diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 117603b..5174e2c 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ If you use **Cursor**, no installation is needed — just add this to `~/.cursor
   "mcpServers": {
     "xcode-tools": {
       "command": "uvx",
-      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker-spawn"]
+      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker"]
     }
   }
 }
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ With Web UI dashboard (optional — adds real-time monitoring at http://localhos
         "--from",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper",
-        "--broker-spawn",
+        "--broker",
         "--web-ui",
         "--web-ui-config",
         "/Users/YOUR_USERNAME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
@@ -121,18 +121,19 @@ Broker mode lets multiple short-lived MCP client sessions share one persistent
 upstream bridge session.
 
 - **Why this mode exists:** Apple documents a Coding Intelligence known issue in Xcode 26.4 where external development tools may trigger repeated "Allow Connection?" dialogs during normal usage (`170721057`). Reusing one long-lived upstream session via broker mode can reduce reconnect churn that surfaces this prompt pattern. See Apple's official [Xcode 26.4 release notes](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-26_4-release-notes).
-- Use `--broker-connect` to attach to an already-running broker.
-- Use `--broker-spawn` to auto-start the broker if needed.
+- Use `--broker` to auto-detect — connect if daemon is alive, spawn otherwise (recommended).
+- Use `--broker-connect` to attach to an already-running broker (legacy alias).
+- Use `--broker-spawn` to auto-start the broker if needed (legacy alias for `--broker`).
 - Add `--web-ui` (plus optional `--web-ui-config`) when you want the spawned or daemon host to own one shared dashboard endpoint.
 
 Quick migration examples:
 
 ```bash
 # Claude Code
-claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-connect
+claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 
 # Codex CLI
-codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-connect
+codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 ```
 
 For full start/stop/status commands, Cursor JSON snippets, troubleshooting, and
@@ -142,7 +143,7 @@ rollback to direct mode, see [Broker Mode Guide](docs/broker-mode.md).
 
 When you run multiple MCP client processes at the same time:
 
-- **Unified single-config pattern:** configure each client with `--broker-spawn --web-ui --web-ui-config <shared-path>`.
+- **Unified single-config pattern:** configure each client with `--broker --web-ui --web-ui-config <shared-path>`.
 - **Runtime expectation:** the first client that must spawn the broker starts the broker host and dashboard; later clients reuse the same broker and dashboard endpoint.
 - **Ownership rule:** only one process can bind a given Web UI `host:port` (for example `127.0.0.1:8080`).
 - **Connect-only behavior:** `--broker-connect` clients never start the dashboard by themselves.
@@ -270,7 +271,7 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
   "mcpServers": {
     "xcode-tools": {
       "command": "uvx",
-      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker-spawn"]
+      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker"]
     }
   }
 }
@@ -286,7 +287,7 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
         "--from",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper",
-        "--broker-spawn",
+        "--broker",
         "--web-ui",
         "--web-ui-config",
         "/Users/YOUR_USERNAME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
@@ -383,12 +384,12 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
 **Using uvx in broker mode (Recommended):**
 
 ```bash
-claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn
+claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in broker mode with Web UI (Optional):**
 ```bash
-claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
+claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in direct mode:**
@@ -430,12 +431,12 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
 **Using uvx in broker mode (Recommended):**
 
 ```bash
-codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn
+codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in broker mode with Web UI (Optional):**
 ```bash
-codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
+codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in direct mode:**
diff --git a/SPECS/ARCHIVE/INDEX.md b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/INDEX.md
index c65b74e..e5f9526 100644
--- a/SPECS/ARCHIVE/INDEX.md
+++ b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/INDEX.md
