diff --git a/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-11-06-kompatibilitaetsschicht.md b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-11-06-kompatibilitaetsschicht.md
index fa46e30..2841c74 100644
--- a/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-11-06-kompatibilitaetsschicht.md
+++ b/docs/superpowers/plans/2026-11-06-kompatibilitaetsschicht.md
@@ -68,8 +68,16 @@ Optionsnamen.
 | 1.24 | Texte/CSS (`lit-mcp-divi-*` → `lit-mcp-compat-*`), `ReleaseStatus:24`, `docs/guides/overview.md`, `Uninstaller` (`lit_mcp_pods_*`), `divi-release-smoke.sh` | `ReleaseStatusTest`, `UninstallerTest` | DDEV Divi-Smoke grün | sonnet |
 | 1.25 | Pods-Smoke: `/pods-check`, Freigabe schreibt `lit_mcp_pods_releases` ohne Sperrwirkung, hohe `minVersion` sperrt | Smoke rot ohne 1.19–1.21 | DDEV Pods- und Divi-Smoke grün | sonnet |
 
+**Erledigt 1.15–1.25:** 7d6a97a, 85f4138, b40b81f, 239d35c.
+
+| 1.26 | Pods-Verhaltensprobe als `extraSteps` (Benutzerentscheidung 2026-11-06): auf einem Wegwerf-Eintrag ein Feld über die Pods-API schreiben, lesen und alles wieder löschen; nur aus Prüfroute/CLI, nie in normalen Requests; Ausnahmen → fester Text + `Log::failure`; roter Schritt sperrt über die Berichtssperre | `PodsProbeTest` | DDEV: Pods-Smoke grün, Probe hinterlässt nichts | sonnet |
+
 ## Phase 2 – WP Super Cache 3.1.5
 
+Zusätzlich (Benutzerentscheidung 2026-11-06): **2.6 Super-Cache-Verhaltensprobe** als `extraSteps` – eine private Testseite
+cachen (bzw. Cache-Datei anlegen lassen) und per `wp_cache_post_edit` leeren, danach prüfen, dass die Datei weg ist; Testseite
+wieder löschen; nur aus Prüfroute/CLI.
+
 | # | Ziel und Dateien | Zuerst rot | Akzeptanz | Modell |
 |---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2.1 | Hook `lit_mcp_changed(ability, objectType, objectId, logId)` in `ChangeLog::record`, nur bei `ok`, auch bei fehlgeschlagenem Insert; werfender Listener → `Log::failure` | `ChangeLogTest` | bestehende Fälle grün | sonnet |
diff --git a/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCheckSteps.php b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCheckSteps.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c0dbfdd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCheckSteps.php
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods;
+
+use Closure;
+use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\CheckStep;
+use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\CompatibilityCheck;
+
+defined('ABSPATH') || exit;
+
+/** The check step only Pods has (the behaviour probe, PodsProbe) and its labels. */
+final class PodsCheckSteps
+{
+    public const PROBE = 'probe';
+
+    private const LABEL = 'Lese- und Schreibtest an einem Wegwerf-Eintrag';
+    private const LABEL_NO_TARGET = self::LABEL . ' (kein Pod mit Textfeld vorhanden, nicht geprüft)';
+
+    /**
+     * The Profile::$extraSteps of Pods: the probe, skipped while the manifest is red (it would fail anyway). No pod
+     * to probe (null) is a green step that says so, not a skipped one: a skipped step makes the report red and
+     * would lock Pods on a site that simply has no pod yet.
+     *
+     * @param Closure(): (list<string>|null) $probe PodsProbe::run().
+     * @return Closure(bool): list<CheckStep>
+     */
+    public static function extra(Closure $probe): Closure
+    {
+        return static function (bool $manifestClean) use ($probe): array {
+            if (! $manifestClean) {
+                return [new CheckStep(self::PROBE, [], true, self::LABEL)];
+            }
+
+            $none = false;
+            $problems = CompatibilityCheck::guarded(static function () use ($probe, &$none): array {
+                $result = $probe();
+                $none = $result === null;
+
+                return $result ?? [];
+            });
+
+            return [new CheckStep(self::PROBE, $problems, false, $none ? self::LABEL_NO_TARGET : self::LABEL)];
+        };
+    }
+
+    public static function label(CheckStep $step): string
+    {
+        // Reports saved before labels were stored have none.
+        return $step->label
+            ?? ($step->key === self::PROBE ? self::LABEL : null)
+            ?? CheckStep::genericLabel($step->key, PodsCompatibility::LABEL)
+            ?? $step->key;
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibility.php b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibility.php
index e06b07a..bd43f85 100644
--- a/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibility.php
+++ b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibility.php
@@ -14,18 +14,20 @@ defined('ABSPATH') || exit;
 
