Android connection issues...the left hand giveth, the right hand taketh away

Server installed using softaculous
Using web browser, bookmarklet, all is good. Have 4 articles stored. Great!
On android tablet (tab S8) using android app:
I run connection wizard/basic config/select wallabag provider using "other" and input URL (including web on the end), name, password, then press "connect"
Testing...getting API...testing API access.
App doesn't complain, so I figure that's done and press "back". Takes me back to select Walla provider screen, so I use left arrow at top of screen
Message appears "Parameters changed. Recommended to perform connection test"
Now I get error "API access test failed...blah blah..OAuth2 authentication required"
OK, seen this about 20 times now...I reckon I know where to go, but no idea why. Go to the http basic authenication screen...WTF, it's still filled in from the last 10 round in circles.
On the way back thru the screens to home screen, I come to connection screen.All details filled in, including Client ID and Client secret from past efforts What the hell, give "autofill another tap. Testing...getting API...testing API access. It doesn't complain. So I continue back buttoning to home screen.
Uh oh ... Message: Parameters changed..blah blah ...recommended to perform a connection test. WTF_2. Didn't I just come from there.
I'll ignore it, so I press "not now".
Ah, I'm back at the home screen, but it's blank. Swipe down should fix that. "Please configure the app before syncing"
But I've looked at EVERY setting, not just those in this rant.
BTW
on tablet, app worked ok for wallabag.it, but after a few days, wouldn't show all articles
same experience on my android phone (s22ultra).
Can access wallabag on both thru a browser