diff --git a/src/app/actions.rs b/src/app/actions.rs
index 160947ff..f6c76a36 100644
--- a/src/app/actions.rs
+++ b/src/app/actions.rs
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ use crate::workspace::WorkspaceGitStatus;
 use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthChar;
 
 use super::state::{
-    AppState, Mode, NavigatorRow, NavigatorStateFilter, NavigatorTarget, PaneFocusTarget,
-    ToastKind, ToastNotification, ToastTarget, ViewLayout,
+    text_matches_query, AppState, Mode, NavigatorRow, NavigatorStateFilter, NavigatorTarget,
+    PaneFocusTarget, ToastKind, ToastNotification, ToastTarget, ViewLayout,
 };
 
 fn is_background_completion_transition(prev_state: AgentState, new_state: AgentState) -> bool {
@@ -558,9 +558,7 @@ fn navigator_state_filter_matches(
 }
 
 fn navigator_matches(query: &str, text: &str) -> bool {
-    query
-        .split_whitespace()
-        .all(|part| text.contains(&part.to_lowercase()))
+    text_matches_query(query, text)
 }
 
 fn launch_label(argv: Option<&Vec<String>>) -> Option<String> {
@@ -1390,11 +1388,68 @@ impl AppState {
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn close_pane(&mut self) {
+    pub(crate) fn workspace_close_would_close_worktree_group(&self, ws_idx: usize) -> bool {
+        self.workspaces
+            .get(ws_idx)
+            .and_then(|ws| ws.worktree_space())
+            .filter(|space| !space.is_linked_worktree)
+            .is_some_and(|space| {
+                self.workspaces
+                    .iter()
+                    .filter(|ws| {
+                        ws.worktree_space()
+                            .is_some_and(|member| member.key == space.key)
+                    })
+                    .count()
+                    >= 2
+            })
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn confirm_implicit_worktree_group_close(&mut self, ws_idx: usize) -> bool {
+        if self.confirm_close && self.workspace_close_would_close_worktree_group(ws_idx) {
+            self.selected = ws_idx;
+            self.mode = Mode::ConfirmClose;
+            true
+        } else {
+            false
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn close_focused_pane_would_close_workspace(&self, ws_idx: usize) -> bool {
+        self.workspaces.get(ws_idx).is_some_and(|ws| {
+            let pane_count = ws
+                .active_tab()
+                .map(|tab| tab.layout.pane_count())
+                .unwrap_or(0);
+            pane_count <= 1 && ws.tabs.len() <= 1
+        })
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn close_pane_would_close_workspace(&self, ws_idx: usize, pane_id: PaneId) -> bool {
+        self.workspaces.get(ws_idx).is_some_and(|ws| {
+            ws.find_tab_index_for_pane(pane_id).is_some_and(|tab_idx| {
+                ws.tabs[tab_idx].layout.pane_count() <= 1 && ws.tabs.len() <= 1
+            })
+        })
+    }
+
+    /// Close the focused pane. Returns true when the close was deferred to confirmation.
+    pub fn close_pane(&mut self) -> bool {
+        let active = self.active;
+        if active.is_some_and(|ws_idx| {
+            self.close_focused_pane_would_close_workspace(ws_idx)
+                && self.workspace_close_would_close_worktree_group(ws_idx)
+        }) {
+            if let Some(ws_idx) = active {
+                if self.confirm_implicit_worktree_group_close(ws_idx) {
+                    return true;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         self.selection = None;
         self.selection_autoscroll = None;
         self.mark_session_dirty();
-        let active = self.active;
         let terminal_ids = active
             .and_then(|i| {
                 self.workspaces
@@ -1415,9 +1470,24 @@ impl AppState {
         } else {
             self.remove_unattached_terminal_ids(terminal_ids);
         }
+        false
     }
 
-    pub fn close_tab(&mut self) {
+    /// Close the active tab. Returns true when the close was deferred to confirmation.
+    pub fn close_tab(&mut self) -> bool {
+        if self.active.is_some_and(|ws_idx| {
+            self.workspaces
+                .get(ws_idx)
+                .is_some_and(|ws| ws.tabs.len() <= 1)
+                && self.workspace_close_would_close_worktree_group(ws_idx)
+        }) {
+            if let Some(ws_idx) = self.active {
+                if self.confirm_implicit_worktree_group_close(ws_idx) {
+                    return true;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
         self.selection = None;
         self.selection_autoscroll = None;
         self.mark_session_dirty();
@@ -1430,7 +1500,7 @@ impl AppState {
                 self.selected = active;
             }
             self.close_selected_workspace();
-            return;
+            return false;
         }
         if let Some(ws_idx) = self.active {
             let terminal_ids = self
@@ -1439,7 +1509,7 @@ impl AppState {
                 .map(|ws| self.terminal_ids_for_tab(ws_idx, ws.active_tab))
                 .unwrap_or_default();
             let Some(ws) = self.workspaces.get_mut(ws_idx) else {
-                return;
+                return false;
             };
             let workspace_id = ws.id.clone();
             let closing_tab_id = format!("{}:{}", workspace_id, ws.active_tab + 1);
@@ -1449,6 +1519,7 @@ impl AppState {
             self.tab_scroll_follow_active = true;
             self.refresh_tab_bar_view();
         }
+        false
     }
 }
 