 /**
  * Pods as a compatibility profile: the calls PodsFieldSource makes, checked against Pods 3.3.9.2. Argument counts
- * are those PodsFieldSource passes. A hard problem (missing function or constant, Pods below 2.8) locks the
- * affected capabilities; Pods has no per-version release.
+ * are those PodsFieldSource passes; the check adds a behaviour probe (PodsProbe). A hard problem (missing function
+ * or constant, Pods below 2.8) locks the affected capabilities; Pods has no per-version release.
  */
 final class PodsCompatibility
 {
+    public const LABEL = 'Pods';
+
     public static function profile(): Profile
     {
         $all = PodsFeature::cases();
 
         return new Profile(
             id: 'pods',
-            label: 'Pods',
+            label: self::LABEL,
             tier: Tier::LockOnFailure,
             capabilities: $all,
             manifests: [new Manifest(
@@ -44,7 +46,11 @@ final class PodsCompatibility
             active: static fn (): bool => defined('PODS_VERSION'),
             version: static fn (): ?string => defined('PODS_VERSION') ? (string) PODS_VERSION : null,
             minVersion: '2.8',
-            testedVersions: ['3.3.9.2']
+            testedVersions: ['3.3.9.2'],
+            extraSteps: PodsCheckSteps::extra(
+                static fn (): ?array => (new PodsProbe(new PodsFieldSource(static fn (): bool => true)))->run()
+            ),
+            stepLabel: PodsCheckSteps::label(...)
         );
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegration.php b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegration.php
index 7d040ae..8159ebd 100644
--- a/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegration.php
+++ b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegration.php
@@ -4,17 +4,45 @@ declare(strict_types=1);
 
 namespace LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods;
 
+use LIT\MCP\Admin\CompatibilityTab;
 use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\ProvidesCompatibility;
+use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Bootable;
 use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Integration;
 
 defined('ABSPATH') || exit;
 
 /**
  * Pods has no tools of its own (the content tools read its fields through PodsFieldSource); this integration only
- * brings the compatibility profile. Without abilities it is no tool group.
+ * brings the compatibility profile and the cleanup of probe entries a dead check left behind. Without abilities it
+ * is no tool group.
  */
-final class PodsIntegration implements Integration, ProvidesCompatibility
+final class PodsIntegration implements Integration, ProvidesCompatibility, Bootable
 {
+    /** @var callable(): bool */
+    private $available;
+
+    /** @param callable(): bool|null $available Whether Pods is loaded; null = PODS_VERSION is defined. */
+    public function __construct(?callable $available = null)
+    {
+        $this->available = $available ?? static fn (): bool => defined('PODS_VERSION');
+    }
+
+    public function boot(): void
+    {
+        add_action(CompatibilityTab::LOAD_ACTION, [$this, 'removeOrphans']);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * lit_mcp_compat_profile_load('pods'), before any output: deletes probe entries a dead check left behind
+     * (PodsProbe::removeOrphans()). A GET without nonce on purpose: only the plugin's own leftovers, idempotent.
+     */
+    public function removeOrphans(string $profileId): void
+    {
+        if ($profileId === 'pods' && $this->isAvailable() && current_user_can('manage_options')) {
+            PodsProbe::removeOrphans();
+        }
+    }
+
     public function id(): string
     {
         return 'pods';
@@ -27,7 +55,7 @@ final class PodsIntegration implements Integration, ProvidesCompatibility
 
     public function isAvailable(): bool
     {
-        return defined('PODS_VERSION');
+        return ($this->available)();
     }
 
