diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index be7c323..58ea1eb 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -125,7 +125,15 @@ This downloads all required software (takes a few minutes the first time).
 
 ### Step 5a: First-Time Authentication
 
-The first time you connect, Bambu Lab requires email verification. You need to run the collector **interactively** (not in the background) so you can enter the 6-digit code:
+The first time you connect, Bambu Lab requires email verification. You need to run the collector **interactively** (not in the background) so you can enter the 6-digit code.
+
+First, set up the database:
+
+```bash
+docker compose run --rm bambu-run python standalone/manage.py migrate --noinput
+```
+
+Then run the collector (this is what triggers Bambu Lab to send the verification email):
 
 ```bash
 docker compose run --rm bambu-run python standalone/manage.py bambu_collector --once
diff --git a/bambu_run/mqtt_client.py b/bambu_run/mqtt_client.py
index 3f231a4..3fb7286 100644
--- a/bambu_run/mqtt_client.py
+++ b/bambu_run/mqtt_client.py
@@ -687,23 +687,24 @@ class BambuPrinter:
         print("BambuLab Authentication")
         print("=" * 60)
         print(f"Authenticating as: {self.username}")
-        print("This may require email verification (2FA)...")
+        print()
+        print(">>> ACTION MAY BE REQUIRED <<<")
+        print("Bambu Lab will send a 6-digit verification code to your")
+        print("registered email. Watch this terminal — if a prompt")
+        print(f"appears below, enter the code and press Enter.")
+        print(f"(You have {verification_code_timeout} seconds to respond.)")
+        print("=" * 60)
         print()
 
         auth = BambuAuthenticator()
 
         try:
-            if self._silent:
-                with suppress_stdout():
-                    token = auth.get_or_create_token(
-                        username=self.username,
-                        password=self.password
-                    )
-            else:
-                token = auth.get_or_create_token(
-                    username=self.username,
-                    password=self.password
-                )
+            # Always show stdout during auth — suppress_stdout would hide
+            # interactive prompts from the library (e.g. verification code input).
+            token = auth.get_or_create_token(
+                username=self.username,
+                password=self.password
+            )
 
             self._token = token
             print("Authentication successful!")