diff --git a/CODEOWNERS b/CODEOWNERS
index d60dbc729d9..cb415bb625a 100644
--- a/CODEOWNERS
+++ b/CODEOWNERS
@@ -435,6 +435,7 @@ esphome/components/sen5x/* @martgras
 esphome/components/sen6x/* @martgras @mebner86 @mikelawrence @tuct
 esphome/components/sensirion_common/* @martgras
 esphome/components/sensor/* @esphome/core
+esphome/components/serial_proxy/* @kbx81
 esphome/components/sfa30/* @ghsensdev
 esphome/components/sgp40/* @SenexCrenshaw
 esphome/components/sgp4x/* @martgras @SenexCrenshaw
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api.proto b/esphome/components/api/api.proto
index 0e28e19db24..81efe5ece58 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api.proto
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api.proto
@@ -2618,6 +2618,14 @@ enum SerialProxyRequestType {
   SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_FLUSH = 2;       // Flush the serial port (block until all TX data is sent)
 }
 
+enum SerialProxyStatus {
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_OK = 0;              // Completed successfully; TX drain confirmed
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ASSUMED_SUCCESS = 1; // Platform cannot confirm TX drain; success assumed
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ERROR = 2;           // Driver or hardware error
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_TIMEOUT = 3;         // Timed out before TX completed
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_NOT_SUPPORTED = 4;   // Request type not supported by this instance
+}
+
 // Generic request message for simple serial proxy operations
 message SerialProxyRequest {
   option (id) = 144;
@@ -2628,6 +2636,18 @@ message SerialProxyRequest {
   SerialProxyRequestType type = 2;      // Request type
 }
 
+// Response to a SerialProxyRequest (e.g. flush completion or failure)
+message SerialProxyRequestResponse {
+  option (id) = 147;
+  option (source) = SOURCE_SERVER;
+  option (ifdef) = "USE_SERIAL_PROXY";
+
+  uint32 instance = 1;                  // Instance index (0-based)
+  SerialProxyRequestType type = 2;      // Which request type this responds to
+  SerialProxyStatus status = 3;         // Result status
+  string error_message = 4;            // Additional detail on failure (optional)
+}
+
 // ==================== BLUETOOTH CONNECTION PARAMS ====================
 message BluetoothSetConnectionParamsRequest {
   option (id) = 145;
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
index 5409565c6eb..0029c2e34fc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.cpp
@@ -1445,6 +1445,89 @@ void APIConnection::on_infrared_rf_transmit_raw_timings_request(const InfraredRF
 void APIConnection::send_infrared_rf_receive_event(const InfraredRFReceiveEvent &msg) { this->send_message(msg); }
 #endif
 
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+void APIConnection::on_serial_proxy_configure_request(const SerialProxyConfigureRequest &msg) {
+  auto &proxies = App.get_serial_proxies();
+  if (msg.instance >= proxies.size()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Serial proxy instance %u out of range (max %u)", msg.instance,
+             static_cast<uint32_t>(proxies.size()));
+    return;
+  }
+  proxies[msg.instance]->configure(msg.baudrate, msg.flow_control, static_cast<uint8_t>(msg.parity), msg.stop_bits,
+                                   msg.data_size);
+}
+
+void APIConnection::on_serial_proxy_write_request(const SerialProxyWriteRequest &msg) {
+  auto &proxies = App.get_serial_proxies();
+  if (msg.instance >= proxies.size()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Serial proxy instance %u out of range", msg.instance);
+    return;
+  }
+  proxies[msg.instance]->write_from_client(msg.data, msg.data_len);
+}
+
+void APIConnection::on_serial_proxy_set_modem_pins_request(const SerialProxySetModemPinsRequest &msg) {
+  auto &proxies = App.get_serial_proxies();
+  if (msg.instance >= proxies.size()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Serial proxy instance %u out of range", msg.instance);
+    return;
+  }
+  proxies[msg.instance]->set_modem_pins(msg.line_states);
+}
+
+void APIConnection::on_serial_proxy_get_modem_pins_request(const SerialProxyGetModemPinsRequest &msg) {
+  auto &proxies = App.get_serial_proxies();
+  if (msg.instance >= proxies.size()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Serial proxy instance %u out of range", msg.instance);
+    return;
+  }
+  SerialProxyGetModemPinsResponse resp{};
+  resp.instance = msg.instance;
+  resp.line_states = proxies[msg.instance]->get_modem_pins();
+  this->send_message(resp);
+}
+
+void APIConnection::on_serial_proxy_request(const SerialProxyRequest &msg) {
+  auto &proxies = App.get_serial_proxies();
+  if (msg.instance >= proxies.size()) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Serial proxy instance %u out of range", msg.instance);
+    return;
+  }
+  switch (msg.type) {
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_SUBSCRIBE:
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_UNSUBSCRIBE:
+      proxies[msg.instance]->serial_proxy_request(this, msg.type);
+      break;
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_FLUSH: {
+      SerialProxyRequestResponse resp{};
+      resp.instance = msg.instance;
+      resp.type = enums::SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_FLUSH;
+      switch (proxies[msg.instance]->flush_port()) {
+        case uart::FlushResult::SUCCESS:
+          resp.status = enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_OK;
+          break;
+        case uart::FlushResult::ASSUMED_SUCCESS:
+          resp.status = enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ASSUMED_SUCCESS;
+          break;
+        case uart::FlushResult::TIMEOUT:
+          resp.status = enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_TIMEOUT;
+          break;
+        case uart::FlushResult::FAILED:
+          resp.status = enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ERROR;
+          break;
+      }
+      this->send_message(resp);
+      break;
+    }
+    default:
+      ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Unknown serial proxy request type: %u", static_cast<uint32_t>(msg.type));
+      break;
+  }
+}
+
+void APIConnection::send_serial_proxy_data(const SerialProxyDataReceived &msg) { this->send_message(msg); }
+#endif
+
 #ifdef USE_INFRARED
 uint16_t APIConnection::try_send_infrared_info(EntityBase *entity, APIConnection *conn, uint32_t remaining_size) {
   auto *infrared = static_cast<infrared::Infrared *>(entity);
@@ -1666,6 +1749,16 @@ bool APIConnection::send_device_info_response_() {
   resp.zwave_proxy_feature_flags = zwave_proxy::global_zwave_proxy->get_feature_flags();
   resp.zwave_home_id = zwave_proxy::global_zwave_proxy->get_home_id();
 #endif
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+  size_t serial_proxy_index = 0;
+  for (auto const &proxy : App.get_serial_proxies()) {
+    if (serial_proxy_index >= SERIAL_PROXY_COUNT)
+      break;
+    auto &info = resp.serial_proxies[serial_proxy_index++];
+    info.name = StringRef(proxy->get_name());
+    info.port_type = proxy->get_port_type();
+  }
+#endif
 #ifdef USE_API_NOISE
   resp.api_encryption_supported = true;
 #endif
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.h b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.h
index 3d864a7cf23..20cc4d4f864 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_connection.h
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_connection.h
@@ -189,6 +189,15 @@ class APIConnection final : public APIServerConnectionBase {
   void send_infrared_rf_receive_event(const InfraredRFReceiveEvent &msg);
 #endif
 
