gracefully from legacy SHA256."""
@@ -77,6 +79,7 @@ def require_auth(x_auth_token: Optional[str] = Header(default=None)):
 
 
 def require_auth_flexible(x_auth_token: Optional[str] = Header(default=None), ssetoken: Optional[str] = Query(default=None)):
+    print("[AUTH_FLEX] FUNCTION CALLED!")  # FIRST LINE - should always print
     """
     FastAPI dependency - auth via header OR query parameter.