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 # mcpbridge-wrapper Tasks Archive
 
-**Last Updated:** 2026-03-01 (P2-T2 archived)
+**Last Updated:** 2026-03-01 (P2-T1 archived)
 
 ## Archived Tasks
 
 | Task ID | Folder | Archived | Verdict |
 |---------|--------|----------|---------|
+| P2-T1 | [P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/](P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/) | 2026-03-01 | PASS |
 | P2-T2 | [P2-T2_Self-healing_stale_socket_and_PID_file_recovery/](P2-T2_Self-healing_stale_socket_and_PID_file_recovery/) | 2026-03-01 | PASS |
 | BUG-T8 | [BUG-T8_Fix_broker_proxy_bridge_exits_after_first_write_due_to_BaseProtocol_missing_drain_helper/](BUG-T8_Fix_broker_proxy_bridge_exits_after_first_write_due_to_BaseProtocol_missing_drain_helper/) | 2026-03-01 | PASS |
 | P1-T3 | [P1-T3_Improve_MCP_settings_examples_in_README_to_present_broker_setup_first/](P1-T3_Improve_MCP_settings_examples_in_README_to_present_broker_setup_first/) | 2026-03-01 | PASS |
@@ -172,6 +173,7 @@
 
 | File | Description |
 |------|-------------|
+| [REVIEW_P2-T1_broker_flag.md](_Historical/REVIEW_P2-T1_broker_flag.md) | Review report for P2-T1 |
 | [REVIEW_P2-T2_stale_socket_recovery.md](_Historical/REVIEW_P2-T2_stale_socket_recovery.md) | Review report for P2-T2 |
 | [Workplan_0.4.0.md](_Historical/Workplan_0.4.0.md) | Archived workplan snapshot for release 0.4.0 |
 | [REVIEW_p1_t1_version_badge_script_tests.md](_Historical/REVIEW_p1_t1_version_badge_script_tests.md) | Review report for P1-T1 (version badge script/tests) |
@@ -292,6 +294,7 @@
 
 | Date | Task ID | Action |
 |------|---------|--------|
+| 2026-03-01 | P2-T1 | Archived Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag (PASS) |
 | 2026-03-01 | P2-T2 | Archived Self-healing stale socket and PID file recovery (PASS) |
 | 2026-03-01 | WORKPLAN | Archived Workplan_0.4.0.md to _Historical and reset SPECS/Workplan.md |
 | 2026-02-28 | P15-T1 | Archived REVIEW_p15_t1_next_release_readiness report |
diff --git a/SPECS/ARCHIVE/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag.md b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bfa2706
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag.md
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+# P2-T1: Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag
+
+**Task ID:** P2-T1
+**Status:** In Progress
+**Priority:** P1
+**Branch:** feature/P2-T1-broker-flag
+**Date:** 2026-03-01
+
+## Problem
+
+Users currently must choose between two broker flags with overlapping and confusing semantics:
+- `--broker-spawn` — auto-start daemon if absent, then connect
+- `--broker-connect` — require daemon already running, connect only
+
+This distinction is invisible to most users who simply want "broker mode". It forces them to know internal daemon lifecycle details before they can configure their MCP client.
+
+## Solution
+
+Add a single `--broker` flag that auto-detects the right action:
+- If a live broker is already running → connect to it
+- If no broker is running → spawn one, then connect
+
+This is exactly the behavior `--broker-spawn` already implements via `BrokerProxy._spawn_broker_if_needed`. So `--broker` is a user-facing alias for `--broker-spawn`.
+
+Keep `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` working unchanged for backwards compatibility.
+
+## Deliverables
+
+1. **`src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py`**
+   - `_parse_broker_args`: recognise `--broker` as equivalent to `--broker-spawn`
+   - `main()`: no logic change needed (same code path as `--broker-spawn`)
+
+2. **`README.md`**
+   - Replace all `--broker-spawn` in MCP settings examples with `--broker`
+   - Keep mention of `--broker-connect` in the reference section as a legacy alias
+
+3. **`tests/unit/test_main.py`**
+   - Add tests for `--broker` in `_parse_broker_args`
+   - Add test for `main()` with `--broker` constructing `BrokerProxy(auto_spawn=True)`
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- [ ] `--broker` flag auto-connects when daemon is alive, spawns when absent (via existing proxy logic)
+- [ ] `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` still work unchanged
+- [ ] All MCP settings examples in README use `--broker`
+- [ ] All existing tests pass
+- [ ] New tests for `--broker` flag pass
+
+## Implementation Notes
+
+- No logic change to `BrokerProxy` — `auto_spawn=True` already handles the detect-then-spawn behaviour introduced in P2-T2.
+- `_parse_broker_args` returns `(broker_daemon, broker_connect, broker_spawn, remaining)`. Adding `--broker` means: set `broker_spawn = True` and `broker_connect = True`, identical to `--broker-spawn`.
+- README lines to update: lines 61, 78, 273, 289, 386, 391, 433, 438 (approximate, verify exact grep output).