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+  void on_serial_proxy_configure_request(const SerialProxyConfigureRequest &msg) override;
+  void on_serial_proxy_write_request(const SerialProxyWriteRequest &msg) override;
+  void on_serial_proxy_set_modem_pins_request(const SerialProxySetModemPinsRequest &msg) override;
+  void on_serial_proxy_get_modem_pins_request(const SerialProxyGetModemPinsRequest &msg) override;
+  void on_serial_proxy_request(const SerialProxyRequest &msg) override;
+  void send_serial_proxy_data(const SerialProxyDataReceived &msg);
+#endif
+
 #ifdef USE_EVENT
   void send_event(event::Event *event);
 #endif
@@ -254,6 +263,7 @@ class APIConnection final : public APIServerConnectionBase {
     return static_cast<ConnectionState>(this->flags_.connection_state) == ConnectionState::CONNECTED ||
            this->is_authenticated();
   }
+  bool is_marked_for_removal() const { return this->flags_.remove; }
   uint8_t get_log_subscription_level() const { return this->flags_.log_subscription; }
 
   // Get client API version for feature detection
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.cpp
index c438043da40..07b4901bfeb 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.cpp
@@ -3836,6 +3836,20 @@ bool SerialProxyRequest::decode_varint(uint32_t field_id, ProtoVarInt value) {
   }
   return true;
 }
+void SerialProxyRequestResponse::encode(ProtoWriteBuffer &buffer) const {
+  buffer.encode_uint32(1, this->instance);
+  buffer.encode_uint32(2, static_cast<uint32_t>(this->type));
+  buffer.encode_uint32(3, static_cast<uint32_t>(this->status));
+  buffer.encode_string(4, this->error_message);
+}
+uint32_t SerialProxyRequestResponse::calculate_size() const {
+  uint32_t size = 0;
+  size += ProtoSize::calc_uint32(1, this->instance);
+  size += ProtoSize::calc_uint32(1, static_cast<uint32_t>(this->type));
+  size += ProtoSize::calc_uint32(1, static_cast<uint32_t>(this->status));
+  size += ProtoSize::calc_length(1, this->error_message.size());
+  return size;
+}
 #endif
 #ifdef USE_BLUETOOTH_PROXY
 bool BluetoothSetConnectionParamsRequest::decode_varint(uint32_t field_id, ProtoVarInt value) {
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.h b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.h
index 58cd75028dc..09587f943dc 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.h
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2.h
@@ -333,6 +333,13 @@ enum SerialProxyRequestType : uint32_t {
   SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_UNSUBSCRIBE = 1,
   SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_FLUSH = 2,
 };
+enum SerialProxyStatus : uint32_t {
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_OK = 0,
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ASSUMED_SUCCESS = 1,
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ERROR = 2,
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_TIMEOUT = 3,
+  SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_NOT_SUPPORTED = 4,
+};
 #endif
 
 }  // namespace enums
@@ -3219,6 +3226,25 @@ class SerialProxyRequest final : public ProtoDecodableMessage {
  protected:
   bool decode_varint(uint32_t field_id, ProtoVarInt value) override;
 };
+class SerialProxyRequestResponse final : public ProtoMessage {
+ public:
+  static constexpr uint8_t MESSAGE_TYPE = 147;
+  static constexpr uint8_t ESTIMATED_SIZE = 17;
+#ifdef HAS_PROTO_MESSAGE_DUMP
+  const char *message_name() const override { return "serial_proxy_request_response"; }
+#endif
+  uint32_t instance{0};
+  enums::SerialProxyRequestType type{};
+  enums::SerialProxyStatus status{};
+  StringRef error_message{};
+  void encode(ProtoWriteBuffer &buffer) const;
+  uint32_t calculate_size() const;
+#ifdef HAS_PROTO_MESSAGE_DUMP
+  const char *dump_to(DumpBuffer &out) const override;
+#endif
+
+ protected:
+};
 #endif
 #ifdef USE_BLUETOOTH_PROXY
 class BluetoothSetConnectionParamsRequest final : public ProtoDecodableMessage {
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp
index c4e850ffba8..86346563e49 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_dump.cpp
@@ -789,6 +789,22 @@ template<> const char *proto_enum_to_string<enums::SerialProxyRequestType>(enums
       return "UNKNOWN";
   }
 }
+template<> const char *proto_enum_to_string<enums::SerialProxyStatus>(enums::SerialProxyStatus value) {
+  switch (value) {
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_OK:
+      return "SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_OK";
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ASSUMED_SUCCESS:
+      return "SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ASSUMED_SUCCESS";
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ERROR:
+      return "SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_ERROR";
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_TIMEOUT:
+      return "SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_TIMEOUT";
+    case enums::SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_NOT_SUPPORTED:
+      return "SERIAL_PROXY_STATUS_NOT_SUPPORTED";
+    default:
+      return "UNKNOWN";
+  }
+}
 #endif
 