@@ -2255,6 +2326,16 @@ mod tests {
         });
     }
 
+    fn mark_parent_worktree(state: &mut AppState, ws_idx: usize) {
+        state.workspaces[ws_idx].worktree_space = Some(crate::workspace::WorktreeSpaceMembership {
+            key: "repo-key".into(),
+            label: "herdr".into(),
+            repo_root: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            checkout_path: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            is_linked_worktree: false,
+        });
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn notification_context_formats_resolved_workspace_label() {
         let state = app_with_workspaces(&["stale"]);
@@ -3907,6 +3988,22 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(!state.terminals.contains_key(&active_terminal_id));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn close_pane_last_pane_in_parent_worktree_group_prompts() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["parent", "child"]);
+        mark_parent_worktree(&mut state, 0);
+        mark_linked_worktree(&mut state, 1);
+        state.active = Some(0);
+        state.selected = 1;
+
+        let deferred = state.close_pane();
+
+        assert!(deferred);
+        assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::ConfirmClose);
+        assert_eq!(state.selected, 0);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.len(), 2);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn close_tab_in_linked_worktree_closes_workspace_only() {
         let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["selected", "active"]);
@@ -3921,6 +4018,22 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].display_name(), "selected");
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn close_tab_last_tab_in_parent_worktree_group_prompts() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["parent", "child"]);
+        mark_parent_worktree(&mut state, 0);
+        mark_linked_worktree(&mut state, 1);
+        state.active = Some(0);
+        state.selected = 1;
+
+        let deferred = state.close_tab();
+
+        assert!(deferred);
+        assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::ConfirmClose);
+        assert_eq!(state.selected, 0);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.len(), 2);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn close_pane_last_pane_in_linked_worktree_closes_workspace_only() {
         let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["selected", "active"]);
@@ -3934,4 +4047,20 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(state.workspaces.len(), 1);
         assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].display_name(), "selected");
     }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn close_pane_last_pane_in_parent_worktree_group_closes_when_confirmation_disabled() {
+        let mut state = app_with_workspaces(&["parent", "child", "notes"]);
+        mark_parent_worktree(&mut state, 0);
+        mark_linked_worktree(&mut state, 1);
+        state.confirm_close = false;
+        state.active = Some(0);
+        state.selected = 0;
+
+        let deferred = state.close_pane();
+
+        assert!(!deferred);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces[0].display_name(), "notes");
+    }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/api/panes.rs b/src/app/api/panes.rs
index 67bac8d3..0902ac39 100644
--- a/src/app/api/panes.rs
+++ b/src/app/api/panes.rs
@@ -387,6 +387,15 @@ impl App {
         let Some((ws_idx, pane_id)) = self.parse_pane_id(&target.pane_id) else {
             return pane_not_found(id, &target.pane_id);
         };
+        if self.state.close_pane_would_close_workspace(ws_idx, pane_id)
+            && self.state.confirm_implicit_worktree_group_close(ws_idx)
+        {
+            return encode_error(
+                id,
+                "confirmation_required",
+                "closing this pane would close a worktree group",
+            );
+        }
         let workspace_id = self.state.workspaces[ws_idx].id.clone();
         let terminal_id = self.state.terminal_id_for_pane(ws_idx, pane_id);
         let should_close_workspace = {
diff --git a/src/app/input/modal.rs b/src/app/input/modal.rs
index 6cde98b5..e85e9bb1 100644
--- a/src/app/input/modal.rs
+++ b/src/app/input/modal.rs
@@ -695,12 +695,13 @@ pub(super) fn apply_context_menu_action(
             state.selected = ws_idx;
             state.active = Some(ws_idx);
             state.switch_tab(tab_idx);
-            state.close_tab();
-            state.mode = if state.active.is_some() {
-                Mode::Terminal
-            } else {
-                Mode::Navigate
-            };
+            if !state.close_tab() {
+                state.mode = if state.active.is_some() {
+                    Mode::Terminal
+                } else {
+                    Mode::Navigate
+                };
+            }
         }
         (ContextMenuKind::Pane { pane_id, .. }, Some("Rename pane")) => {
             open_rename_pane(state, pane_id);
@@ -732,12 +733,13 @@ pub(super) fn apply_context_menu_action(
             state.mode = Mode::Terminal;
         }
         (ContextMenuKind::Pane { .. }, Some("Close pane")) => {
-            state.close_pane();
-            state.mode = if state.active.is_some() {
-                Mode::Terminal
-            } else {
-                Mode::Navigate
-            };
+            if !state.close_pane() {
+                state.mode = if state.active.is_some() {
+                    Mode::Terminal
+                } else {
