diff --git a/ui/app/app.js b/ui/app/app.js
index c6edb86ddc..bbb78f6a17 100644
--- a/ui/app/app.js
+++ b/ui/app/app.js
@@ -169,10 +169,19 @@ export default class App extends Application {
           'api',
           'capabilities',
           'version',
+          // services needed for Secrets sidebar component
+          'current-cluster',
+          'permissions',
+          '-portal',
+          'namespace',
         ],
         externalRoutes: {
           kvSecretOverview: 'vault.cluster.secrets.backend.kv.secret.index',
           clientCountOverview: 'vault.cluster.clients',
+          // routes needed for Secrets sidebar component
+          secrets: 'vault.cluster.secrets',
+          sync: 'vault.cluster.sync',
+          vault: 'vault.cluster',
         },
       },
     },
diff --git a/ui/app/templates/vault/cluster/secrets.hbs b/ui/app/templates/vault/cluster/secrets.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3986c47a51
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ui/app/templates/vault/cluster/secrets.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{{!
+  Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2025
+  SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
+}}
+
+<Sidebar::Nav::Secrets />
+
+{{outlet}}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/cluster.hbs b/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/cluster.hbs
index ced596c000..41c114ce5d 100644
--- a/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/cluster.hbs
+++ b/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/cluster.hbs
@@ -7,15 +7,7 @@
   <Nav.Title data-test-sidebar-nav-heading="Vault">Vault</Nav.Title>
 
   <Nav.Link @route="vault.cluster.dashboard" @text="Dashboard" data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Dashboard" />
-  <Nav.Link @route="vault.cluster.secrets" @text="Secrets Engines" data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets Engines" />
-  {{#if this.showSecretsSync}}
-    <Nav.Link
-      @route="vault.cluster.sync"
-      @text="Secrets Sync"
-      @badge={{if this.flags.isHvdManaged "Plus" ""}}
-      data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets Sync"
-    />
-  {{/if}}
+  <Nav.Link @route="vault.cluster.secrets" @text="Secrets" @hasSubItems={{true}} data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets" />
 
   {{#if (display-nav-item this.navSection.resilienceAndRecovery)}}
     <Nav.Link
diff --git a/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.hbs b/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..7a395832f4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+{{!
+  Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2025
+  SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
+}}
+
+<Hds::AppSideNav::Portal @ariaLabel="Secrets Navigation Links" data-test-sidebar-nav-panel="Secrets" as |Nav|>
+  <Nav.BackLink
+    @route={{if @isEngine "vault" "vault.cluster"}}
+    @isRouteExternal={{@isEngine}}
+    @current-when={{false}}
+    @icon="arrow-left"
+    @text="Back to main navigation"
+    data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Back to main navigation"
+  />
+  <Nav.Title data-test-sidebar-nav-heading="Secrets">Secrets</Nav.Title>
+  <Nav.Link
+    @route={{if @isEngine "secrets" "vault.cluster.secrets"}}
+    @isRouteExternal={{@isEngine}}
+    @text="Secrets engines"
+    data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets engines"
+  />
+  {{#if (display-nav-item this.routeName.secretsSync)}}
+    <Nav.Link
+      @route={{if @isEngine "sync" "vault.cluster.sync"}}
+      @isRouteExternal={{@isEngine}}
+      @text="Secrets sync"
+      @badge={{if this.flags.isHvdManaged "Plus" ""}}
+      data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets sync"
+    />
+  {{/if}}
+</Hds::AppSideNav::Portal>
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.ts b/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..12f4119439
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ui/lib/core/addon/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+/**
+ * Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2025
+ * SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
+ */
+
+import Component from '@glimmer/component';
+import { service } from '@ember/service';
+
+import type FlagsService from 'vault/services/flags';
+import { RouteName } from 'core/helpers/display-nav-item';
+
+interface Args {
+  isEngine?: boolean;
+}
+
+export default class SidebarNavSecretsComponent extends Component<Args> {
+  @service declare readonly flags: FlagsService;
+
+  routeName = {
+    secretsSync: RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC,
+  };
+}
diff --git a/ui/lib/core/addon/helpers/display-nav-item.ts b/ui/lib/core/addon/helpers/display-nav-item.ts
index d01dc86c39..a6b27d1be2 100644
--- a/ui/lib/core/addon/helpers/display-nav-item.ts
+++ b/ui/lib/core/addon/helpers/display-nav-item.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import type PermissionsService from 'vault/services/permissions';
 import type FlagsService from 'vault/services/flags';
 
