diff --git a/src/web-ui/src/main.tsx b/src/web-ui/src/main.tsx
index 58685bf2fb..a727002af8 100644
--- a/src/web-ui/src/main.tsx
+++ b/src/web-ui/src/main.tsx
@@ -188,14 +188,21 @@ function registerGlobalErrorHandlers() {
 
 registerGlobalErrorHandlers();
 
-// Disable Tab-key focus traversal globally.
-// Tab still works inside Monaco Editor and xterm terminal where it has semantic meaning.
+// Disable Tab-key focus traversal globally (IDE-style chrome).
+// Allow Tab where it has semantic meaning: Monaco, xterm, and modal/dialog forms
+// (SSH connect, account login, settings dialogs, etc. — Modal focus trap keeps focus inside).
 document.addEventListener(
   'keydown',
   (e: KeyboardEvent) => {
     if (e.key !== 'Tab') return;
     const target = e.target as Element | null;
-    if (target?.closest('.monaco-editor, .xterm')) return;
+    if (
+      target?.closest(
+        '.monaco-editor, .xterm, [role="dialog"], [aria-modal="true"]'
+      )
+    ) {
+      return;
+    }
     e.preventDefault();
   },
   true