     public function abilities(): array
diff --git a/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsProbe.php b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsProbe.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd4f134
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/Integrations/Pods/PodsProbe.php
@@ -0,0 +1,177 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods;
+
+use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\ThrowawayPost;
+use LIT\MCP\Integrations\WordPress\Schema\FieldDefinition;
+use LIT\MCP\Log;
+use Throwable;
+
+defined('ABSPATH') || exit;
+
+/**
+ * Behaviour probe of the Pods check: through PodsFieldSource (always usable here – the probe is what frees a locked
+ * profile again) it loads the schema of an existing pod, writes a plain text field of a throwaway draft entry,
+ * reads it back and compares. The pod and its schema are never touched (no save_pod, so no rewrite flush, no
+ * schema cache change); only the entry is created and always deleted for good (ThrowawayPost). Entries a dead
+ * check left behind carry MARKER; removeOrphans() deletes them. Runs only from the check route
+ * (Compatibility::check).
+ *
+ * Target: a pod of a post type Pods created itself (pod arg 'object' empty) comes first, then a foreign type Pods
+ * only extends (object = the type, e.g. an events plugin), last post and page. Creating and deleting the entry
+ * fires the hooks of other plugins on that type (unavoidable with wp_insert_post/wp_delete_post), and Pods may
+ * check other required fields on a partial save than the plain text field the probe writes.
+ *
+ * shortcut: relations (output ids) are not probed – they need a second pod entry; add when a Pods update breaks them.
+ */
+final class PodsProbe
+{
+    public const MARKER = '_lit_mcp_check_entry';
+
+    public const TITLE = '[LIT MCP Prüfung]';
+
+    public const VALUE = 'litcheck-pods-probe';
+
+    private const ABORTED = 'Pods-Probe abgebrochen (Details im PHP-Error-Log).';
+
+    private const RANK_OWN = 0;
+    private const RANK_EXTENDED = 1;
+    private const RANK_CORE = 2;
+
+    /** @var callable(string): mixed */
+    private $loadPod;
+
+    /** @var callable(): list<string> */
+    private $postTypes;
+
+    /**
+     * @param callable(string): mixed|null $loadPod   Pods schema of a post type (raw field types).
+     * @param callable(): list<string>|null $postTypes Post types to look at; the best-ranked target wins, then the
+     *     first of them.
+     */
+    public function __construct(
+        private PodsFieldSource $source,
+        ?callable $loadPod = null,
+        ?callable $postTypes = null
+    ) {
+        $this->loadPod = $loadPod ?? static fn (string $name): mixed => pods_api()->load_pod(['name' => $name]);
+        $this->postTypes = $postTypes ?? static fn (): array => array_values(array_unique([
+            ...array_values(get_post_types(['_builtin' => false])),
+            'post',
+            'page',
+        ]));
+    }
+
+    /** @return list<string>|null German problems, [] = green; null = no pod with a plain text field to probe. */
+    public function run(): ?array
+    {
+        try {
+            $target = $this->target();
+        } catch (Throwable $e) {
+            Log::failure('pods probe', $e);
+
+            return [self::ABORTED];
+        }
+        if ($target === null) {
+            return null;
+        }
+
+        [$postType, $field] = $target;
+
+        return self::throwaway()->run($postType, fn (int $id): array => $this->exercise($id, $postType, $field));
+    }
+
+    /** @return list<int> IDs of probe entries a dead check left behind, deleted now. */
+    public static function removeOrphans(): array
+    {
+        return self::throwaway()->removeOrphans(array_values(get_post_types()));
+    }
+
+    private static function throwaway(): ThrowawayPost
+    {
+        return new ThrowawayPost(
+            self::MARKER,
+            self::TITLE,
+            self::ABORTED,
+            'Der Probe-Eintrag konnte nicht angelegt werden (Details im PHP-Error-Log).',
+            'Der Probe-Eintrag %d konnte nicht gelöscht werden; bitte endgültig löschen (Titel „'
+                . self::TITLE . ' …“).',
+            'pods probe'
+        );
+    }
+
+    /** @return array{0: string, 1: FieldDefinition}|null Post type and field of the best-ranked text pod. */
+    private function target(): ?array
+    {
+        $best = null;
+        $bestRank = PHP_INT_MAX;
+        foreach (($this->postTypes)() as $postType) {
+            $pod = ($this->loadPod)($postType);
+            $field = is_object($pod) ? $this->textField($postType, $pod) : null;
+            if ($field === null) {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            $rank = self::rank($postType, $pod);
+            if ($rank === self::RANK_OWN) {
+                return [$postType, $field];
+            }
+            if ($rank < $bestRank) {
+                [$best, $bestRank] = [[$postType, $field], $rank];
+            }
+        }
+
+        return $best;
+    }
+
+    private static function rank(string $postType, object $pod): int
+    {
+        if ((string) $pod->get_arg('object', '') === '') {
+            return self::RANK_OWN;
+        }
+
+        return in_array($postType, ['post', 'page'], true) ? self::RANK_CORE : self::RANK_EXTENDED;
+    }
+
+    private function textField(string $postType, object $pod): ?FieldDefinition
+    {
+        $definitions = [];
+        foreach ($this->source->fieldsFor($postType) as $definition) {
+            $definitions[$definition->key] = $definition;
+        }
+        foreach ($pod->get_fields() as $field) {
+            // Raw type 'text' only: email, slug, website … validate or rewrite the value.
+            $definition = $definitions[(string) $field->get_name()] ?? null;
+            if (
+                $definition !== null && (string) $field->get_type() === 'text'
+                && $definition->status === FieldDefinition::WRITABLE
+                && ! $definition->multiple
+            ) {
+                return $definition;
+            }
+        }
+
+        return null;
+    }
+
+    /** @return list<string> */
+    private function exercise(int $id, string $postType, FieldDefinition $field): array
+    {
+        $this->source->write($id, $postType, [$field->key => self::VALUE], [$field->key => $field]);
+        $read = $this->source->read($id, $field);
+        if ($read === self::VALUE) {
+            return [];
+        }
+
+        // The field name and the value stay in the log: the report reaches MCP clients.
+        Log::line(sprintf(
+            'pods probe: field %s read back %s instead of the written value.',
+            $field->key,
+            is_scalar($read) ? '"' . $read . '"' : gettype($read)
+        ));
+
+        return ['Gelesener Wert weicht vom geschriebenen ab.'];
+    }
+}
diff --git a/tests/Integration/pods-compat-smoke.sh b/tests/Integration/pods-compat-smoke.sh
index 7f30025..241510b 100644
--- a/tests/Integration/pods-compat-smoke.sh
+++ b/tests/Integration/pods-compat-smoke.sh
@@ -62,9 +62,16 @@ REPORT=$(stored_option lit_mcp_pods_check_report)
 echo "$REPORT" | jq -e '(.steps | length) >= 1 and all(.steps[]; .problems == [] and .skipped == false)
   and .version == "3.3.9.2" and (has("divi_version") | not)' >/dev/null || fail "the stored report must be green with key version: $REPORT"
 [ -z "$(stored_option lit_mcp_pods_check_lock)" ] || fail "the check lock must be released"
+# The behaviour probe is part of the report (green, not skipped, its label is the real probe, not "not probed") ...
+echo "$REPORT" | jq -e '[.steps[] | select(.key == "probe")] | length == 1 and (.[0] | .problems == [] and .skipped == false
+  and (.label | contains("nicht geprüft") | not))' >/dev/null || fail "the report must contain the green probe step: $REPORT"
+# ... and leaves no entry behind (it ran on lit_person; any status, any marked entry).
+LEFT=$(wp post list --post_type=any --post_status=any --meta_key=_lit_mcp_check_entry --format=count)
+[ "$LEFT" = "0" ] || fail "the probe left $LEFT entries behind"
+[ "$(wp post list --post_type=lit_person --post_status=any --format=count)" = "0" ] || fail "the probe left a lit_person entry"
 UNAUTH=$(curl -s -o /dev/null -w '%{http_code}' -X POST -H "Host: $HOST" -H 'X-Forwarded-Proto: https' "$BASE/wp-json/lit-mcp/v1/pods-check")
 [ "$UNAUTH" = "401" ] || [ "$UNAUTH" = "403" ] || fail "anonymous check must be refused, got $UNAUTH"
-pass "/pods-check: 303 to the tab, green report with key version, lock released, anonymous refused"
+pass "/pods-check: 303 to the tab, green report with key version and probe step, no probe entry left, lock released, anonymous refused"
 