 const char *HelloRequest::dump_to(DumpBuffer &out) const {
@@ -2608,6 +2624,14 @@ const char *SerialProxyRequest::dump_to(DumpBuffer &out) const {
   dump_field(out, "type", static_cast<enums::SerialProxyRequestType>(this->type));
   return out.c_str();
 }
+const char *SerialProxyRequestResponse::dump_to(DumpBuffer &out) const {
+  MessageDumpHelper helper(out, "SerialProxyRequestResponse");
+  dump_field(out, "instance", this->instance);
+  dump_field(out, "type", static_cast<enums::SerialProxyRequestType>(this->type));
+  dump_field(out, "status", static_cast<enums::SerialProxyStatus>(this->status));
+  dump_field(out, "error_message", this->error_message);
+  return out.c_str();
+}
 #endif
 #ifdef USE_BLUETOOTH_PROXY
 const char *BluetoothSetConnectionParamsRequest::dump_to(DumpBuffer &out) const {
diff --git a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_service.h b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_service.h
index a031d2d969e..10fd88d8e13 100644
--- a/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_service.h
+++ b/esphome/components/api/api_pb2_service.h
@@ -233,6 +233,7 @@ class APIServerConnectionBase : public ProtoService {
 #ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
   virtual void on_serial_proxy_request(const SerialProxyRequest &value){};
 #endif
+
 #ifdef USE_BLUETOOTH_PROXY
   virtual void on_bluetooth_set_connection_params_request(const BluetoothSetConnectionParamsRequest &value){};
 #endif
diff --git a/esphome/components/serial_proxy/__init__.py b/esphome/components/serial_proxy/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..f9b8c375d21
--- /dev/null
+++ b/esphome/components/serial_proxy/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+"""
+Serial Proxy component for ESPHome.
+
+WARNING: This component is EXPERIMENTAL. The API (both Python configuration
+and C++ interfaces) may change at any time without following the normal
+breaking changes policy. Use at your own risk.
+
+Once the API is considered stable, this warning will be removed.
+
+Provides a proxy to/from a serial interface on the ESPHome device, allowing
+Home Assistant to connect to the serial port and send/receive data to/from
+an arbitrary serial device.
+"""
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass
+
+from esphome import pins
+import esphome.codegen as cg
+from esphome.components import uart
+import esphome.config_validation as cv
+from esphome.const import CONF_ID, CONF_NAME
+from esphome.core import CORE, coroutine_with_priority
+from esphome.coroutine import CoroPriority
+
+CODEOWNERS = ["@kbx81"]
+DEPENDENCIES = ["api", "uart"]
+
+MULTI_CONF = True
+
+serial_proxy_ns = cg.esphome_ns.namespace("serial_proxy")
+SerialProxy = serial_proxy_ns.class_("SerialProxy", cg.Component, uart.UARTDevice)
+
+api_enums_ns = cg.esphome_ns.namespace("api").namespace("enums")
+SerialProxyPortType = api_enums_ns.enum("SerialProxyPortType")
+SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPES = {
+    "TTL": SerialProxyPortType.SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPE_TTL,
+    "RS232": SerialProxyPortType.SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPE_RS232,
+    "RS485": SerialProxyPortType.SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPE_RS485,
+}
+
+CONF_DTR_PIN = "dtr_pin"
+CONF_PORT_TYPE = "port_type"
+CONF_RTS_PIN = "rts_pin"
+
+DOMAIN = "serial_proxy"
+
+
+@dataclass
+class SerialProxyData:
+    count: int = 0
+
+
+def _get_data() -> SerialProxyData:
+    if DOMAIN not in CORE.data:
+        CORE.data[DOMAIN] = SerialProxyData()
+    return CORE.data[DOMAIN]
+
+
+CONFIG_SCHEMA = (
+    cv.Schema(
+        {
+            cv.GenerateID(): cv.declare_id(SerialProxy),
+            cv.Required(CONF_NAME): cv.string_strict,
+            cv.Required(CONF_PORT_TYPE): cv.enum(SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPES, upper=True),
+            cv.Optional(CONF_RTS_PIN): pins.gpio_output_pin_schema,
+            cv.Optional(CONF_DTR_PIN): pins.gpio_output_pin_schema,
+        }
+    )
+    .extend(cv.COMPONENT_SCHEMA)
+    .extend(uart.UART_DEVICE_SCHEMA)
+)
+
+
+@coroutine_with_priority(CoroPriority.FINAL)
+async def _add_serial_proxy_count_define():
+    """Emit the SERIAL_PROXY_COUNT define once with the final instance count."""
+    count = _get_data().count
+    if count > 0:
+        cg.add_define("SERIAL_PROXY_COUNT", count)
+
+
+async def to_code(config):
+    var = cg.new_Pvariable(config[CONF_ID])
+    await cg.register_component(var, config)
+    await uart.register_uart_device(var, config)
+    cg.add(cg.App.register_serial_proxy(var))
+    cg.add(var.set_name(config[CONF_NAME]))
+    cg.add(var.set_port_type(config[CONF_PORT_TYPE]))
+    cg.add_define("USE_SERIAL_PROXY")
+
+    # Track instance count for the FINAL priority define
+    data = _get_data()
+    if data.count == 0:
+        # Schedule the count define job only once (on the first instance)
+        CORE.add_job(_add_serial_proxy_count_define)
+    data.count += 1
+
+    if CONF_RTS_PIN in config:
+        rts_pin = await cg.gpio_pin_expression(config[CONF_RTS_PIN])
+        cg.add(var.set_rts_pin(rts_pin))
+
+    if CONF_DTR_PIN in config:
+        dtr_pin = await cg.gpio_pin_expression(config[CONF_DTR_PIN])
+        cg.add(var.set_dtr_pin(dtr_pin))
diff --git a/esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.cpp b/esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..340f9b0cb85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,188 @@
+#include "serial_proxy.h"
+
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+
+#include "esphome/core/log.h"
+#include "esphome/core/util.h"
+
+#ifdef USE_API
+#include "esphome/components/api/api_connection.h"
+#include "esphome/components/api/api_server.h"
+#endif
+
+namespace esphome::serial_proxy {
+
+static const char *const TAG = "serial_proxy";
+
+void SerialProxy::setup() {
+  // Set up modem control pins if configured
+  if (this->rts_pin_ != nullptr) {
+    this->rts_pin_->setup();
+    this->rts_pin_->digital_write(this->rts_state_);
+  }
+  if (this->dtr_pin_ != nullptr) {
+    this->dtr_pin_->setup();
+    this->dtr_pin_->digital_write(this->dtr_state_);
+  }
+#ifdef USE_API
+  // instance_index_ is fixed at registration time; pre-set it so loop() only needs to update data
+  this->outgoing_msg_.instance = this->instance_index_;
+#endif
+}
+
+void SerialProxy::loop() {
+#ifdef USE_API
+  // Detect subscriber disconnect
+  if (this->api_connection_ != nullptr && (this->api_connection_->is_marked_for_removal() ||
+                                           !this->api_connection_->is_connection_setup() || !api_is_connected())) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Subscriber disconnected");
+    this->api_connection_ = nullptr;
+  }
+
+  if (this->api_connection_ == nullptr)
+    return;
+
+  // Read available data from UART and forward to subscribed client
+  size_t available = this->available();
+  if (available == 0)
+    return;
+
+  // Read in chunks up to SERIAL_PROXY_MAX_READ_SIZE
+  uint8_t buffer[SERIAL_PROXY_MAX_READ_SIZE];
+  size_t to_read = std::min(available, sizeof(buffer));
+
+  if (!this->read_array(buffer, to_read))
+    return;
+
+  this->outgoing_msg_.set_data(buffer, to_read);
+  this->api_connection_->send_serial_proxy_data(this->outgoing_msg_);
+#endif
+}
+
+void SerialProxy::dump_config() {
+  ESP_LOGCONFIG(TAG,
+                "Serial Proxy [%u]:\n"
+                "  Name: %s\n"
+                "  Port Type: %s\n"
+                "  RTS Pin: %s\n"
+                "  DTR Pin: %s",
+                this->instance_index_, this->name_ != nullptr ? this->name_ : "",
+                this->port_type_ == api::enums::SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPE_RS485   ? "RS485"
+                : this->port_type_ == api::enums::SERIAL_PROXY_PORT_TYPE_RS232 ? "RS232"
+                                                                               : "TTL",
+                this->rts_pin_ != nullptr ? "configured" : "not configured",
+                this->dtr_pin_ != nullptr ? "configured" : "not configured");
+}
+
+void SerialProxy::configure(uint32_t baudrate, bool flow_control, uint8_t parity, uint8_t stop_bits,
+                            uint8_t data_size) {
+  ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Configuring serial proxy [%u]: baud=%u, flow_ctrl=%s, parity=%u, stop=%u, data=%u",
+           this->instance_index_, baudrate, YESNO(flow_control), parity, stop_bits, data_size);
+
+  auto *uart_comp = this->parent_;
+  if (uart_comp == nullptr) {
+    ESP_LOGE(TAG, "UART component not available");
+    return;
+  }
+
+  // Validate all parameters before applying any (values come from a remote client)
+  if (baudrate == 0) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Invalid baud rate: 0");
+    return;
+  }
+  if (stop_bits < 1 || stop_bits > 2) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Invalid stop bits: %u (must be 1 or 2)", stop_bits);
+    return;
+  }