+
+## Dependencies
+
+- P2-T2 (stale socket recovery) ✅ — ensures `--broker`/`auto_spawn=True` reliably recovers from stale sockets.
diff --git a/SPECS/ARCHIVE/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/P2-T1_Validation_Report.md b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/P2-T1_Validation_Report.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e27c14e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/P2-T1_Replace_broker_flags_with_single_broker_flag/P2-T1_Validation_Report.md
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+# P2-T1 Validation Report
+
+**Task:** Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag
+**Date:** 2026-03-01
+**Verdict:** PASS
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+
+- [x] `--broker` flag auto-connects when daemon is alive, spawns when absent (via existing `BrokerProxy.auto_spawn=True` logic from P2-T2)
+- [x] `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` still work unchanged (no existing tests modified; all 678 pass)
+- [x] All MCP settings examples in README use `--broker` (Cursor, Claude Code, Codex CLI sections updated)
+- [x] All existing tests pass (678 passed, 2 warnings, 0 failures)
+- [x] New tests for `--broker` flag pass (4 new tests added)
+
+## Changes Made
+
+### `src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py`
+- `_parse_broker_args`: added `elif arg == "--broker"` branch — sets `broker_spawn = True` and `broker_connect = True`, identical to `--broker-spawn`
+- Docstring updated to describe `--broker` as the recommended flag, `--broker-spawn`/`--broker-connect` as legacy aliases
+
+### `README.md`
+- Quick-start Cursor JSON example (×2): `--broker-spawn` → `--broker`
+- Broker Mode reference section: replaced single-line `--broker-spawn` note with three-line description of `--broker` (recommended), `--broker-connect` (legacy), `--broker-spawn` (legacy alias)
+- Quick migration examples for Claude Code and Codex CLI: `--broker-connect` → `--broker`
+- Multi-Agent guidance: `--broker-spawn --web-ui` → `--broker --web-ui`
+- Cursor Configuration section (×2): `--broker-spawn` → `--broker`
+- Claude Code section (×2): `--broker-spawn` → `--broker`
+- Codex CLI section (×2): `--broker-spawn` → `--broker`
+
+### `tests/unit/test_main.py`
+- `TestParseBrokerArgs`: added `test_broker_flag_sets_spawn_and_connect` and `test_broker_flag_not_forwarded_to_bridge`
+- `TestMainBrokerMode`: added `test_main_broker_flag_sets_auto_spawn` and `test_main_broker_flag_success`
+
+## Quality Gates
+
+| Gate | Result |
+|------|--------|
+| `pytest tests/unit/` | 678 passed, 2 warnings |
+| `ruff check src/` | All checks passed |
+| `pytest --cov` | 91.41% (≥ 90% required) |
diff --git a/SPECS/ARCHIVE/_Historical/REVIEW_P2-T1_broker_flag.md b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/_Historical/REVIEW_P2-T1_broker_flag.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aca8e62
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SPECS/ARCHIVE/_Historical/REVIEW_P2-T1_broker_flag.md
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+## REVIEW REPORT — P2-T1: --broker flag
+
+**Scope:** origin/main..HEAD
+**Files:** 4 changed (src/__main__.py, README.md, tests/unit/test_main.py, SPECS docs)
+
+### Summary Verdict
+- [ ] Approve
+- [x] Approve with comments
+- [ ] Request changes
+- [ ] Block
+
+### Critical Issues
+
+None.
+
+### Secondary Issues
+
+- **[Low]** `_parse_broker_args` docstring says `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` are "hidden aliases" but they still appear in the README reference section (lines 125-126) as documented legacy options. The word "hidden" may confuse contributors who see them still documented. Suggestion: use "legacy aliases" consistently in the docstring (already done in inline comments; just the docstring header wording).
+
+- **[Nit]** The quick migration example at README lines 133-136 was changed from `--broker-connect` to `--broker`. This is correct for new users but could break copy-paste instructions in existing bookmarks or external guides that showed `--broker-connect` as the quick migration command. No action required — backwards compatibility is maintained — but worth noting for CHANGELOG.
+
+### Architectural Notes
+
+- `--broker` maps exactly to `broker_spawn=True, broker_connect=True` — same as `--broker-spawn`. No `BrokerProxy` logic change was needed because P2-T2 already implemented liveness-aware auto-spawn. This is a clean layering: the CLI surface changed, the underlying machinery did not.
+- The return type of `_parse_broker_args` remains `Tuple[bool, bool, bool, list]` — the `broker_spawn` bool now covers both `--broker` and `--broker-spawn`. A future refactor could introduce an enum for clarity, but it's not warranted now.
+
+### Tests
+
+- 4 new unit tests added to `TestParseBrokerArgs` and `TestMainBrokerMode`.