 # 3. The tab renders the Pods section and, as 3.3.9.2 is tested, offers no release
 TAB=$(wp --user="$ADMIN_LOGIN" eval '
@@ -78,6 +85,25 @@ echo "$TAB" | grep -q 'lit-mcp-compat-check-pods' || fail "the Pods section must
 echo "$TAB" | grep -q 'lit-mcp-compat-release-pods' && fail "no release button for a tested version"
 pass "tab Compatibility: Pods section with version and state, check button, no release button"
 
+# 3b. Orphan cleanup: an old marked probe entry (a dead check) is deleted on the tab's profile-load hook, a young one and
+# an unmarked entry with the same title are not.
+ORPHANS=$(wp --user="$ADMIN_LOGIN" eval '
+$make = static fn (string $date, bool $marked): int => (int) wp_insert_post([
+    "post_type" => "lit_person", "post_status" => "draft", "post_title" => LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsProbe::TITLE . " smoke",
+    "post_date" => get_date_from_gmt($date), "post_date_gmt" => $date,
+    "meta_input" => $marked ? [LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsProbe::MARKER => "1"] : [],
+]);
+$old = $make(gmdate("Y-m-d H:i:s", time() - 3600), true);
+$young = $make(gmdate("Y-m-d H:i:s"), true);
+$unmarked = $make(gmdate("Y-m-d H:i:s", time() - 3600), false);
+do_action(LIT\MCP\Admin\CompatibilityTab::LOAD_ACTION, "pods");
+echo json_encode([$old, $young, $unmarked, get_post_status($old), get_post_status($young), get_post_status($unmarked)]);')
+OLD_ID=$(echo "$ORPHANS" | jq -r '.[0]'); YOUNG_ID=$(echo "$ORPHANS" | jq -r '.[1]'); UNMARKED_ID=$(echo "$ORPHANS" | jq -r '.[2]')
+CREATED_POSTS+=("$OLD_ID" "$YOUNG_ID" "$UNMARKED_ID")
+echo "$ORPHANS" | jq -e '.[3] == false and .[4] == "draft" and .[5] == "draft"' >/dev/null \
+  || fail "orphan cleanup must delete only the old marked entry: $ORPHANS"
+pass "orphan cleanup: old marked probe entry deleted, young and unmarked ones kept"
+
 # 4. Release: refused for the tested version; for an untested one (simulated profile) it is only documented
 [ "$(handler release real)" = "compat_release_refused" ] || fail "releasing a tested version must be refused"
 [ -z "$(stored_option lit_mcp_pods_releases)" ] || fail "a refused release must write nothing"
diff --git a/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCheckStepsTest.php b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCheckStepsTest.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa8992e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCheckStepsTest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\Integrations\Pods;
+
+use Closure;
+use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\CheckStep;
+use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsCheckSteps;
+use LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\TestCase;
+use RuntimeException;
+
+final class PodsCheckStepsTest extends TestCase
+{
+    /** Captures what Log::failure writes to the PHP error log while $run runs. */
+    private function logged(Closure $run): string
+    {
+        $log = (string) tempnam(sys_get_temp_dir(), 'lit-mcp-log');
+        $previous = ini_set('error_log', $log);
+        try {
+            $run();
+
+            return (string) file_get_contents($log);
+        } finally {
+            ini_set('error_log', (string) $previous);
+            unlink($log);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public function testStepsAreSkippedWithARedManifestAndTheProbeIsNotRun(): void
+    {
+        $ran = false;
+        $steps = (PodsCheckSteps::extra(static function () use (&$ran): array {
+            $ran = true;
+
+            return [];
+        }))(false);
+
+        self::assertCount(1, $steps);
+        self::assertSame(PodsCheckSteps::PROBE, $steps[0]->key);
+        self::assertTrue($steps[0]->skipped);
+        self::assertFalse($ran);
+    }
+
+    public function testTheStepCarriesTheProbeProblems(): void
+    {
+        $steps = (PodsCheckSteps::extra(static fn (): array => ['rot']))(true);
+
+        self::assertSame(['rot'], $steps[0]->problems);
+        self::assertFalse($steps[0]->skipped);
+        self::assertSame('Lese- und Schreibtest an einem Wegwerf-Eintrag', $steps[0]->label());
+    }
+
+    /** No target is no red step: a skipped one would lock Pods on a site that has no pod yet (CheckReport::green()). */
+    public function testWithoutATargetTheStepIsGreenAndSaysSo(): void
+    {
+        $steps = (PodsCheckSteps::extra(static fn (): ?array => null))(true);
+
+        self::assertTrue($steps[0]->green());
+        self::assertStringContainsString('nicht geprüft', $steps[0]->label());
+    }
+
+    public function testALateExceptionOfTheClosureIsStillGuarded(): void
+    {
+        $logged = $this->logged(function (): void {
+            $steps = (PodsCheckSteps::extra(static fn (): never => throw new RuntimeException('boom')))(true);
+            self::assertSame(['Prüfschritt abgebrochen (Details im PHP-Error-Log).'], $steps[0]->problems);
+        });
+
+        self::assertStringContainsString('boom', $logged);
+    }
+
+    public function testTheLabelOfAnOldStepComesFromTheKey(): void
+    {
+        self::assertSame(
+            'Lese- und Schreibtest an einem Wegwerf-Eintrag',
+            PodsCheckSteps::label(new CheckStep(PodsCheckSteps::PROBE, []))
+        );
+        self::assertSame(
+            'Pods-Funktionen, Klassen und Registrierungen',
+            PodsCheckSteps::label(new CheckStep(CheckStep::MANIFEST, []))
+        );
+        self::assertSame('other', PodsCheckSteps::label(new CheckStep('other', [])));
+    }
+}
diff --git a/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibilityTest.php b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibilityTest.php
index cf3a075..52959b5 100644
--- a/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibilityTest.php
+++ b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsCompatibilityTest.php
@@ -5,9 +5,11 @@ declare(strict_types=1);
 namespace LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\Integrations\Pods;
 