+  if (data_size < 5 || data_size > 8) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Invalid data bits: %u (must be 5-8)", data_size);
+    return;
+  }
+  if (parity > 2) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Invalid parity: %u (must be 0-2)", parity);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  // Apply validated parameters
+  uart_comp->set_baud_rate(baudrate);
+  uart_comp->set_stop_bits(stop_bits);
+  uart_comp->set_data_bits(data_size);
+
+  // Map parity value to UARTParityOptions
+  static const uart::UARTParityOptions PARITY_MAP[] = {
+      uart::UART_CONFIG_PARITY_NONE,
+      uart::UART_CONFIG_PARITY_EVEN,
+      uart::UART_CONFIG_PARITY_ODD,
+  };
+  uart_comp->set_parity(PARITY_MAP[parity]);
+
+  // load_settings() is available on ESP8266 and ESP32 platforms
+#if defined(USE_ESP8266) || defined(USE_ESP32)
+  uart_comp->load_settings(true);
+#endif
+
+  if (flow_control) {
+    ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Hardware flow control requested but is not yet supported");
+  }
+}
+
+void SerialProxy::write_from_client(const uint8_t *data, size_t len) {
+  if (data == nullptr || len == 0)
+    return;
+  this->write_array(data, len);
+}
+
+void SerialProxy::set_modem_pins(uint32_t line_states) {
+  const bool rts = (line_states & SERIAL_PROXY_LINE_STATE_FLAG_RTS) != 0;
+  const bool dtr = (line_states & SERIAL_PROXY_LINE_STATE_FLAG_DTR) != 0;
+  ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Setting modem pins [%u]: RTS=%s, DTR=%s", this->instance_index_, ONOFF(rts), ONOFF(dtr));
+
+  if (this->rts_pin_ != nullptr) {
+    this->rts_state_ = rts;
+    this->rts_pin_->digital_write(rts);
+  }
+  if (this->dtr_pin_ != nullptr) {
+    this->dtr_state_ = dtr;
+    this->dtr_pin_->digital_write(dtr);
+  }
+}
+
+uint32_t SerialProxy::get_modem_pins() const {
+  return (this->rts_state_ ? SERIAL_PROXY_LINE_STATE_FLAG_RTS : 0u) |
+         (this->dtr_state_ ? SERIAL_PROXY_LINE_STATE_FLAG_DTR : 0u);
+}
+
+uart::FlushResult SerialProxy::flush_port() {
+  ESP_LOGV(TAG, "Flushing serial proxy [%u]", this->instance_index_);
+  return this->flush();
+}
+
+#ifdef USE_API
+void SerialProxy::serial_proxy_request(api::APIConnection *api_connection, api::enums::SerialProxyRequestType type) {
+  switch (type) {
+    case api::enums::SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_SUBSCRIBE:
+      if (this->api_connection_ != nullptr) {
+        ESP_LOGE(TAG, "Only one API subscription is allowed at a time");
+        return;
+      }
+      this->api_connection_ = api_connection;
+      ESP_LOGV(TAG, "API connection subscribed to serial proxy [%u]", this->instance_index_);
+      break;
+    case api::enums::SERIAL_PROXY_REQUEST_TYPE_UNSUBSCRIBE:
+      if (this->api_connection_ != api_connection) {
+        ESP_LOGV(TAG, "API connection is not subscribed to serial proxy [%u]", this->instance_index_);
+        return;
+      }
+      this->api_connection_ = nullptr;
+      ESP_LOGV(TAG, "API connection unsubscribed from serial proxy [%u]", this->instance_index_);
+      break;
+    default:
+      ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Unknown serial proxy request type: %u", static_cast<uint32_t>(type));
+      break;
+  }
+}
+#endif
+
+}  // namespace esphome::serial_proxy
+
+#endif  // USE_SERIAL_PROXY
diff --git a/esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.h b/esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..52f0654ff0c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.h
@@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+#pragma once
+
+// WARNING: This component is EXPERIMENTAL. The API may change at any time
+// without following the normal breaking changes policy. Use at your own risk.
+// Once the API is considered stable, this warning will be removed.
+
+#include "esphome/core/defines.h"
+
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+
+#include "esphome/core/component.h"
+#include "esphome/core/hal.h"
+#include "esphome/components/uart/uart.h"
+
+// Include api_pb2.h only when the API is enabled. The full include is needed
+// to hold SerialProxyDataReceived by value as a pre-allocated member.
+// Guarding prevents pulling conflicting Zephyr logging macro names into
+// translation units that include this header without USE_API defined.
+#ifdef USE_API
+#include "esphome/components/api/api_pb2.h"
+#endif
+
+// Forward-declare types needed outside the USE_API guard.
+namespace esphome::api {
+class APIConnection;
+namespace enums {
+enum SerialProxyPortType : uint32_t;
+enum SerialProxyRequestType : uint32_t;
+}  // namespace enums
+}  // namespace esphome::api
+
+namespace esphome::serial_proxy {
+
+/// Bit flags for the line_states field exchanged with API clients.
+/// Bit positions are stable API — new signals must use the next available bit.
+enum SerialProxyLineStateFlag : uint32_t {
+  SERIAL_PROXY_LINE_STATE_FLAG_RTS = 1 << 0,  ///< RTS (Request To Send)
+  SERIAL_PROXY_LINE_STATE_FLAG_DTR = 1 << 1,  ///< DTR (Data Terminal Ready)
+};
+
+/// Maximum bytes to read from UART in a single loop iteration
+inline constexpr size_t SERIAL_PROXY_MAX_READ_SIZE = 256;
+
+class SerialProxy : public uart::UARTDevice, public Component {
+ public:
+  void setup() override;
+  void loop() override;
+  void dump_config() override;
+  float get_setup_priority() const override { return setup_priority::AFTER_CONNECTION; }
+
+  /// Get the instance index (position in Application's serial_proxies_ vector)
+  uint32_t get_instance_index() const { return this->instance_index_; }
+
+  /// Set the instance index (called by Application::register_serial_proxy)
+  void set_instance_index(uint32_t index) { this->instance_index_ = index; }
+
+  /// Set the human-readable port name (from YAML configuration)
+  void set_name(const char *name) { this->name_ = name; }
+
+  /// Get the human-readable port name
+  const char *get_name() const { return this->name_; }
+
+  /// Set the port type (from YAML configuration)
+  void set_port_type(api::enums::SerialProxyPortType port_type) { this->port_type_ = port_type; }
+
+  /// Get the port type
+  api::enums::SerialProxyPortType get_port_type() const { return this->port_type_; }
+
+  /// Configure UART parameters and apply them
+  /// @param baudrate Baud rate in bits per second
+  /// @param flow_control True to enable hardware flow control
+  /// @param parity Parity setting (0=none, 1=even, 2=odd)
+  /// @param stop_bits Number of stop bits (1 or 2)
+  /// @param data_size Number of data bits (5-8)
+  void configure(uint32_t baudrate, bool flow_control, uint8_t parity, uint8_t stop_bits, uint8_t data_size);
+
+  /// Handle a subscribe/unsubscribe request from an API client
+  void serial_proxy_request(api::APIConnection *api_connection, api::enums::SerialProxyRequestType type);
+
+  /// Write data received from an API client to the serial device
+  /// @param data Pointer to data buffer
+  /// @param len Number of bytes to write
+  void write_from_client(const uint8_t *data, size_t len);
+
+  /// Set modem pin states from a bitmask of SerialProxyLineStateFlag values
+  void set_modem_pins(uint32_t line_states);
+
+  /// Get current modem pin states as a bitmask of SerialProxyLineStateFlag values
+  uint32_t get_modem_pins() const;
+
+  /// Flush the serial port (block until all TX data is sent)
+  uart::FlushResult flush_port();
+
+  /// Set the RTS GPIO pin (from YAML configuration)
+  void set_rts_pin(GPIOPin *pin) { this->rts_pin_ = pin; }
+
+  /// Set the DTR GPIO pin (from YAML configuration)
+  void set_dtr_pin(GPIOPin *pin) { this->dtr_pin_ = pin; }
+
+ protected:
+  /// Instance index for identifying this proxy in API messages
+  uint32_t instance_index_{0};
+
+  /// Subscribed API client (only one allowed at a time)
+  api::APIConnection *api_connection_{nullptr};
+
+#ifdef USE_API
+  /// Pre-allocated outgoing message; instance field is set once in setup()
+  api::SerialProxyDataReceived outgoing_msg_;
+#endif
+
+  /// Human-readable port name (points to a string literal in flash)
+  const char *name_{nullptr};
+
+  /// Port type
+  api::enums::SerialProxyPortType port_type_{};
+
+  /// Optional GPIO pins for modem control
+  GPIOPin *rts_pin_{nullptr};
+  GPIOPin *dtr_pin_{nullptr};
+
+  /// Current modem pin states
+  bool rts_state_{false};
+  bool dtr_state_{false};
+};
+
+}  // namespace esphome::serial_proxy
+
+#endif  // USE_SERIAL_PROXY
diff --git a/esphome/core/application.h b/esphome/core/application.h
index ef18566182b..5baf0469b64 100644
--- a/esphome/core/application.h
+++ b/esphome/core/application.h
@@ -105,6 +105,9 @@ void socket_wake();  // NOLINT(readability-redundant-declaration)
 #ifdef USE_INFRARED
 #include "esphome/components/infrared/infrared.h"
 #endif
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+#include "esphome/components/serial_proxy/serial_proxy.h"
+#endif
 #ifdef USE_EVENT
 #include "esphome/components/event/event.h"
 #endif
@@ -382,6 +385,13 @@ class Application {
   }
 #endif
 