+                    Mode::Navigate
+                };
+            }
         }
         _ => leave_modal(state),
     }
@@ -1260,4 +1262,42 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(state.workspaces.is_empty());
         assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::Navigate);
     }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn context_menu_close_pane_last_parent_group_pane_keeps_confirmation_mode() {
+        let mut state = state_with_workspaces(&["main", "issue"]);
+        state.active = Some(0);
+        state.selected = 1;
+        state.workspaces[0].worktree_space = Some(crate::workspace::WorktreeSpaceMembership {
+            key: "repo-key".into(),
+            label: "herdr".into(),
+            repo_root: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            checkout_path: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            is_linked_worktree: false,
+        });
+        state.workspaces[1].worktree_space = Some(crate::workspace::WorktreeSpaceMembership {
+            key: "repo-key".into(),
+            label: "herdr".into(),
+            repo_root: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            checkout_path: "/repo/herdr-issue".into(),
+            is_linked_worktree: true,
+        });
+        let pane_id = state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let menu = ContextMenuState {
+            kind: ContextMenuKind::Pane {
+                pane_id,
+                has_manual_label: false,
+            },
+            x: 0,
+            y: 0,
+            list: MenuListState::new(4),
+        };
+        let mut terminal_runtimes = crate::terminal::TerminalRuntimeRegistry::new();
+
+        apply_context_menu_action(&mut state, &mut terminal_runtimes, menu, 4);
+
+        assert_eq!(state.selected, 0);
+        assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::ConfirmClose);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.len(), 2);
+    }
 }
diff --git a/src/app/input/mouse.rs b/src/app/input/mouse.rs
index e3ad0bc5..cc03c8f6 100644
--- a/src/app/input/mouse.rs
+++ b/src/app/input/mouse.rs
@@ -145,14 +145,13 @@ impl AppState {
             match mouse.kind {
                 MouseEventKind::ScrollUp => {
                     if let Some(open) = &mut self.worktree_open {
-                        open.selected = open.selected.saturating_sub(1);
+                        open.select_previous_filtered();
                     }
                     return None;
                 }
                 MouseEventKind::ScrollDown => {
                     if let Some(open) = &mut self.worktree_open {
-                        open.selected =
-                            (open.selected + 1).min(open.entries.len().saturating_sub(1));
+                        open.select_next_filtered();
                     }
                     return None;
                 }
@@ -237,21 +236,28 @@ impl AppState {
                             self.screen_rect(),
                             open.entries.len(),
                         ) {
-                            let max_rows = inner.height.saturating_sub(4) as usize;
-                            let start = crate::ui::open_existing_worktree_visible_start(
-                                open.selected,
-                                max_rows,
-                            );
+                            let filtered = open.filtered_indices();
+                            let max_rows =
+                                crate::ui::open_existing_worktree_max_visible_rows(inner);
+                            let start =
+                                crate::ui::open_existing_worktree_visible_start(open, max_rows);
+                            if mouse.row == inner.y.saturating_add(1)
+                                && mouse.column >= inner.x
+                                && mouse.column < inner.x.saturating_add(inner.width)
+                            {
+                                if let Some(open) = &mut self.worktree_open {
+                                    open.search_focused = true;
+                                }
+                                return None;
+                            }
                             let row_idx = if rect_contains(inner, mouse.column, mouse.row) {
                                 mouse
                                     .row
-                                    .checked_sub(inner.y.saturating_add(2))
+                                    .checked_sub(inner.y.saturating_add(3))
                                     .map(usize::from)
+                                    .map(|row| row / 2)
                                     .filter(|row| *row < max_rows)
-                                    .and_then(|row| {
-                                        let entry_idx = start + row;
-                                        (entry_idx < open.entries.len()).then_some(entry_idx)
-                                    })
+                                    .and_then(|row| filtered.get(start + row).copied())
                             } else {
                                 None
                             };
@@ -1657,6 +1663,8 @@ mod tests {
                 },
             ],
             selected: 0,
+            query: String::new(),
+            search_focused: false,
             error: None,
         }
     }
@@ -1810,7 +1818,7 @@ mod tests {
         app.handle_mouse(mouse(
             MouseEventKind::Down(MouseButton::Left),
             inner.x + 1,
-            inner.y + 3,
+            inner.y + 5,
         ));
 