 use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\Call;
+use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\CheckStep;
 use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\Compatibility;
 use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\Tier;
 use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Divi\Release\DiviProfile;
+use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsCheckSteps;
 use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsCompatibility;
 use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsFeature;
 use LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\TestCase;
@@ -39,6 +41,21 @@ final class PodsCompatibilityTest extends TestCase
         self::assertSame(PodsFeature::cases(), $profile->capabilities);
     }
 
+    public function testTheCheckHasTheProbeAsExtraStep(): void
+    {
+        $profile = PodsCompatibility::profile();
+
+        self::assertNotNull($profile->extraSteps);
+        $steps = ($profile->extraSteps)(false);
+        self::assertSame([PodsCheckSteps::PROBE], array_map(static fn ($step): string => $step->key, $steps));
+        self::assertTrue($steps[0]->skipped);
+        self::assertNotNull($profile->stepLabel);
+        self::assertSame(
+            'Lese- und Schreibtest an einem Wegwerf-Eintrag',
+            ($profile->stepLabel)(new CheckStep(PodsCheckSteps::PROBE, []))
+        );
+    }
+
     /** @runInSeparateProcess
      * @preserveGlobalState disabled
      */
diff --git a/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegrationTest.php b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegrationTest.php
index ebcc7ab..ede29f2 100644
--- a/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegrationTest.php
+++ b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsIntegrationTest.php
@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ declare(strict_types=1);
 
 namespace LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\Integrations\Pods;
 
+use Brain\Monkey\Functions;
+use LIT\MCP\Admin\CompatibilityTab;
 use LIT\MCP\Compatibility\ProvidesCompatibility;
 use LIT\MCP\Guides\InstructionsBuilder;
 use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Integration;
@@ -26,6 +28,50 @@ final class PodsIntegrationTest extends TestCase
         self::assertEquals([PodsCompatibility::profile()], $integration->compatibilities());
     }
 