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+  void register_serial_proxy(serial_proxy::SerialProxy *proxy) {
+    proxy->set_instance_index(this->serial_proxies_.size());
+    this->serial_proxies_.push_back(proxy);
+  }
+#endif
+
 #ifdef USE_EVENT
   void register_event(event::Event *event) {
     this->events_.push_back(event);
@@ -623,6 +633,10 @@ class Application {
   GET_ENTITY_METHOD(infrared::Infrared, infrared, infrareds)
 #endif
 
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+  auto &get_serial_proxies() const { return this->serial_proxies_; }
+#endif
+
 #ifdef USE_EVENT
   auto &get_events() const { return this->events_; }
   GET_ENTITY_METHOD(event::Event, event, events)
@@ -888,6 +902,9 @@ class Application {
 #ifdef USE_INFRARED
   StaticVector<infrared::Infrared *, ESPHOME_ENTITY_INFRARED_COUNT> infrareds_{};
 #endif
+#ifdef USE_SERIAL_PROXY
+  StaticVector<serial_proxy::SerialProxy *, SERIAL_PROXY_COUNT> serial_proxies_{};
+#endif
 #ifdef USE_UPDATE
   StaticVector<update::UpdateEntity *, ESPHOME_ENTITY_UPDATE_COUNT> updates_{};
 #endif
diff --git a/esphome/core/defines.h b/esphome/core/defines.h
index dc0ee138564..73791889544 100644
--- a/esphome/core/defines.h
+++ b/esphome/core/defines.h
@@ -107,6 +107,7 @@
 #define MDNS_SERVICE_COUNT 3
 #define USE_MDNS_DYNAMIC_TXT
 #define MDNS_DYNAMIC_TXT_COUNT 2
+#define SERIAL_PROXY_COUNT 2
 #define SNTP_SERVER_COUNT 3
 #define USE_MEDIA_PLAYER
 #define USE_MEDIA_SOURCE
@@ -120,6 +121,7 @@
 #define USE_SENSOR
 #define USE_SETUP_HEAP_STATS
 #define USE_SENSOR_FILTER
+#define USE_SERIAL_PROXY
 #define USE_SETUP_PRIORITY_OVERRIDE
 #define USE_STATUS_LED
 #define USE_STATUS_SENSOR
diff --git a/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp b/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp
index ca560e8250a..63e1006b03c 100644
--- a/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp
+++ b/esphome/core/scheduler.cpp
@@ -30,11 +30,6 @@ static constexpr uint32_t MAX_LOGICALLY_DELETED_ITEMS = 5;
 // max delay to start an interval sequence
 static constexpr uint32_t MAX_INTERVAL_DELAY = 5000;
 