         assert_eq!(app.state.worktree_open.as_ref().unwrap().selected, 1);
diff --git a/src/app/input/navigate.rs b/src/app/input/navigate.rs
index 8d09c00a..b6edefaf 100644
--- a/src/app/input/navigate.rs
+++ b/src/app/input/navigate.rs
@@ -761,8 +761,9 @@ pub(super) fn execute_navigate_action_in_context(
             leave_navigate_mode(state);
         }
         NavigateAction::CloseTab => {
-            state.close_tab();
-            leave_navigate_mode(state);
+            if !state.close_tab() {
+                leave_navigate_mode(state);
+            }
         }
         NavigateAction::RenamePane => {
             if let Some(pane_id) = state
@@ -786,8 +787,9 @@ pub(super) fn execute_navigate_action_in_context(
             leave_navigate_mode(state);
         }
         NavigateAction::ClosePane => {
-            state.close_pane();
-            leave_navigate_mode(state);
+            if !state.close_pane() {
+                leave_navigate_mode(state);
+            }
         }
         NavigateAction::EditScrollback => {}
         NavigateAction::CopyMode => state.enter_copy_mode(terminal_runtimes),
@@ -1756,6 +1758,22 @@ last_pane = "prefix+tab"
         assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::Terminal);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn prefix_close_pane_last_parent_group_pane_opens_confirmation() {
+        let mut state = state_with_workspaces(&["main", "issue"]);
+        mark_worktree_space_member(&mut state, 0, "repo-key");
+        mark_worktree_space_member(&mut state, 1, "repo-key");
+        state.selected = 1;
+        state.active = Some(0);
+        state.mode = Mode::Navigate;
+
+        execute_navigate_action(&mut state, NavigateAction::ClosePane);
+
+        assert_eq!(state.selected, 0);
+        assert_eq!(state.mode, Mode::ConfirmClose);
+        assert_eq!(state.workspaces.len(), 2);
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn custom_command_runs_from_prefix_key_in_navigate_mode() {
         let (_api_tx, api_rx) = tokio::sync::mpsc::unbounded_channel();
diff --git a/src/app/mod.rs b/src/app/mod.rs
index 11931e51..661926ee 100644
--- a/src/app/mod.rs
+++ b/src/app/mod.rs
@@ -2888,6 +2888,47 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(app.state.workspaces.is_empty());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn pane_close_request_requires_confirmation_before_closing_parent_worktree_group() {
+        let mut app = test_app();
+        let mut parent = Workspace::test_new("api-pane-close-parent");
+        parent.worktree_space = Some(crate::workspace::WorktreeSpaceMembership {
+            key: "repo-key".into(),
+            label: "herdr".into(),
+            repo_root: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            checkout_path: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            is_linked_worktree: false,
+        });
+        let mut child = Workspace::test_new("api-pane-close-child");
+        child.worktree_space = Some(crate::workspace::WorktreeSpaceMembership {
+            key: "repo-key".into(),
+            label: "herdr".into(),
+            repo_root: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            checkout_path: "/repo/herdr-child".into(),
+            is_linked_worktree: true,
+        });
+        app.state.workspaces = vec![parent, child];
+        app.state.ensure_test_terminals();
+        app.state.active = Some(0);
+        app.state.selected = 1;
+
+        let target_pane = app.state.workspaces[0].tabs[0].root_pane;
+        let target_pane_id = app.pane_info(0, target_pane).unwrap().pane_id;
+
+        let response = app.handle_api_request(crate::api::schema::Request {
+            id: "req_pane_close_parent_group".into(),
+            method: crate::api::schema::Method::PaneClose(crate::api::schema::PaneTarget {
+                pane_id: target_pane_id,
+            }),
+        });
+        let response: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_str(&response).unwrap();
+
+        assert_eq!(response["error"]["code"], "confirmation_required");
+        assert_eq!(app.state.mode, Mode::ConfirmClose);
+        assert_eq!(app.state.selected, 0);
+        assert_eq!(app.state.workspaces.len(), 2);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn session_dirty_flag_schedules_debounced_save() {
         let mut app = test_app();
diff --git a/src/app/state.rs b/src/app/state.rs
index a9c1b8a3..9466fcce 100644
--- a/src/app/state.rs
+++ b/src/app/state.rs
@@ -593,6 +593,48 @@ pub struct WorktreeOpenEntry {
     pub already_open_ws_idx: Option<usize>,
 }
 
+impl WorktreeOpenEntry {
+    pub(crate) fn display_name(&self) -> String {
+        self.branch.clone().unwrap_or_else(|| {
+            self.path
+                .file_name()
+                .and_then(|name| name.to_str())
+                .map(str::to_owned)
+                .unwrap_or_else(|| self.path.display().to_string())
+        })
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn status_label(&self) -> &'static str {
+        if self.already_open_ws_idx.is_some() {
+            "open"
+        } else if self.branch.is_some() {
+            ""
+        } else if self.is_linked_worktree {
+            "detached"
+        } else {
+            "root"
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn search_text(&self) -> String {
+        format!(
+            "{} {} {} {}",
+            self.display_name(),
+            self.path
+                .file_name()
+                .and_then(|name| name.to_str())
+                .unwrap_or_default(),
+            self.path.display(),
+            self.status_label()
+        )
+        .to_lowercase()
+    }
+
+    fn matches_query(&self, query: &str) -> bool {
+        text_matches_query(query, &self.search_text())
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
 pub struct WorktreeOpenState {
     pub source_workspace_id: String,
@@ -603,9 +645,65 @@ pub struct WorktreeOpenState {
     pub repo_name: String,
     pub entries: Vec<WorktreeOpenEntry>,
     pub selected: usize,
+    pub query: String,
+    pub search_focused: bool,
     pub error: Option<String>,
 }
 