+    public function testBootHooksTheOrphanCleanupIntoTheProfileLoad(): void
+    {
+        $integration = new PodsIntegration();
+        $integration->boot();
+
+        self::assertNotFalse(has_action(CompatibilityTab::LOAD_ACTION, [$integration, 'removeOrphans']));
+    }
+
+    public function testNoCleanupForAnotherProfile(): void
+    {
+        Functions\expect('get_posts')->never();
+        Functions\when('current_user_can')->justReturn(true);
+
+        (new PodsIntegration(static fn (): bool => true))->removeOrphans('divi');
+        $this->addToAssertionCount(1);
+    }
+
+    public function testNoCleanupWithoutPods(): void
+    {
+        Functions\expect('get_posts')->never();
+        Functions\when('current_user_can')->justReturn(true);
+
+        (new PodsIntegration(static fn (): bool => false))->removeOrphans('pods');
+        $this->addToAssertionCount(1);
+    }
+
+    public function testNoCleanupWithoutTheCapability(): void
+    {
+        Functions\expect('get_posts')->never();
+        Functions\when('current_user_can')->justReturn(false);
+
+        (new PodsIntegration(static fn (): bool => true))->removeOrphans('pods');
+        $this->addToAssertionCount(1);
+    }
+
+    public function testCleansUpForTheAdministratorWithPods(): void
+    {
+        Functions\when('current_user_can')->justReturn(true);
+        Functions\when('get_post_types')->justReturn(['post' => 'post']);
+        Functions\expect('get_posts')->once()->andReturn([]);
+
+        (new PodsIntegration(static fn (): bool => true))->removeOrphans('pods');
+    }
+
     public function testIsAvailableOnlyWithPods(): void
     {
         self::assertSame(defined('PODS_VERSION'), (new PodsIntegration())->isAvailable());
diff --git a/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsProbeTest.php b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsProbeTest.php
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b40fdf1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/Unit/Integrations/Pods/PodsProbeTest.php
@@ -0,0 +1,353 @@
+<?php
+
+declare(strict_types=1);
+
+namespace LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\Integrations\Pods;
+
+use Brain\Monkey\Functions;
+use Closure;
+use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsFieldSource;
+use LIT\MCP\Integrations\Pods\PodsProbe;
+use LIT\MCP\Tests\Unit\TestCase;
+use Mockery;
+use RuntimeException;
+use WP_Error;
+use WP_Post;
+
+final class PodsProbeTest extends TestCase
+{
+    /** @var list<int> */
+    private array $deleted = [];
+
+    /** @var array<string, mixed> What the fake Pods object holds. */
+    private array $stored = [];
+
+    /** @var array<string, mixed>|null The wp_insert_post arguments. */
+    private ?array $inserted = null;
+
+    protected function setUp(): void
+    {
+        parent::setUp();
+        $this->deleted = [];
+        $this->stored = [];
+        $this->inserted = null;
+        Functions\when('wp_insert_post')->alias(function (array $post): int {
+            $this->inserted = $post;
+
+            return 77;
+        });
+        Functions\when('get_post_type')->justReturn('lit_person');
+        Functions\when('is_wp_error')->alias(static fn ($value): bool => $value instanceof WP_Error);
+        Functions\when('wp_delete_post')->alias(function (int $id, bool $force): WP_Post {
+            self::assertTrue($force, 'never to the trash');
+            $this->deleted[] = $id;
+
+            return new WP_Post(['ID' => $id]);
+        });
+    }
+
+    /** @param array<string, mixed> $args */
+    private function field(
+        string $name,
+        string $type,
+        bool $required = false,
+        array $args = [],
+        bool $multiple = false
+    ): object {
+        $field = Mockery::mock();
+        $field->allows('get_name')->andReturn($name);
+        $field->allows('get_label')->andReturn(ucfirst($name));
+        $field->allows('get_type')->andReturn($type);
+        $field->allows('is_required')->andReturn($required);
+        $field->allows('is_multi_value')->andReturn($multiple);
+        $field->allows('get_arg')->andReturnUsing(static fn (string $key, $default = null) => $args[$key] ?? $default);
+
+        return $field;
+    }
+
+    /** @param list<object> $fields */
+    private function schema(array $fields, string $object = ''): object
+    {
+        $pod = Mockery::mock();
+        $pod->allows('get_type')->andReturn('post_type');
+        $pod->allows('get_arg')->andReturnUsing(
+            static fn (string $key, $default = null) => $key === 'object' ? $object : $default
+        );
+        $pod->allows('get_fields')->andReturn($fields);
+
+        return $pod;
+    }
+
+    /** @param (Closure(array<string, mixed>): mixed)|null $save */
+    private function entry(?Closure $save = null, ?string $readBack = null): object
+    {
+        $entry = Mockery::mock();
+        $entry->allows('save')->andReturnUsing(function (array $data) use ($save) {
+            if ($save !== null) {
+                return $save($data);
+            }
+            $this->stored = $data;
+
+            return 77;
+        });
+        $entry->allows('field')->andReturnUsing(
+            fn (array $args) => $readBack ?? $this->stored[$args['name']] ?? ''
+        );
+
+        return $entry;
+    }
+
+    /** @param list<object>|null $fields */
+    private function probe(?array $fields = null, ?object $entry = null): PodsProbe
+    {