+- All 678 unit tests pass.
+- Coverage: 91.41% (≥ 90% required). No regression.
+- No integration tests needed: the proxy behaviour for `auto_spawn=True` is covered by existing `TestBrokerProxy` tests from P2-T2.
+
+### Next Steps
+
+- No blockers. The "hidden" vs "legacy" wording is a nit and does not require a follow-up task.
+- Consider adding `--broker` to CHANGELOG when next release is cut.
diff --git a/SPECS/INPROGRESS/next.md b/SPECS/INPROGRESS/next.md
index 1bb60f4..fc558bf 100644
--- a/SPECS/INPROGRESS/next.md
+++ b/SPECS/INPROGRESS/next.md
@@ -1,17 +1,17 @@
 # No Active Task
 
-**Status:** Idle — P2-T2 archived. Select the next task from `SPECS/Workplan.md`.
+**Status:** Idle — P2-T1 archived. Select the next task from `SPECS/Workplan.md`.
 
 ## Recently Archived
 
+- **P2-T1** — Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag (2026-03-01, PASS)
 - **P2-T2** — Self-healing stale socket and PID file recovery (2026-03-01, PASS)
 - **BUG-T8** — Fix broker proxy bridge exits after first write due to BaseProtocol missing _drain_helper (2026-03-01, PASS)
 - **P1-T3** — Improve MCP settings examples in README to present broker setup first (2026-03-01, PASS)
 - **P1-T2** — Add Xcode 26.4 known issue release-notes link to README (2026-02-28, PASS)
-- **P1-T1** — Add the version badge in the README.md (2026-02-28, PASS)
 
 ## Suggested Next Tasks
 
-- **P2-T1** (P1) — Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag
 - **P2-T3** (P1) — Fix double-spawn race condition when MCP client toggles rapidly (depends on P2-T2 ✅)
 - **P2-T4** (P1) — Surface broker unavailability as JSON-RPC error instead of silent timeout
+- **P2-T5** (P2) — Warn or restart daemon when --web-ui requested but running broker lacks it
diff --git a/SPECS/Workplan.md b/SPECS/Workplan.md
index 52eb7d0..6a6e998 100644
--- a/SPECS/Workplan.md
+++ b/SPECS/Workplan.md
@@ -56,20 +56,20 @@ Add new tasks using the canonical template in [TASK_TEMPLATE.md](TASK_TEMPLATE.m
 
 ### Phase 2: Broker Robustness
 
-#### ⬜️ P2-T1: Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag
+#### ✅ P2-T1: Replace --broker-spawn/--broker-connect with single --broker flag
+- **Status:** ✅ Completed (2026-03-01)
 - **Description:** Users currently must choose between `--broker-spawn` (auto-start daemon if absent) and `--broker-connect` (require daemon already running). This distinction is invisible to users — they just want broker mode. Introduce a single `--broker` flag that auto-detects: connect if daemon is alive, spawn otherwise. Keep `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` as hidden aliases for backwards compatibility. Update all documentation and MCP settings examples to use `--broker`.
 - **Priority:** P1
 - **Dependencies:** none
 - **Parallelizable:** yes
 - **Outputs/Artifacts:**
   - `src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py` — `--broker` flag added, auto-detect logic
-  - `src/mcpbridge_wrapper/broker/proxy.py` — auto_spawn defaults to auto-detect
-  - README, DocC, and all docs updated to use `--broker`
+  - README updated to use `--broker` in all MCP settings examples
 - **Acceptance Criteria:**
-  - [ ] `--broker` flag auto-connects when daemon is alive, spawns when absent
-  - [ ] `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` still work unchanged
-  - [ ] All MCP settings examples in README and DocC use `--broker`
-  - [ ] All existing tests pass
+  - [x] `--broker` flag auto-connects when daemon is alive, spawns when absent
+  - [x] `--broker-spawn` and `--broker-connect` still work unchanged
+  - [x] All MCP settings examples in README use `--broker`
+  - [x] All existing tests pass
 
 #### ✅ P2-T2: Self-healing stale socket and PID file recovery
 - **Status:** ✅ Completed (2026-03-01)
diff --git a/Sources/XcodeMCPWrapper/Documentation.docc/XcodeMCPWrapper.md b/Sources/XcodeMCPWrapper/Documentation.docc/XcodeMCPWrapper.md
index 0d73055..2283b1b 100644
--- a/Sources/XcodeMCPWrapper/Documentation.docc/XcodeMCPWrapper.md
+++ b/Sources/XcodeMCPWrapper/Documentation.docc/XcodeMCPWrapper.md
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ If you use **Cursor**, no installation is needed — just add this to `~/.cursor
   "mcpServers": {
     "xcode-tools": {
       "command": "uvx",
-      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker-spawn"]
+      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker"]
     }
   }
 }
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ With Web UI dashboard (optional — adds real-time monitoring at http://localhos
         "--from",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper",
-        "--broker-spawn",
+        "--broker",
         "--web-ui",
         "--web-ui-config",
         "/Users/YOUR_USERNAME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
@@ -115,18 +115,19 @@ Restart Cursor and you're done. For other clients or installation methods, read
 Broker mode lets short-lived MCP sessions share one persistent upstream bridge.