-// Prevent inlining of SchedulerItem deletion. On BK7231N (Thumb-1), GCC inlines
-// ~unique_ptr<SchedulerItem> (~30 bytes each) at every destruction site. Defining
-// the deleter in the .cpp file ensures a single copy of the destructor + operator delete.
-void Scheduler::SchedulerItemDeleter::operator()(SchedulerItem *ptr) const noexcept { delete ptr; }
-
 #if defined(ESPHOME_LOG_HAS_VERBOSE) || defined(ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER)
 // Helper struct for formatting scheduler item names consistently in logs
 // Uses a stack buffer to avoid heap allocation
@@ -122,8 +117,8 @@ uint32_t Scheduler::calculate_interval_offset_(uint32_t delay) {
 bool Scheduler::is_retry_cancelled_locked_(Component *component, NameType name_type, const char *static_name,
                                            uint32_t hash_or_id) {
   for (auto *container : {&this->items_, &this->to_add_}) {
-    for (auto &item : *container) {
-      if (item && this->is_item_removed_locked_(item.get()) &&
+    for (auto *item : *container) {
+      if (item != nullptr && this->is_item_removed_locked_(item) &&
           this->matches_item_locked_(item, component, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id, SchedulerItem::TIMEOUT,
                                      /* match_retry= */ true, /* skip_removed= */ false)) {
         return true;
@@ -147,17 +142,31 @@ void HOT Scheduler::set_timer_common_(Component *component, SchedulerItem::Type
     return;
   }
 