 export enum RouteName {
+  SECRETS_SYNC = 'secrets-sync',
   SECRETS_RECOVERY = 'secrets-recovery',
   SEAL = 'seal',
   REPLICATION = 'replication',
@@ -36,10 +37,13 @@ export default class NavBar extends Helper {
   @service declare readonly flags: FlagsService;
 
   compute([navItem]: string[]) {
-    const { SECRETS_RECOVERY, SEAL, REPLICATION, VAULT_USAGE, LICENSE } = RouteName;
+    const { SECRETS_RECOVERY, SEAL, REPLICATION, VAULT_USAGE, LICENSE, SECRETS_SYNC } = RouteName;
     const { RESILIENCE_AND_RECOVERY, REPORTING, CLIENT_COUNT } = NavSection;
 
     switch (navItem) {
+      // secrets sync nav items
+      case SECRETS_SYNC:
+        return this.supportsSecretsSync;
       // client count nav items
       case CLIENT_COUNT:
         return this.supportsClientCount;
@@ -131,6 +135,21 @@ export default class NavBar extends Helper {
       !this.version.hasPKIOnly
     );
   }
+
+  get supportsSecretsSync() {
+    // always show for HVD managed clusters
+    if (this.flags.isHvdManaged) return true;
+
+    if (this.flags.secretsSyncIsActivated) {
+      // activating the feature requires different permissions than using the feature.
+      // we want to show the link to allow activation regardless of permissions to sys/sync
+      // and only check permissions if the feature has been activated
+      return this.permissions.hasNavPermission('sync');
+    }
+
+    // otherwise we show the link depending on whether or not the feature exists
+    return this.version.hasSecretsSync;
+  }
 }
 
 export function computeNavBar(context: object, navItem: string): boolean {
diff --git a/ui/lib/core/app/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.js b/ui/lib/core/app/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c664b6405e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ui/lib/core/app/components/sidebar/nav/secrets.js
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+/**
+ * Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2025
+ * SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
+ */
+
+export { default } from 'core/components/sidebar/nav/secrets';
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/destination-header.hbs b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/destination-header.hbs
index 9dadfbe7b7..29aedaed7e 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/destination-header.hbs
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/destination-header.hbs
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@
   @icon={{get (find-by "type" @destination.type (sync-destinations)) "icon"}}
   @title={{@destination.name}}
   @breadcrumbs={{array
-    (hash label="Secrets Sync" route="secrets.overview")
+    (hash label="Vault" route="vault" icon="vault" linkExternal=true)
+    (hash label="Secrets sync" route="secrets.overview")
     (hash label="Destinations" route="secrets.destinations")
     (hash label="Destination")
   }}
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.hbs b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.hbs
index 11d8da976c..1ebca5b52c 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.hbs
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.hbs
@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@
   SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
 }}
 
-<Page::Header @title="Secrets Sync">
+<Page::Header @title="Secrets sync">
+  <:breadcrumbs>
+    <Page::Breadcrumbs @breadcrumbs={{this.breadcrumbs}} />
+  </:breadcrumbs>
   <:badges>
     {{#if this.flags.isHvdManaged}}
       <Hds::Badge @text="Plus feature" @color="highlight" @size="large" data-test-badge="Plus feature" />
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.ts b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.ts
index 3a58e8d070..ad43651159 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.ts
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/landing-cta.ts
@@ -14,4 +14,16 @@ interface Args {
 