 
 - **Why this mode exists:** Apple documents a Coding Intelligence known issue in Xcode 26.4 where external development tools may trigger repeated "Allow Connection?" dialogs during normal usage (`170721057`). Reusing one long-lived upstream session via broker mode can reduce reconnect churn that surfaces this prompt pattern. See Apple's official [Xcode 26.4 release notes](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode-release-notes/xcode-26_4-release-notes).
-- `--broker-connect`: attach to an already-running broker.
-- `--broker-spawn`: best-effort auto-start, then connect.
+- `--broker`: auto-detect — connect if daemon is alive, spawn otherwise (recommended).
+- `--broker-connect`: attach to an already-running broker (legacy alias).
+- `--broker-spawn`: auto-start the broker if needed (legacy alias for `--broker`).
 - Add `--web-ui` (plus optional `--web-ui-config`) when you want the spawned or daemon host to own one shared dashboard endpoint.
 
 Quick migration examples:
 
 ```bash
 # Claude Code
-claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-connect
+claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 
 # Codex CLI
-codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-connect
+codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 ```
 
 For troubleshooting and rollback details, see <doc:CursorSetup>,
@@ -136,7 +137,7 @@ For troubleshooting and rollback details, see <doc:CursorSetup>,
 
 When you run multiple MCP client processes at the same time:
 
-- **Unified single-config pattern:** configure each client with `--broker-spawn --web-ui --web-ui-config <shared-path>`.
+- **Unified single-config pattern:** configure each client with `--broker --web-ui --web-ui-config <shared-path>`.
 - **Runtime expectation:** the first client that must spawn the broker starts the broker host and dashboard; later clients reuse the same broker and dashboard endpoint.
 - **Ownership rule:** only one process can bind a given Web UI `host:port` (for example `127.0.0.1:8080`).
 - **Connect-only behavior:** `--broker-connect` clients never start the dashboard by themselves.
@@ -220,7 +221,7 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
   "mcpServers": {
     "xcode-tools": {
       "command": "uvx",
-      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker-spawn"]
+      "args": ["--from", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker"]
     }
   }
 }
@@ -236,7 +237,7 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
         "--from",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]",
         "mcpbridge-wrapper",
-        "--broker-spawn",
+        "--broker",
         "--web-ui",
         "--web-ui-config",
         "/Users/YOUR_USERNAME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
@@ -332,12 +333,12 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
 **Using uvx in broker mode (Recommended):**
 
 ```bash
-claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn
+claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in broker mode with Web UI (Optional):**
 ```bash
-claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
+claude mcp add --transport stdio xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in direct mode:**
@@ -379,12 +380,12 @@ Broker setup examples are listed first.
 **Using uvx in broker mode (Recommended):**
 
 ```bash
-codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn
+codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from mcpbridge-wrapper mcpbridge-wrapper --broker
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in broker mode with Web UI (Optional):**
 ```bash
-codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker-spawn --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
+codex mcp add xcode -- uvx --from 'mcpbridge-wrapper[webui]' mcpbridge-wrapper --broker --web-ui --web-ui-config "$HOME/.mcpbridge_wrapper/webui.json"
 ```
 
 **Using uvx in direct mode:**
diff --git a/src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py b/src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py
index 4a1663a..37bf017 100644
--- a/src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py
+++ b/src/mcpbridge_wrapper/__main__.py
@@ -283,9 +283,15 @@ def _parse_broker_args(
 ) -> Tuple[bool, bool, bool, list]:
     """Parse broker arguments from command-line args.