-  // Take lock early to protect scheduler_item_pool_ access
+  // Take lock early to protect scheduler_item_pool_ access and retry-cancelled check
   LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
 
+  // For retries, check if there's a cancelled timeout first - before allocating an item.
+  // Skip check for anonymous retries (STATIC_STRING with nullptr) - they can't be cancelled by name
+  // Skip check for defer (delay=0) - deferred retries bypass the cancellation check
+  if (is_retry && delay != 0 && (name_type != NameType::STATIC_STRING || static_name != nullptr) &&
+      type == SchedulerItem::TIMEOUT &&
+      this->is_retry_cancelled_locked_(component, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id)) {
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+    SchedulerNameLog skip_name_log;
+    ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Skipping retry '%s' - found cancelled item",
+             skip_name_log.format(name_type, static_name, hash_or_id));
+#endif
+    return;
+  }
+
   // Create and populate the scheduler item
-  auto item = this->get_item_from_pool_locked_();
+  SchedulerItem *item = this->get_item_from_pool_locked_();
   item->component = component;
   item->set_name(name_type, static_name, hash_or_id);
   item->type = type;
   item->callback = std::move(func);
   // Reset remove flag - recycled items may have been cancelled (remove=true) in previous use
-  this->set_item_removed_(item.get(), false);
+  this->set_item_removed_(item, false);
   item->is_retry = is_retry;
 
   // Determine target container: defer_queue_ for deferred items, to_add_ for everything else.
@@ -193,29 +202,15 @@ void HOT Scheduler::set_timer_common_(Component *component, SchedulerItem::Type
     }
 
 #ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
-    this->debug_log_timer_(item.get(), name_type, static_name, hash_or_id, type, delay, now_64);
+    this->debug_log_timer_(item, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id, type, delay, now_64);
 #endif /* ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER */
-
-    // For retries, check if there's a cancelled timeout first
-    // Skip check for anonymous retries (STATIC_STRING with nullptr) - they can't be cancelled by name
-    if (is_retry && (name_type != NameType::STATIC_STRING || static_name != nullptr) &&
-        type == SchedulerItem::TIMEOUT &&
-        this->is_retry_cancelled_locked_(component, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id)) {
-      // Skip scheduling - the retry was cancelled
-#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
-      SchedulerNameLog skip_name_log;
-      ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Skipping retry '%s' - found cancelled item",
-               skip_name_log.format(name_type, static_name, hash_or_id));
-#endif
-      return;
-    }
   }
 
   // Common epilogue: atomic cancel-and-add (unless skip_cancel is true)
   if (!skip_cancel) {
     this->cancel_item_locked_(component, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id, type);
   }
-  target->push_back(std::move(item));
+  target->push_back(item);
 }
 
 void HOT Scheduler::set_timeout(Component *component, const char *name, uint32_t timeout,
@@ -395,7 +390,7 @@ optional<uint32_t> HOT Scheduler::next_schedule_in(uint32_t now) {
   if (this->cleanup_() == 0)
     return {};
 
-  auto &item = this->items_[0];
+  SchedulerItem *item = this->items_[0];
   const auto now_64 = this->millis_64_from_(now);
   const uint64_t next_exec = item->get_next_execution();
   if (next_exec < now_64)
@@ -414,13 +409,13 @@ void Scheduler::full_cleanup_removed_items_() {
   // Compact in-place: move valid items forward, recycle removed ones
   size_t write = 0;
   for (size_t read = 0; read < this->items_.size(); ++read) {
-    if (!is_item_removed_locked_(this->items_[read].get())) {
+    if (!is_item_removed_locked_(this->items_[read])) {
       if (write != read) {
-        this->items_[write] = std::move(this->items_[read]);
+        this->items_[write] = this->items_[read];
       }
       ++write;
     } else {
-      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(std::move(this->items_[read]));
+      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(this->items_[read]);
     }
   }
   this->items_.erase(this->items_.begin() + write, this->items_.end());
@@ -444,7 +439,7 @@ void Scheduler::compact_defer_queue_locked_() {
   // and recycled on the next loop iteration.
   size_t remaining = this->defer_queue_.size() - this->defer_queue_front_;
   for (size_t i = 0; i < remaining; i++) {
-    this->defer_queue_[i] = std::move(this->defer_queue_[this->defer_queue_front_ + i]);
+    this->defer_queue_[i] = this->defer_queue_[this->defer_queue_front_ + i];
   }
   // Use erase() instead of resize() to avoid instantiating _M_default_append
   // (saves ~156 bytes flash). Erasing from the end is O(1) - no shifting needed.
@@ -469,26 +464,26 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
 
   if (now_64 - last_print > 2000) {
     last_print = now_64;
-    std::vector<SchedulerItemPtr> old_items;
+    std::vector<SchedulerItem *> old_items;
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Items: count=%zu, pool=%zu, now=%" PRIu64, this->items_.size(), this->scheduler_item_pool_.size(),
              now_64);
     // Cleanup before debug output
     this->cleanup_();
     while (!this->items_.empty()) {
-      SchedulerItemPtr item;
+      SchedulerItem *item;
       {
         LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
         item = this->pop_raw_locked_();
       }
 