 export default class LandingCtaComponent extends Component<Args> {
   @service declare readonly flags: FlagsService;
+
+  breadcrumbs = [
+    {
+      label: 'Vault',
+      route: 'vault',
+      icon: 'vault',
+      linkExternal: true,
+    },
+    {
+      label: 'Secrets sync',
+    },
+  ];
 }
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit.ts b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit.ts
index f768eccfbd..ddd5216e26 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit.ts
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit.ts
@@ -55,22 +55,24 @@ export default class DestinationsCreateForm extends Component<Args> {
       ? {
           title: `Create Destination for ${typeDisplayName}`,
           breadcrumbs: [
-            { label: 'Secrets Sync', route: 'secrets.overview' },
-            { label: 'Select Destination', route: 'secrets.destinations.create' },
-            { label: 'Create Destination' },
+            { label: 'Vault', route: 'vault', icon: 'vault', linkExternal: true },
+            { label: 'Secrets sync', route: 'secrets.overview' },
+            { label: 'Select destination', route: 'secrets.destinations.create' },
+            { label: 'Create destination' },
           ],
         }
       : {
           title: `Edit ${name}`,
           breadcrumbs: [
-            { label: 'Secrets Sync', route: 'secrets.overview' },
+            { label: 'Vault', route: 'vault', icon: 'vault', linkExternal: true },
+            { label: 'Secrets sync', route: 'secrets.overview' },
             { label: 'Destinations', route: 'secrets.destinations' },
             {
               label: 'Destination',
               route: 'secrets.destinations.destination.secrets',
               model: { name, type },
             },
-            { label: 'Edit Destination' },
+            { label: 'Edit destination' },
           ],
         };
   }
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/select-type.hbs b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/select-type.hbs
index 01aa1b522d..6a01eba83a 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/select-type.hbs
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/destinations/select-type.hbs
@@ -5,7 +5,11 @@
 
 <SyncHeader
   @title="Select a Destination"
-  @breadcrumbs={{array (hash label="Secrets Sync" route="secrets.overview") (hash label="Select Destination")}}
+  @breadcrumbs={{array
+    (hash label="Vault" route="vault" icon="vault" linkExternal=true)
+    (hash label="Secrets sync" route="secrets.overview")
+    (hash label="Select Destination")
+  }}
 />
 
 {{#each (array "cloud" "dev-tools") as |category|}}
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.hbs b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.hbs
index 8440f1526b..aabe4545c4 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.hbs
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.hbs
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 {{/if}}
 
 {{#if @destinations}}
-  <SyncHeader @title="Secrets Sync" />
+  <SyncHeader @title="Secrets sync" @breadcrumbs={{this.breadcrumbs}} />
 
   <div class="tabs-container box is-bottomless is-marginless is-paddingless">
     <nav class="tabs" aria-label="destination tabs">
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.ts b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.ts
index 83d7fbd61a..5651aa33ba 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.ts
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/components/secrets/page/overview.ts
@@ -48,6 +48,18 @@ export default class SyncSecretsDestinationsPageComponent extends Component<Args
     }
   }
 
+  breadcrumbs = [
+    {
+      label: 'Vault',
+      route: 'vault',
+      icon: 'vault',
+      linkExternal: true,
+    },
+    {
+      label: 'Secrets sync',
+    },
+  ];
+
   fetchAssociationsForDestinations = task(this, {}, async (page = 1) => {
     try {
       const total = page * this.pageSize;
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/engine.js b/ui/lib/sync/addon/engine.js
index ee40c18be2..d0199e4864 100644
--- a/ui/lib/sync/addon/engine.js
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/engine.js
@@ -14,8 +14,20 @@ export default class SyncEngine extends Engine {
   modulePrefix = modulePrefix;
   Resolver = Resolver;
   dependencies = {
-    services: ['flash-messages', 'flags', 'app-router', 'store', 'api', 'capabilities', 'version'],
-    externalRoutes: ['kvSecretOverview', 'clientCountOverview'],
+    services: [
+      'flash-messages',
+      'flags',
+      'app-router',
+      'store',
+      'api',
+      'capabilities',
+      'version',
+      '-portal',
+      'permissions',
+      'current-cluster',
+      'namespace',
+    ],
+    externalRoutes: ['kvSecretOverview', 'clientCountOverview', 'vault', 'secrets', 'sync'],
   };
 }
 
diff --git a/ui/lib/sync/addon/templates/application.hbs b/ui/lib/sync/addon/templates/application.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..0e653ba0cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ui/lib/sync/addon/templates/application.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{{!
+  Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2025
+  SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
+}}
+
+<Sidebar::Nav::Secrets @isEngine={{true}} />
+
+{{outlet}}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/chroot-namespace-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/chroot-namespace-test.js
index f79457161e..2074a1b5bb 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/chroot-namespace-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/chroot-namespace-test.js
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ module('Acceptance | chroot-namespace enterprise ui', function (hooks) {
   test('root-only nav items are unavailable', async function (assert) {
     await login();
 