+        $pod = $this->schema($fields ?? [$this->field('role', 'text')]);
+        $entry ??= $this->entry();
+        $source = new PodsFieldSource(
+            static fn (): bool => true,
+            static fn (string $name) => $name === 'lit_person' ? $pod : false,
+            static fn () => $entry,
+            static fn (object $field): ?bool => null
+        );
+
+        return new PodsProbe(
+            $source,
+            static fn (string $name) => $name === 'lit_person' ? $pod : false,
+            static fn (): array => ['post', 'lit_person']
+        );
+    }
+
+    /** Captures what Log::failure writes to the PHP error log while $run runs. */
+    private function logged(Closure $run): string
+    {
+        $log = (string) tempnam(sys_get_temp_dir(), 'lit-mcp-log');
+        $previous = ini_set('error_log', $log);
+        try {
+            $run();
+
+            return (string) file_get_contents($log);
+        } finally {
+            ini_set('error_log', (string) $previous);
+            unlink($log);
+        }
+    }
+
+    public function testGreenWhenTheWrittenValueIsReadBackAndTheEntryIsGone(): void
+    {
+        self::assertSame([], $this->probe()->run());
+        self::assertSame(['role' => PodsProbe::VALUE], $this->stored);
+        self::assertSame([77], $this->deleted);
+    }
+
+    public function testCreatesAMarkedDraftWithThePrefixedTitleInThePodsPostType(): void
+    {
+        $this->probe()->run();
+
+        self::assertSame('lit_person', $this->inserted['post_type']);
+        self::assertSame('draft', $this->inserted['post_status']);
+        self::assertStringStartsWith(PodsProbe::TITLE, $this->inserted['post_title']);
+        self::assertSame(['_lit_mcp_check_entry' => '1'], $this->inserted['meta_input']);
+    }
+
+    public function testADifferingValueIsAFixedTextAndTheValueGoesToTheLogOnly(): void
+    {
+        $problems = [];
+        $logged = $this->logged(function () use (&$problems): void {
+            $problems = $this->probe(null, $this->entry(null, 'etwas anderes'))->run();
+        });
+
+        self::assertSame(['Gelesener Wert weicht vom geschriebenen ab.'], $problems);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('role', $logged);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('etwas anderes', $logged);
+        self::assertSame([77], $this->deleted);
+    }
+
+    public function testAnExceptionBecomesTheFixedTextAndALogLineAndTheEntryIsDeleted(): void
+    {
+        $entry = $this->entry(static function (): never {
+            throw new RuntimeException('Pods kaputt');
+        });
+        $problems = [];
+        $logged = $this->logged(function () use (&$problems, $entry): void {
+            $problems = $this->probe(null, $entry)->run();
+        });
+
+        self::assertSame(['Pods-Probe abgebrochen (Details im PHP-Error-Log).'], $problems);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('Pods kaputt', $logged);
+        self::assertSame([77], $this->deleted);
+    }
+
+    public function testAFailingSchemaLookupIsTheFixedTextToo(): void
+    {
+        $broken = static fn () => throw new RuntimeException('Schema kaputt');
+        $probe = new PodsProbe(
+            new PodsFieldSource(static fn (): bool => true, $broken),
+            $broken,
+            static fn (): array => ['lit_person']
+        );
+        $problems = [];
+        $logged = $this->logged(function () use (&$problems, $probe): void {
+            $problems = $probe->run();
+        });
+
+        self::assertSame(['Pods-Probe abgebrochen (Details im PHP-Error-Log).'], $problems);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('Schema kaputt', $logged);
+        self::assertNull($this->inserted);
+    }
+
+    public function testNothingToProbeWithoutAPodWithAPlainWritableTextField(): void
+    {
+        $fields = [$this->field('mail', 'email'), $this->field('intro', 'wysiwyg')];
+
+        self::assertNull($this->probe($fields)->run());
+        self::assertNull($this->probe([])->run());
+        self::assertNull($this->inserted, 'nothing is created without a target');
+        self::assertSame([], $this->deleted);
+    }
+
+    public function testARequiredTextFieldIsFineBecauseTheProbeWritesAValue(): void
+    {
+        self::assertSame([], $this->probe([$this->field('role', 'text', true)])->run());
+        self::assertSame(['role' => PodsProbe::VALUE], $this->stored);
+    }
+
+    public function testPicksThePlainTextFieldAmongOthers(): void
+    {
+        $this->probe([$this->field('mail', 'email'), $this->field('title2', 'text')])->run();
+
+        self::assertSame(['title2' => PodsProbe::VALUE], $this->stored);
+    }
+
+    public function testAnEntryThatCannotBeCreatedIsAFixedTextAndNothingIsDeleted(): void
+    {
+        Functions\when('wp_insert_post')->justReturn(new WP_Error('x', 'Datenbank voll'));
+        $problems = [];
+        $logged = $this->logged(function () use (&$problems): void {
+            $problems = $this->probe()->run();
+        });
+
+        self::assertSame(['Der Probe-Eintrag konnte nicht angelegt werden (Details im PHP-Error-Log).'], $problems);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('Datenbank voll', $logged);
+        self::assertSame([], $this->deleted);
+    }
+
+    public function testAnEntryThatCannotBeDeletedIsReported(): void
+    {
+        Functions\when('wp_delete_post')->justReturn(false);
+
+        $problems = $this->probe()->run();
+