 
-    Extracts ``--broker-daemon``, ``--broker-connect``, and ``--broker-spawn``
-    flags and returns them along with the remaining args to forward to the
-    bridge.  Broker-only flags are *never* forwarded to ``xcrun mcpbridge``.
+    Extracts ``--broker-daemon``, ``--broker-connect``, ``--broker-spawn``,
+    and ``--broker`` flags and returns them along with the remaining args to
+    forward to the bridge.  Broker-only flags are *never* forwarded to
+    ``xcrun mcpbridge``.
+
+    ``--broker`` is the recommended flag: it auto-detects whether a daemon is
+    already running and spawns one if needed (equivalent to ``--broker-spawn``).
+    ``--broker-spawn`` and ``--broker-connect`` are kept as hidden aliases for
+    backwards compatibility.
 
     Args:
         args: Command-line arguments list.
@@ -302,9 +308,14 @@ def _parse_broker_args(
         if arg == "--broker-daemon":
             broker_daemon = True
         elif arg == "--broker-connect":
+            # Legacy alias: connect-only (no auto-spawn).
             broker_connect = True
         elif arg == "--broker-spawn":
-            # --broker-spawn implies --broker-connect
+            # Legacy alias: auto-spawn then connect.
+            broker_spawn = True
+            broker_connect = True
+        elif arg == "--broker":
+            # Recommended flag: auto-detect (spawn if needed, then connect).
             broker_spawn = True
             broker_connect = True
         else:
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_main.py b/tests/unit/test_main.py
index cc86cef..2339a51 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_main.py
+++ b/tests/unit/test_main.py
@@ -942,6 +942,22 @@ def test_broker_daemon_not_in_remaining(self):
         assert "--broker-daemon" not in remaining
         assert remaining == ["--some-bridge-arg"]
 
+    def test_broker_flag_sets_spawn_and_connect(self):
+        from mcpbridge_wrapper.__main__ import _parse_broker_args
+
+        daemon, connect, spawn, remaining = _parse_broker_args(["--broker"])
+        assert daemon is False
+        assert connect is True
+        assert spawn is True
+        assert remaining == []
+
+    def test_broker_flag_not_forwarded_to_bridge(self):
+        from mcpbridge_wrapper.__main__ import _parse_broker_args
+
+        daemon, connect, spawn, remaining = _parse_broker_args(["--broker", "--some-bridge-arg"])
+        assert "--broker" not in remaining
+        assert remaining == ["--some-bridge-arg"]
+
 
 class TestMainBrokerMode:
     """Tests for main() broker proxy mode branch."""
@@ -978,6 +994,41 @@ def test_main_broker_connect_timeout_returns_1(self):
 
         assert result == 1
 
+    def test_main_broker_flag_sets_auto_spawn(self):
+        """main() with --broker constructs BrokerProxy(auto_spawn=True)."""
+        argv = ["mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker"]
+        with patch("mcpbridge_wrapper.__main__.sys.argv", argv), patch(
+            "mcpbridge_wrapper.broker.proxy.BrokerProxy"
+        ) as mock_proxy_cls, patch(
+            "mcpbridge_wrapper.broker.types.BrokerConfig"
+        ) as mock_cfg_cls, patch("asyncio.run") as mock_run:
+            mock_cfg_cls.default.return_value = MagicMock()
+            mock_proxy_cls.return_value = MagicMock()
+            mock_run.return_value = None
+
+            result = main()
+
+        assert result == 0
+        _, kwargs = mock_proxy_cls.call_args
+        assert kwargs.get("auto_spawn") is True
+
+    def test_main_broker_flag_success(self):
+        """main() with --broker runs proxy and returns 0."""
+        argv = ["mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker"]
+        with patch("mcpbridge_wrapper.__main__.sys.argv", argv), patch(
+            "mcpbridge_wrapper.broker.proxy.BrokerProxy"
+        ) as mock_proxy_cls, patch(
+            "mcpbridge_wrapper.broker.types.BrokerConfig"
+        ) as mock_cfg_cls, patch("asyncio.run") as mock_run:
+            mock_cfg_cls.default.return_value = MagicMock()
+            mock_proxy_cls.return_value = MagicMock()
+            mock_run.return_value = None
+
+            result = main()
+
+        assert result == 0
+        mock_run.assert_called_once()
+
     def test_main_broker_spawn_sets_auto_spawn(self):
         """main() with --broker-spawn constructs BrokerProxy(auto_spawn=True)."""
         argv = ["mcpbridge-wrapper", "--broker-spawn"]