-    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets Engines', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
+    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
       assert.dom(navLink(nav)).exists(`Shows ${nav} nav item in chroot listener`);
     });
     // Client count is not root-only, but it is hidden for chroot
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ module('Acceptance | chroot-namespace enterprise ui', function (hooks) {
     const userDefault = await runCmd(createTokenCmd());
 
     await loginNs(namespace, userDefault);
-    [('Dashboard', 'Secrets Engines', 'Access', 'Operational tools')].forEach((nav) => {
+    [('Dashboard', 'Secrets', 'Access', 'Operational tools')].forEach((nav) => {
       assert.dom(navLink(nav)).exists(`Shows ${nav} nav item for user with default policy`);
     });
     ['Client count', 'Replication', 'Raft Storage', 'License', 'Seal Vault'].forEach((nav) => {
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ module('Acceptance | chroot-namespace enterprise ui', function (hooks) {
     );
 
     await loginNs(namespace, reader);
-    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets Engines', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
+    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
       assert.dom(navLink(nav)).exists(`Shows ${nav} nav item for user with read access policy`);
     });
     ['Replication', 'Raft Storage', 'License', 'Seal Vault', 'Client count'].forEach((nav) => {
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ module('Acceptance | chroot-namespace enterprise ui', function (hooks) {
     await runCmd(`write sys/namespaces/child -f`, false);
 
     await loginNs(namespace, childReader);
-    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets Engines', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
+    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
       assert.dom(navLink(nav)).exists(`Shows ${nav} nav item`);
     });
     ['Client count', 'Replication', 'Raft Storage', 'License', 'Seal Vault'].forEach((nav) => {
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ module('Acceptance | chroot-namespace enterprise ui', function (hooks) {
 
     await loginNs(`${namespace}/child`, childReader);
 
-    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets Engines', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
+    ['Dashboard', 'Secrets', 'Access', 'Operational tools'].forEach((nav) => {
       assert.dom(navLink(nav)).exists(`Shows ${nav} nav item within child namespace`);
     });
     ['Replication', 'Raft Storage', 'License', 'Seal Vault', 'Client count'].forEach((nav) => {
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/enterprise-sidebar-nav-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/enterprise-sidebar-nav-test.js
index ca722927f8..9a2c2f8d55 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/enterprise-sidebar-nav-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/enterprise-sidebar-nav-test.js
@@ -24,8 +24,10 @@ module('Acceptance | Enterprise | sidebar navigation', function (hooks) {
   test(`it should render enterprise only navigation links`, async function (assert) {
     assert.dom(panel('Cluster')).exists('Cluster nav panel renders');
 
-    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
     assert.strictEqual(currentURL(), '/vault/sync/secrets/overview', 'Sync route renders');
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Back to main navigation'));
 
     await click(GENERAL.navLink('Client count'));
     assert.dom(panel('Client count')).exists('Client count nav panel renders');
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/database/secret-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/database/secret-test.js
index 07263d78aa..a329e19c31 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/database/secret-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/database/secret-test.js
@@ -535,7 +535,7 @@ module('Acceptance | secrets/database/*', function (hooks) {
     assert.dom('[data-test-edit-link]').hasText('Edit configuration', 'Edit button exists with correct text');
     // Check with restricted permissions
     await login(token);
-    await click('[data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets Engines"]');
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
     assert.dom(GENERAL.tableData(`${backend}/`, 'path')).exists('Shows backend on secret list page');
     await navToConnection(backend, connection);
     assert.strictEqual(
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/kv/kv-v2-workflow-edge-cases-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/kv/kv-v2-workflow-edge-cases-test.js
index 9d1d23a5e8..e0aaa9247b 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/kv/kv-v2-workflow-edge-cases-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/secrets/backend/kv/kv-v2-workflow-edge-cases-test.js
@@ -573,7 +573,7 @@ module('Acceptance | Enterprise | kv-v2 workflow | edge cases', function (hooks)
   setupApplicationTest(hooks);
 
   const navToEngine = async (backend) => {
-    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Engines'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
     return await click(`${GENERAL.tableData(`${backend}/`, 'path')} a`);
   };
 