+impl WorktreeOpenState {
+    pub(crate) fn filtered_indices(&self) -> Vec<usize> {
+        let query = self.query.trim();
+        self.entries
+            .iter()
+            .enumerate()
+            .filter_map(|(idx, entry)| {
+                (query.is_empty() || entry.matches_query(query)).then_some(idx)
+            })
+            .collect()
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn selected_entry_index(&self) -> Option<usize> {
+        let indices = self.filtered_indices();
+        if indices.contains(&self.selected) {
+            Some(self.selected)
+        } else {
+            indices.first().copied()
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn normalize_selection(&mut self) {
+        if let Some(selected) = self.selected_entry_index() {
+            self.selected = selected;
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn select_previous_filtered(&mut self) {
+        let indices = self.filtered_indices();
+        let Some(current) = self.selected_entry_index() else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let pos = indices.iter().position(|idx| *idx == current).unwrap_or(0);
+        self.selected = indices[pos.saturating_sub(1)];
+    }
+
+    pub(crate) fn select_next_filtered(&mut self) {
+        let indices = self.filtered_indices();
+        let Some(current) = self.selected_entry_index() else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let pos = indices.iter().position(|idx| *idx == current).unwrap_or(0);
+        self.selected = indices[(pos + 1).min(indices.len().saturating_sub(1))];
+    }
+}
+
+pub(crate) fn text_matches_query(query: &str, text: &str) -> bool {
+    let haystack = text.to_lowercase();
+    query
+        .to_lowercase()
+        .split_whitespace()
+        .all(|needle| haystack.contains(needle))
+}
+
 /// Computed view geometry — derived from AppState + terminal size.
 /// Updated before each render, consumed by render and mouse handling.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
diff --git a/src/app/worktrees.rs b/src/app/worktrees.rs
index d20b5fb0..7874cb0b 100644
--- a/src/app/worktrees.rs
+++ b/src/app/worktrees.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use std::sync::atomic::Ordering;
 use std::time::{SystemTime, UNIX_EPOCH};
 
-use crossterm::event::{KeyCode, KeyEvent};
+use crossterm::event::{KeyCode, KeyEvent, KeyModifiers};
 
 use super::{
     state::{WorktreeCreateState, WorktreeOpenEntry, WorktreeOpenState, WorktreeRemoveState},
@@ -225,6 +225,8 @@ impl App {
             repo_name: space.label,
             entries,
             selected: 0,
+            query: String::new(),
+            search_focused: false,
             error: None,
         });
         self.state.mode = Mode::OpenExistingWorktree;
@@ -277,15 +279,49 @@ impl App {
             }
             KeyCode::Up => {
                 if let Some(open) = &mut self.state.worktree_open {
-                    open.selected = open.selected.saturating_sub(1);
+                    open.select_previous_filtered();
                 }
             }
             KeyCode::Down => {
                 if let Some(open) = &mut self.state.worktree_open {
-                    open.selected = open
-                        .selected
-                        .saturating_add(1)
-                        .min(open.entries.len().saturating_sub(1));
+                    open.select_next_filtered();
+                }
+            }
+            KeyCode::Char('/') => {
+                if let Some(open) = &mut self.state.worktree_open {
+                    if open.search_focused {
+                        open.query.push('/');
+                        open.normalize_selection();
+                    } else {
+                        open.search_focused = true;
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            KeyCode::Char(ch)
+                if self
+                    .state
+                    .worktree_open
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .is_some_and(|open| open.search_focused)
+                    && (key.modifiers.is_empty() || key.modifiers == KeyModifiers::SHIFT) =>
+            {
+                if let Some(open) = &mut self.state.worktree_open {
+                    if !ch.is_control() {
+                        open.query.push(ch);
+                        open.normalize_selection();
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            KeyCode::Backspace
+                if self
+                    .state
+                    .worktree_open
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .is_some_and(|open| open.search_focused) =>
+            {
+                if let Some(open) = &mut self.state.worktree_open {
+                    open.query.pop();
+                    open.normalize_selection();
                 }
             }
             KeyCode::Enter => self.open_selected_existing_worktree(),
@@ -297,7 +333,10 @@ impl App {
         let Some(open) = self.state.worktree_open.as_ref() else {
             return;
         };
-        let Some(entry) = open.entries.get(open.selected).cloned() else {
+        let Some(entry_idx) = open.selected_entry_index() else {
+            return;
+        };
+        let Some(entry) = open.entries.get(entry_idx).cloned() else {
             return;
         };
         let source_workspace_id = open.source_workspace_id.clone();
@@ -349,6 +388,8 @@ impl App {
                     repo_name,
                     entries: vec![entry],
                     selected: 0,
+                    query: String::new(),
+                    search_focused: false,
                     error: Some(format!("failed to open worktree: {err}")),
                 });
                 self.state.mode = Mode::OpenExistingWorktree;
@@ -741,6 +782,8 @@ mod tests {
                 already_open_ws_idx: Some(1),
             }],
             selected: 0,
+            query: String::new(),
+            search_focused: false,
             error: None,
         });
 
