diff --git a/packages/lib/providers/PrivyProvider.tsx b/packages/lib/providers/PrivyProvider.tsx
index 6b3bd0094..23f47e1bc 100644
--- a/packages/lib/providers/PrivyProvider.tsx
+++ b/packages/lib/providers/PrivyProvider.tsx
@@ -189,6 +189,11 @@ export default function PrivyProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode
   }, [hasValidAppId]);
 
   if (!hasValidAppId) {
+    // When Steward auth is enabled and Privy isn't configured,
+    // pass children through instead of blocking the whole app.
+    if (process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_STEWARD_AUTH_ENABLED === "true") {
+      return <>{children}</>;
+    }
     return (
       <div className="flex min-h-screen items-center justify-center">
         <div className="text-center">