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/sidebar-nav-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/sidebar-nav-test.js
index d6d105fe22..318ae0a457 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/sidebar-nav-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/sidebar-nav-test.js
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ module('Acceptance | sidebar navigation', function (hooks) {
 
     const links = [
       { label: 'Raft Storage', route: '/vault/storage/raft' },
-      { label: 'Secrets Engines', route: '/vault/secrets-engines' },
+      { label: 'Secrets', route: '/vault/secrets-engines' },
       { label: 'Dashboard', route: '/vault/dashboard' },
     ];
 
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destination-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destination-test.js
index e541fbbabb..e50899a3af 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destination-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destination-test.js
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | destination (singular)', function (hooks) {
 
   test('it should transition to overview route via breadcrumb', async function (assert) {
     await visit('vault/sync/secrets/destinations/aws-sm/destination-aws/secrets');
-    await click(ts.breadcrumbAtIdx(0));
+    await click(ts.breadcrumbAtIdx(1));
     assert.strictEqual(
       currentURL(),
       '/vault/sync/secrets/overview',
@@ -39,7 +39,8 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | destination (singular)', function (hooks) {
   });
 
   test('it should transition to correct routes when performing actions', async function (assert) {
-    await click(ts.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
     await click(GENERAL.tab('Destinations'));
     await click(GENERAL.listItemLink);
     assert.dom(GENERAL.tab('Secrets')).hasClass('active', 'Secrets hdsTab is active');
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destinations-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destinations-test.js
index 58cc5ded45..b0f4c2e6a5 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destinations-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/destinations-test.js
@@ -41,7 +41,8 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | destinations (plural)', function (hooks) {
         },
       };
     });
-    await click(ts.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+    await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
     await click(ts.cta.button);
     await click(ts.selectType('aws-sm'));
     await fillIn(ts.inputByAttr('name'), 'foo');
@@ -71,7 +72,8 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | destinations (plural)', function (hooks) {
         };
       });
 
-      await click(ts.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+      await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+      await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
       await click(ts.cta.button);
       await click(ts.selectType(type));
 
diff --git a/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/overview-test.js b/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/overview-test.js
index 18d649a76f..eb6180d7d2 100644
--- a/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/overview-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/acceptance/sync/secrets/overview-test.js
@@ -68,7 +68,8 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | overview', function (hooks) {
 
     test('it should transition to correct routes when performing actions', async function (assert) {
       syncScenario(this.server);
-      await click(ts.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+      await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+      await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
       await click(ts.destinations.list.create);
       await click(ts.createCancel);
       await click(ts.overviewCard.actionText('Create new'));
@@ -77,7 +78,7 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | overview', function (hooks) {
       await click(ts.overview.table.actionToggle(0));
       await click(ts.overview.table.action('sync'));
       await click(GENERAL.cancelButton);
-      await click(ts.breadcrumbLink('Secrets Sync'));
+      await click(ts.breadcrumbLink('Secrets sync'));
       await waitFor(ts.overview.table.actionToggle(0));
       await click(ts.overview.table.actionToggle(0));
       await click(ts.overview.table.action('details'));
@@ -196,7 +197,8 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | overview', function (hooks) {
 
         // confirm we're in admin/foo
         assert.dom('[data-test-badge-namespace]').hasText('foo');
-        await click(ts.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+        await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+        await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
         await click(ts.overview.optInBanner.enable);
         await click(ts.overview.activationModal.checkbox);
         await click(ts.overview.activationModal.confirm);
@@ -247,7 +249,8 @@ module('Acceptance | sync | overview', function (hooks) {
         // confirm we're in admin/foo
         assert.dom('[data-test-badge-namespace]').hasText('foo');
 
-        await click(ts.navLink('Secrets Sync'));
+        await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets'));
+        await click(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync'));
         await click(ts.overview.optInBanner.enable);
         await click(ts.overview.activationModal.checkbox);
         await click(ts.overview.activationModal.confirm);
diff --git a/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/cluster-test.js b/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/cluster-test.js
index a391be1e49..4aa461d97e 100644
--- a/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/cluster-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/cluster-test.js
@@ -61,8 +61,7 @@ module('Integration | Component | sidebar-nav-cluster', function (hooks) {
   test('it should render nav links', async function (assert) {
     const links = [
       'Dashboard',
-      'Secrets Engines',
-      'Secrets Sync',
+      'Secrets',
       'Access',
       'Operational tools',
       'Resilience and recovery',
@@ -130,70 +129,6 @@ module('Integration | Component | sidebar-nav-cluster', function (hooks) {
     assert.dom(GENERAL.navHeading('Client Counts')).doesNotExist('Client count link is hidden.');
   });
 