@@ -759,6 +802,73 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(target_membership.is_linked_worktree);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn worktree_open_search_filters_entries() {
+        let mut app = app_for_worktree_tests();
+        app.state.worktree_open = Some(WorktreeOpenState {
+            source_workspace_id: "source".into(),
+            source_existing_membership: None,
+            source_checkout_path: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            source_repo_root: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+            repo_key: "repo-key".into(),
+            repo_name: "herdr".into(),
+            entries: vec![
+                WorktreeOpenEntry {
+                    path: "/repo/herdr".into(),
+                    branch: Some("main".into()),
+                    is_linked_worktree: false,
+                    already_open_ws_idx: Some(0),
+                },
+                WorktreeOpenEntry {
+                    path: "/repo/fd-cleanup".into(),
+                    branch: Some("fd-cleanup".into()),
+                    is_linked_worktree: true,
+                    already_open_ws_idx: None,
+                },
+                WorktreeOpenEntry {
+                    path: "/repo/bell-forward-macos-bounce".into(),
+                    branch: Some("bell-forward-macos-bounce".into()),
+                    is_linked_worktree: true,
+                    already_open_ws_idx: None,
+                },
+            ],
+            selected: 0,
+            query: String::new(),
+            search_focused: false,
+            error: None,
+        });
+
+        app.handle_worktree_open_key(crossterm::event::KeyEvent::new(
+            crossterm::event::KeyCode::Char('/'),
+            crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::empty(),
+        ));
+        app.handle_worktree_open_key(crossterm::event::KeyEvent::new(
+            crossterm::event::KeyCode::Char('f'),
+            crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::empty(),
+        ));
+        app.handle_worktree_open_key(crossterm::event::KeyEvent::new(
+            crossterm::event::KeyCode::Char('d'),
+            crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::empty(),
+        ));
+        app.handle_worktree_open_key(crossterm::event::KeyEvent::new(
+            crossterm::event::KeyCode::Char('-'),
+            crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::empty(),
+        ));
+        app.handle_worktree_open_key(crossterm::event::KeyEvent::new(
+            crossterm::event::KeyCode::Char('c'),
+            crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::empty(),
+        ));
+        app.handle_worktree_open_key(crossterm::event::KeyEvent::new(
+            crossterm::event::KeyCode::Char('l'),
+            crossterm::event::KeyModifiers::empty(),
+        ));
+
+        let open = app.state.worktree_open.as_ref().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(open.query, "fd-cl");
+        assert_eq!(open.filtered_indices(), vec![1]);
+        assert_eq!(open.selected_entry_index(), Some(1));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn open_existing_worktree_detects_already_open_checkout_from_subdirectory() {
         let repo = create_committed_repo("app-worktree-open-existing-repo");
diff --git a/src/ui.rs b/src/ui.rs
index b9d9827a..00b9f22f 100644
--- a/src/ui.rs
+++ b/src/ui.rs
@@ -59,8 +59,9 @@ pub(crate) use self::{
     dialogs::{
         confirm_close_button_rects, confirm_close_popup_rect, new_linked_worktree_button_rects,
         new_linked_worktree_inner_rect, open_existing_worktree_button_rects,
-        open_existing_worktree_inner_rect, open_existing_worktree_visible_start,
-        remove_worktree_button_rects, remove_worktree_popup_rect, rename_button_rects,
+        open_existing_worktree_inner_rect, open_existing_worktree_max_visible_rows,
+        open_existing_worktree_visible_start, remove_worktree_button_rects,
+        remove_worktree_popup_rect, rename_button_rects,
     },
     settings::{settings_button_rects, settings_show_primary_action},
     sidebar::{
diff --git a/src/ui/dialogs.rs b/src/ui/dialogs.rs
index f7396fd8..31275282 100644
--- a/src/ui/dialogs.rs
+++ b/src/ui/dialogs.rs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ use super::widgets::{
     action_button_row_rects, centered_popup_rect, panel_contrast_fg, render_action_button,
     render_modal_header, render_modal_shell, render_panel_shell, ActionButtonSpec,
 };
-use crate::app::{AppState, Mode};
+use crate::app::{state::WorktreeOpenState, AppState, Mode};
 