+        self::assertCount(1, $problems);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('77', $problems[0]);
+        self::assertStringContainsString('gelöscht', $problems[0]);
+    }
+
+    public function testOrphansAreLookedForInEveryPostTypeWithThePodsMarker(): void
+    {
+        Functions\when('get_post_types')->justReturn(['post' => 'post', 'lit_person' => 'lit_person']);
+        $query = null;
+        Functions\when('get_posts')->alias(static function (array $args) use (&$query): array {
+            $query = $args;
+
+            return [
+                new WP_Post(['ID' => 5, 'post_title' => PodsProbe::TITLE . ' 2026-11-06 10:00']),
+                new WP_Post(['ID' => 6, 'post_title' => 'Echte Person']),
+            ];
+        });
+
+        self::assertSame([5], PodsProbe::removeOrphans());
+        self::assertSame([5], $this->deleted);
+        self::assertSame('_lit_mcp_check_entry', $query['meta_key']);
+        self::assertSame(['post', 'lit_person'], $query['post_type']);
+        self::assertSame('post_modified_gmt', $query['date_query'][0]['column']);
+    }
+
+    /** @param array<string, object> $pods */
+    private function probeOver(array $pods, ?callable $postTypes = null): PodsProbe
+    {
+        $load = static fn (string $name) => $pods[$name] ?? false;
+        $source = new PodsFieldSource(
+            static fn (): bool => true,
+            $load,
+            fn () => $this->entry(),
+            static fn (object $field): ?bool => null
+        );
+
+        return new PodsProbe($source, $load, $postTypes);
+    }
+
+    public function testPodsOwnPostTypesComeBeforeExtendedForeignOnesAndPostAndPage(): void
+    {
+        $fields = [$this->field('role', 'text')];
+        $pods = [
+            'post' => $this->schema($fields, 'post'),
+            'event' => $this->schema($fields, 'event'),
+            'lit_person' => $this->schema($fields),
+        ];
+
+        $this->probeOver($pods, static fn (): array => ['post', 'event', 'lit_person'])->run();
+
+        self::assertSame('lit_person', $this->inserted['post_type']);
+    }
+
+    public function testAnExtendedForeignTypeComesBeforePostAndPage(): void
+    {
+        $fields = [$this->field('role', 'text')];
+        $pods = ['post' => $this->schema($fields, 'post'), 'event' => $this->schema($fields, 'event')];
+
+        $this->probeOver($pods, static fn (): array => ['post', 'event'])->run();
+
+        self::assertSame('event', $this->inserted['post_type']);
+    }
+
+    public function testPostIsTheLastResort(): void
+    {
+        $pods = ['post' => $this->schema([$this->field('role', 'text')], 'post')];
+
+        $this->probeOver($pods, static fn (): array => ['page', 'post'])->run();
+
+        self::assertSame('post', $this->inserted['post_type']);
+    }
+
+    public function testALowerRankedTypeIsUsedWhenTheBetterOnesHaveNoTextField(): void
+    {
+        $pods = [
+            'lit_person' => $this->schema([$this->field('mail', 'email')]),
+            'post' => $this->schema([$this->field('role', 'text')], 'post'),
+        ];
+
+        $this->probeOver($pods, static fn (): array => ['lit_person', 'post'])->run();
+
+        self::assertSame('post', $this->inserted['post_type']);
+    }
+
+    public function testReadOnlyAndMultipleTextFieldsAreNotProbed(): void
+    {
+        $fields = [
+            $this->field('locked', 'text', false, ['read_only' => true]),
+            $this->field('many', 'text', false, [], true),
+        ];
+
+        self::assertNull($this->probe($fields)->run());
+        self::assertNull($this->inserted);
+
+        $this->probe([...$fields, $this->field('role', 'text')])->run();
+        self::assertSame(['role' => PodsProbe::VALUE], $this->stored);
+    }
+
+    public function testTheDefaultPostTypesAreCustomTypesThenPostAndPage(): void
+    {
+        Functions\when('get_post_types')->justReturn(['lit_person' => 'lit_person', 'post' => 'post']);
+        $asked = [];
+        $probe = new PodsProbe(
+            new PodsFieldSource(static fn (): bool => true, static fn () => false),
+            static function (string $name) use (&$asked) {
+                $asked[] = $name;
+
+                return false;
+            }
+        );
+
+        self::assertNull($probe->run());
+        self::assertSame(['lit_person', 'post', 'page'], $asked);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/tests/Unit/PluginTest.php b/tests/Unit/PluginTest.php
index de7e9da..41c92f6 100644
--- a/tests/Unit/PluginTest.php
+++ b/tests/Unit/PluginTest.php
@@ -53,13 +53,13 @@ final class PluginTest extends TestCase
         );
     }
 
-    /** Only Divi has boot steps (upgrader hook, compat listener, admin extras); a second boot registers nothing twice. */
+    /** Divi and Pods boot (hooks, orphan cleanup); a second boot registers nothing twice. */
     public function testTheBootableIntegrationsBootExactlyOnce(): void
     {
         Actions\expectAdded('upgrader_process_complete')->once();
         Actions\expectAdded('lit_mcp_compat_changed')->once();
         Filters\expectAdded(SettingsPage::TABS_FILTER)->never();
-        Actions\expectAdded(CompatibilityTab::LOAD_ACTION)->once();
+        Actions\expectAdded(CompatibilityTab::LOAD_ACTION)->times(2); // Divi and Pods
         Actions\expectAdded(CompatibilityTab::EXTRA_ACTION)->once();
         Filters\expectAdded(CompatibilityTab::COLUMNS_FILTER)->once();
         $registry = self::registry();