-  test('it should render badge for promotional links on managed clusters', async function (assert) {
-    this.flags.featureFlags = ['VAULT_CLOUD_ADMIN_NAMESPACE'];
-    const promotionalLinks = ['Secrets Sync'];
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, true);
-    await renderComponent();
-
-    promotionalLinks.forEach((link) => {
-      assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink(link)).hasText(`${link} Plus`, `${link} link renders Plus badge`);
-    });
-  });
-
-  // Secrets Sync side nav link has multiple combinations of three variables to test:
-  // 1. cluster type: enterprise (on and off license), HVD managed or community
-  // 2. activation status: activated or not
-  // 3. permissions: policy access to sys/sync routes or not
-
-  test('community: it hides Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, false, false);
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).doesNotExist();
-  });
-
-  test('ent but feature is not on license: it hides Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, []);
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).doesNotExist();
-  });
-
-  test('ent (on license), activated and permissions: it shows Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync']);
-    this.flags.activatedFlags = ['secrets-sync'];
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).exists();
-  });
-
-  test('ent (on license), activated and no permissions: it hides Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync'], false);
-    this.flags.activatedFlags = ['secrets-sync'];
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).doesNotExist();
-  });
-
-  test('ent (on license), not activated and permissions: it shows Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync']);
-    this.flags.activatedFlags = [];
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).exists();
-  });
-
-  test('ent (on license), not activated and no permissions: it shows Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync'], false);
-    this.flags.activatedFlags = [];
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).exists();
-  });
-
-  test('hvd managed: it shows Secrets Sync nav link regardless of activation status or permissions', async function (assert) {
-    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, [], false);
-    this.flags.featureFlags = ['VAULT_CLOUD_ADMIN_NAMESPACE'];
-    this.flags.activatedFlags = [];
-    await renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets Sync')).exists();
-  });
-
   test('it does NOT show Secrets Recovery when user is in HVD admin namespace', async function (assert) {
     this.flags.featureFlags = ['VAULT_CLOUD_ADMIN_NAMESPACE'];
 