 fn truncate_text(text: &str, max_width: usize) -> String {
     let len = text.chars().count();
@@ -184,8 +184,11 @@ pub(crate) fn remove_worktree_button_rects(inner: Rect, force_confirmation: bool
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn open_existing_worktree_inner_rect(area: Rect, entry_count: usize) -> Option<Rect> {
-    let height = (entry_count as u16).saturating_add(5).clamp(8, 18);
-    centered_popup_rect(area, 78, height).map(|popup| {
+    let height = (entry_count as u16)
+        .saturating_mul(2)
+        .saturating_add(7)
+        .clamp(12, 26);
+    centered_popup_rect(area, 96, height).map(|popup| {
         Rect::new(
             popup.x + 1,
             popup.y + 1,
@@ -195,8 +198,21 @@ pub(crate) fn open_existing_worktree_inner_rect(area: Rect, entry_count: usize)
     })
 }
 
-pub(crate) fn open_existing_worktree_visible_start(selected: usize, max_rows: usize) -> usize {
-    selected.saturating_sub(max_rows.saturating_sub(1))
+pub(crate) fn open_existing_worktree_max_visible_rows(inner: Rect) -> usize {
+    usize::from(inner.height.saturating_sub(5) / 2)
+}
+
+pub(crate) fn open_existing_worktree_visible_start(
+    open: &WorktreeOpenState,
+    max_rows: usize,
+) -> usize {
+    let filtered = open.filtered_indices();
+    let selected = open.selected_entry_index().unwrap_or(open.selected);
+    let selected_pos = filtered
+        .iter()
+        .position(|idx| *idx == selected)
+        .unwrap_or(0);
+    selected_pos.saturating_sub(max_rows.saturating_sub(1))
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn open_existing_worktree_button_rects(inner: Rect) -> (Rect, Rect) {
@@ -408,11 +424,14 @@ pub(super) fn render_open_existing_worktree_overlay(app: &AppState, frame: &mut
     };
 
     super::dim_background(frame, area);
-    let height = (open.entries.len() as u16).saturating_add(5).clamp(8, 18);
-    let Some(inner) = render_modal_shell(frame, area, 78, height, &app.palette) else {
+    let height = (open.entries.len() as u16)
+        .saturating_mul(2)
+        .saturating_add(7)
+        .clamp(12, 26);
+    let Some(inner) = render_modal_shell(frame, area, 96, height, &app.palette) else {
         return;
     };
-    if inner.height < 6 {
+    if inner.height < 8 {
         return;
     }
 
@@ -422,39 +441,29 @@ pub(super) fn render_open_existing_worktree_overlay(app: &AppState, frame: &mut
         "open worktree",
         &app.palette,
     );
+    render_open_worktree_search(
+        app,
+        frame,
+        Rect::new(inner.x, inner.y + 1, inner.width, 1),
+        open,
+    );
     frame.render_widget(
-        Paragraph::new(" existing checkouts").style(Style::default().fg(app.palette.overlay0)),
-        Rect::new(inner.x, inner.y.saturating_add(1), inner.width, 1),
+        Paragraph::new("─".repeat(inner.width as usize))
+            .style(Style::default().fg(app.palette.surface1)),
+        Rect::new(inner.x, inner.y.saturating_add(2), inner.width, 1),
     );
 
-    let max_rows = inner.height.saturating_sub(4) as usize;
-    let start = open_existing_worktree_visible_start(open.selected, max_rows);
-    for (visible_idx, (entry_idx, entry)) in open
-        .entries
-        .iter()
-        .enumerate()
-        .skip(start)
-        .take(max_rows)
-        .enumerate()
-    {
-        let selected = entry_idx == open.selected;
-        let y = inner.y.saturating_add(2 + visible_idx as u16);
-        let marker = if selected { "›" } else { " " };
-        let branch = entry
-            .branch
-            .as_deref()
-            .unwrap_or(if entry.is_linked_worktree {
-                "detached"
-            } else {
-                "root"
-            });
-        let open_label = if entry.already_open_ws_idx.is_some() {
-            " open"
-        } else {
-            ""
+    let filtered = open.filtered_indices();
+    let max_rows = open_existing_worktree_max_visible_rows(inner);
+    let start = open_existing_worktree_visible_start(open, max_rows);
+    for (visible_idx, entry_idx) in filtered.iter().skip(start).take(max_rows).enumerate() {
+        let Some(entry) = open.entries.get(*entry_idx) else {
+            continue;
         };
-        let label = format!("{marker} {branch}{open_label}  {}", entry.path.display());
-        let style = if selected {
+        let selected = Some(*entry_idx) == open.selected_entry_index();
+        let y = inner.y.saturating_add(3 + (visible_idx as u16 * 2));
+        let marker = if selected { "›" } else { " " };
+        let row_style = if selected {
             Style::default()
                 .fg(app.palette.text)
                 .bg(app.palette.surface0)
@@ -462,10 +471,51 @@ pub(super) fn render_open_existing_worktree_overlay(app: &AppState, frame: &mut
         } else {
             Style::default().fg(app.palette.subtext0)
         };
+        let path_style = if selected {
+            Style::default()
+                .fg(app.palette.subtext0)
+                .bg(app.palette.surface0)
+        } else {
+            Style::default().fg(app.palette.overlay0)
+        };
+        let status = entry.status_label();
+        let title_width = inner
+            .width
+            .saturating_sub(status.len() as u16)
+            .saturating_sub(4) as usize;
+        let mut title = format!(
+            "{marker} {}",
+            truncate_text(&entry.display_name(), title_width)
+        );
+        if !status.is_empty() {
+            let pad = inner
+                .width
+                .saturating_sub(title.chars().count() as u16)
+                .saturating_sub(status.len() as u16)
+                .max(1);
+            title.push_str(&" ".repeat(pad as usize));
+            title.push_str(status);
+        }
         frame.render_widget(
-            Paragraph::new(truncate_text(&label, inner.width as usize)).style(style),
+            Paragraph::new(truncate_text(&title, inner.width as usize)).style(row_style),
             Rect::new(inner.x, y, inner.width, 1),
         );
+        frame.render_widget(
+            Paragraph::new(truncate_text(
+                &format!("  {}", entry.path.display()),
+                inner.width as usize,
+            ))
+            .style(path_style),
+            Rect::new(inner.x, y.saturating_add(1), inner.width, 1),
+        );
+    }
+
+    if filtered.is_empty() {
+        frame.render_widget(
+            Paragraph::new(" no matching worktrees")
+                .style(Style::default().fg(app.palette.overlay0)),
+            Rect::new(inner.x, inner.y.saturating_add(3), inner.width, 1),
+        );
     }
 
     if let Some(error) = &open.error {
@@ -503,6 +553,47 @@ pub(super) fn render_open_existing_worktree_overlay(app: &AppState, frame: &mut
     );
 }
 
+fn render_open_worktree_search(
+    app: &AppState,
+    frame: &mut Frame,
+    area: Rect,
+    open: &WorktreeOpenState,
+) {
+    let focus_style = if open.search_focused {
+        Style::default()
+            .fg(app.palette.accent)
+            .add_modifier(Modifier::BOLD)
+    } else {
+        Style::default().fg(app.palette.overlay0)
+    };
+    let filtered_count = open.filtered_indices().len();
+    let count = if open.query.trim().is_empty() {
+        format!("{} checkouts", open.entries.len())
+    } else {
+        format!("{filtered_count}/{} checkouts", open.entries.len())
+    };
+    let mut spans = vec![Span::styled(" / ", focus_style)];
+    if open.query.trim().is_empty() {
+        spans.push(Span::styled(
+            "filter worktrees",
+            Style::default().fg(app.palette.overlay0),
+        ));
+    } else {
+        spans.push(Span::styled(
+            open.query.clone(),
+            Style::default().fg(app.palette.text),
+        ));
+    }
+    spans.push(Span::styled(
+        format!(
+            "{count:>width$}",
+            width = area.width.saturating_sub(18) as usize
+        ),
+        Style::default().fg(app.palette.overlay0),
+    ));
+    frame.render_widget(Paragraph::new(Line::from(spans)), area);
+}
+
 fn confirm_close_overlay_text(app: &AppState) -> (String, String) {
     let ws_name = app
         .workspaces
@@ -608,8 +699,9 @@ pub(super) fn render_confirm_close_overlay(app: &AppState, frame: &mut Frame, ar
             Constraint::Length(1),
             Constraint::Length(1),
             Constraint::Length(1),
+            Constraint::Length(1),
         ])
-        .areas::<3>(inner);
+        .areas::<4>(inner);
 
         frame.render_widget(Paragraph::new(title_line), rows[0]);
         frame.render_widget(Paragraph::new(detail_line), rows[1]);
@@ -639,7 +731,7 @@ pub(super) fn render_confirm_close_overlay(app: &AppState, frame: &mut Frame, ar
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn confirm_close_popup_rect(area: Rect) -> Option<Rect> {
-    centered_popup_rect(area, 44, 5)
+    centered_popup_rect(area, 64, 6)
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn confirm_close_button_rects(inner: Rect) -> (Rect, Rect) {
@@ -656,7 +748,7 @@ pub(crate) fn confirm_close_button_rects(inner: Rect) -> (Rect, Rect) {
             },
         ],
         2,
-        2,
+        3,
     );
     (rects[0], rects[1])
 }