diff --git a/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/secrets-test.js b/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/secrets-test.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..01b9b5c2cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/ui/tests/integration/components/sidebar/nav/secrets-test.js
@@ -0,0 +1,120 @@
+/**
+ * Copyright IBM Corp. 2016, 2025
+ * SPDX-License-Identifier: BUSL-1.1
+ */
+
+import { module, test } from 'qunit';
+import { setupRenderingTest } from 'ember-qunit';
+import { render } from '@ember/test-helpers';
+import hbs from 'htmlbars-inline-precompile';
+import { stubFeaturesAndPermissions } from 'vault/tests/helpers/components/sidebar-nav';
+import { setRunOptions } from 'ember-a11y-testing/test-support';
+import { GENERAL } from 'vault/tests/helpers/general-selectors';
+import { allFeatures } from 'core/utils/all-features';
+
+const renderComponent = () => {
+  return render(hbs`
+    <Sidebar::Frame @isVisible={{true}}>
+      <Sidebar::Nav::Secrets />
+    </Sidebar::Frame>
+  `);
+};
+
+module('Integration | Component | sidebar-nav-secrets', function (hooks) {
+  setupRenderingTest(hooks);
+
+  hooks.beforeEach(function () {
+    this.flags = this.owner.lookup('service:flags');
+    setRunOptions({
+      rules: {
+        // This is an issue with Hds::AppHeader::HomeLink
+        'aria-prohibited-attr': { enabled: false },
+        // TODO: fix use Dropdown on user-menu
+        'nested-interactive': { enabled: false },
+      },
+    });
+  });
+
+  test('it should hide links and headings user does not have access to', async function (assert) {
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink()).exists({ count: 2 }, 'Nav links are hidden other than secrets engines');
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navHeading()).exists({ count: 1 }, 'Headings are hidden other than Secrets engines');
+  });
+
+  test('it should render nav links', async function (assert) {
+    const links = ['Secrets engines', 'Secrets sync'];
+    // do not add PKI-only Secrets feature as it hides Client count nav link
+    const features = allFeatures().filter((feat) => feat !== 'PKI-only Secrets');
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, true, features);
+    await renderComponent();
+
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink()).exists({ count: links.length + 1 }, 'Correct number of links render');
+    links.forEach((link) => {
+      assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink(link)).hasText(link, `${link} link renders`);
+    });
+  });
+
+  test('it should render badge for promotional links on managed clusters', async function (assert) {
+    this.flags.featureFlags = ['VAULT_CLOUD_ADMIN_NAMESPACE'];
+    const promotionalLinks = ['Secrets sync'];
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, true);
+    await renderComponent();
+
+    promotionalLinks.forEach((link) => {
+      assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink(link)).hasText(`${link} Plus`, `${link} link renders Plus badge`);
+    });
+  });
+
+  // Secrets Sync side nav link has multiple combinations of three variables to test:
+  // 1. cluster type: enterprise (on and off license), HVD managed or community
+  // 2. activation status: activated or not
+  // 3. permissions: policy access to sys/sync routes or not
+
+  test('community: it hides Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, false, false);
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).doesNotExist();
+  });
+
+  test('ent but feature is not on license: it hides Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, []);
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).doesNotExist();
+  });
+
+  test('ent (on license), activated and permissions: it shows Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync']);
+    this.flags.activatedFlags = ['secrets-sync'];
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).exists();
+  });
+
+  test('ent (on license), activated and no permissions: it hides Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync'], false);
+    this.flags.activatedFlags = ['secrets-sync'];
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).doesNotExist();
+  });
+
+  test('ent (on license), not activated and permissions: it shows Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync']);
+    this.flags.activatedFlags = [];
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).exists();
+  });
+
+  test('ent (on license), not activated and no permissions: it shows Secrets Sync nav link', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, ['Secrets Sync'], false);
+    this.flags.activatedFlags = [];
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).exists();
+  });
+
+  test('hvd managed: it shows Secrets Sync nav link regardless of activation status or permissions', async function (assert) {
+    stubFeaturesAndPermissions(this.owner, true, false, [], false);
+    this.flags.featureFlags = ['VAULT_CLOUD_ADMIN_NAMESPACE'];
+    this.flags.activatedFlags = [];
+    await renderComponent();
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.navLink('Secrets sync')).exists();
+  });
+});
diff --git a/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit-test.js b/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit-test.js
index 48f3e2c666..fc7a104c66 100644
--- a/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/destinations/create-and-edit-test.js
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ module('Integration | Component | sync | Secrets::Page::Destinations::CreateAndE
     assert.expect(2);
 
     await this.renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(PAGE.breadcrumbs).hasText('Secrets Sync Select Destination Create Destination');
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.breadcrumbs).hasText('Vault Secrets sync Select destination Create destination');
     await click(PAGE.cancelButton);
     const transition = this.transitionStub.calledWith('vault.cluster.sync.secrets.destinations.create');
     assert.true(transition, 'transitions to vault.cluster.sync.secrets.destinations.create on cancel');
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ module('Integration | Component | sync | Secrets::Page::Destinations::CreateAndE
     assert.expect(2);
 
     await this.renderComponent();
-    assert.dom(PAGE.breadcrumbs).hasText('Secrets Sync Destinations Destination Edit Destination');
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.breadcrumbs).hasText('Vault Secrets sync Destinations Destination Edit destination');
 
     await click(PAGE.cancelButton);
     const transition = this.transitionStub.calledWith('vault.cluster.sync.secrets.destinations.destination');
diff --git a/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/overview-test.js b/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/overview-test.js
index e61ca9b818..e81e3e6c20 100644
--- a/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/overview-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/integration/components/sync/secrets/page/overview-test.js
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ module('Integration | Component | sync | Page::Overview', function (hooks) {
     });
     await this.renderComponent();
 
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.hdsPageHeaderTitle).hasText('Secrets Sync', 'Page title renders');
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.hdsPageHeaderTitle).hasText('Secrets sync', 'Page title renders');
     assert.dom(cta.summary).doesNotExist('CTA does not render');
     assert.dom(tab('Overview')).hasText('Overview', 'Overview tab renders');
     assert.dom(tab('Destinations')).hasText('Destinations', 'Destinations tab renders');
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ module('Integration | Component | sync | Page::Overview', function (hooks) {
     await this.renderComponent();
 
     assert.dom(overview.optInBanner.container).doesNotExist('Opt-in banner is not shown');
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.hdsPageHeaderTitle).hasText('Secrets Sync');
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.hdsPageHeaderTitle).hasText('Secrets sync');
     assert.dom(GENERAL.badge('Plus feature')).hasText('Plus feature', 'Plus feature badge renders');
     assert.dom(cta.button).hasText('Create first destination', 'CTA action renders');
     assert.dom(cta.summary).exists();
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ module('Integration | Component | sync | Page::Overview', function (hooks) {
     this.isActivated = true;
     await this.renderComponent();
 
-    assert.dom(GENERAL.hdsPageHeaderTitle).hasText('Secrets Sync');
+    assert.dom(GENERAL.hdsPageHeaderTitle).hasText('Secrets sync');
     assert.dom(cta.button).hasText('Create first destination', 'CTA action renders');
     assert.dom(cta.summary).exists();
   });
diff --git a/ui/tests/integration/helpers/display-nav-item-test.js b/ui/tests/integration/helpers/display-nav-item-test.js
index b01e77c382..c696aec11d 100644
--- a/ui/tests/integration/helpers/display-nav-item-test.js
+++ b/ui/tests/integration/helpers/display-nav-item-test.js
@@ -47,6 +47,46 @@ module('Unit | Helper | displayNavItem', function (hooks) {
     this.permissionsStub.restore();
   });
 
+  module('secrets sync', function () {
+    test('it returns true when it is hvd managed', function (assert) {
+      this.flags.featureFlags = ['VAULT_CLOUD_ADMIN_NAMESPACE'];
+
+      const supportsClientCount = computeNavBar(this, RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC);
+
+      assert.true(supportsClientCount);
+    });
+
+    test('it returns true when it is secrets sync activated but not hvd managed', function (assert) {
+      this.flags.featureFlags = [];
+      this.flags.activatedFlags = [RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC];
+      this.permissionsStub.returns(true);
+
+      const supportsClientCount = computeNavBar(this, RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC);
+
+      assert.true(supportsClientCount);
+    });
+
+    test('it returns false when it is secrets sync activated but not hvd managed and permissions is false', function (assert) {
+      this.flags.featureFlags = [];
+      this.flags.activatedFlags = [RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC];
+      this.permissionsStub.returns(false);
+
+      const supportsClientCount = computeNavBar(this, RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC);
+
+      assert.false(supportsClientCount);
+    });
+
+    test('it returns false when it is enterprise', function (assert) {
+      this.flags.featureFlags = [];
+      this.version.type = 'community';
+      this.features = [];
+
+      const supportsClientCount = computeNavBar(this, RouteName.SECRETS_SYNC);
+
+      assert.false(supportsClientCount);
+    });
+  });
+
   module('client count', function () {
     test('it returns true when there are permissions and cluster is not secondary', function (assert) {
       this.permissionsStub.returns(true);
diff --git a/ui/tests/pages/settings/mount-secret-backend.js b/ui/tests/pages/settings/mount-secret-backend.js
index 1a6bc6aedc..b47e547c55 100644
--- a/ui/tests/pages/settings/mount-secret-backend.js
+++ b/ui/tests/pages/settings/mount-secret-backend.js
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ export default create({
   maxTTLVal: fillable('[data-test-ttl-value="Max Lease TTL"]'),
   maxTTLUnit: fillable('[data-test-ttl-unit="Max Lease TTL"] [data-test-select="ttl-unit"]'),
   enableEngine: clickable('[data-test-enable-engine]'),
-  secretList: clickable('[data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets Engines"]'),
+  secretList: clickable('[data-test-sidebar-nav-link="Secrets"]'),
   defaultTTLVal: fillable('input[data-test-ttl-value="Default Lease TTL"]'),
   defaultTTLUnit: fillable('[data-test-ttl-unit="Default Lease TTL"] [data-test-select="ttl-unit"]'),
   enable: async function (type, path) {