       SchedulerNameLog name_log;
-      bool is_cancelled = is_item_removed_(item.get());
+      bool is_cancelled = is_item_removed_(item);
       ESP_LOGD(TAG, "  %s '%s/%s' interval=%" PRIu32 " next_execution in %" PRIu64 "ms at %" PRIu64 "%s",
                item->get_type_str(), LOG_STR_ARG(item->get_source()),
                name_log.format(item->get_name_type(), item->get_name(), item->get_name_hash_or_id()), item->interval,
                item->get_next_execution() - now_64, item->get_next_execution(), is_cancelled ? " [CANCELLED]" : "");
 
-      old_items.push_back(std::move(item));
+      old_items.push_back(item);
     }
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "\n");
 
@@ -512,7 +507,7 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
   }
   while (!this->items_.empty()) {
     // Don't copy-by value yet
-    auto &item = this->items_[0];
+    SchedulerItem *item = this->items_[0];
     if (item->get_next_execution() > now_64) {
       // Not reached timeout yet, done for this call
       break;
@@ -532,7 +527,7 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
     // Multi-threaded platforms without atomics: must take lock to safely read remove flag
     {
       LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
-      if (is_item_removed_locked_(item.get())) {
+      if (is_item_removed_locked_(item)) {
         this->recycle_item_main_loop_(this->pop_raw_locked_());
         this->to_remove_--;
         continue;
@@ -540,7 +535,7 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
     }
 #else
     // Single-threaded or multi-threaded with atomics: can check without lock
-    if (is_item_removed_(item.get())) {
+    if (is_item_removed_(item)) {
       LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
       this->recycle_item_main_loop_(this->pop_raw_locked_());
       this->to_remove_--;
@@ -561,18 +556,18 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
     // Warning: During callback(), a lot of stuff can happen, including:
     //  - timeouts/intervals get added, potentially invalidating vector pointers
     //  - timeouts/intervals get cancelled
-    now = this->execute_item_(item.get(), now);
+    now = this->execute_item_(item, now);
 
     LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
 
     // Only pop after function call, this ensures we were reachable
     // during the function call and know if we were cancelled.
-    auto executed_item = this->pop_raw_locked_();
+    SchedulerItem *executed_item = this->pop_raw_locked_();
 
-    if (this->is_item_removed_locked_(executed_item.get())) {
+    if (this->is_item_removed_locked_(executed_item)) {
       // We were removed/cancelled in the function call, recycle and continue
       this->to_remove_--;
-      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(std::move(executed_item));
+      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(executed_item);
       continue;
     }
 
@@ -580,10 +575,10 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
       executed_item->set_next_execution(now_64 + executed_item->interval);
       // Add new item directly to to_add_
       // since we have the lock held
-      this->to_add_.push_back(std::move(executed_item));
+      this->to_add_.push_back(executed_item);
     } else {
       // Timeout completed - recycle it
-      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(std::move(executed_item));
+      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(executed_item);
     }
 
     has_added_items |= !this->to_add_.empty();
@@ -592,17 +587,33 @@ void HOT Scheduler::call(uint32_t now) {
   if (has_added_items) {
     this->process_to_add();
   }
+
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+  // Verify no items were leaked during this call() cycle.
+  // All items must be in items_, to_add_, defer_queue_, or the pool.
+  // Safe to check here because:
+  // - process_defer_queue_ has already run its cleanup_defer_queue_locked_(),
+  //   so defer_queue_ contains no nullptr slots inflating the count.
+  // - The while loop above has finished, so no items are held in local variables;
+  //   every item has been returned to a container (items_, to_add_, or pool).
+  // Lock needed to get a consistent snapshot of all containers.
+  {
+    LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
+    this->debug_verify_no_leak_();
+  }
+#endif
 }
 void HOT Scheduler::process_to_add() {
   LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
-  for (auto &it : this->to_add_) {
-    if (is_item_removed_locked_(it.get())) {
+  for (auto *&it : this->to_add_) {
+    if (is_item_removed_locked_(it)) {
       // Recycle cancelled items
-      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(std::move(it));
+      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(it);
+      it = nullptr;
       continue;
     }
 
-    this->items_.push_back(std::move(it));
+    this->items_.push_back(it);
     std::push_heap(this->items_.begin(), this->items_.end(), SchedulerItem::cmp);
   }
   this->to_add_.clear();
@@ -628,20 +639,18 @@ size_t HOT Scheduler::cleanup_() {
   // leading to race conditions
   LockGuard guard{this->lock_};
   while (!this->items_.empty()) {
-    auto &item = this->items_[0];
-    if (!this->is_item_removed_locked_(item.get()))
+    SchedulerItem *item = this->items_[0];
+    if (!this->is_item_removed_locked_(item))
       break;
     this->to_remove_--;
     this->recycle_item_main_loop_(this->pop_raw_locked_());
   }
   return this->items_.size();
 }
-Scheduler::SchedulerItemPtr HOT Scheduler::pop_raw_locked_() {
+Scheduler::SchedulerItem *HOT Scheduler::pop_raw_locked_() {
   std::pop_heap(this->items_.begin(), this->items_.end(), SchedulerItem::cmp);
 
-  // Move the item out before popping - this is the item that was at the front of the heap
-  auto item = std::move(this->items_.back());
-
+  SchedulerItem *item = this->items_.back();
   this->items_.pop_back();
   return item;
 }
@@ -699,7 +708,7 @@ bool HOT Scheduler::cancel_item_locked_(Component *component, NameType name_type
   return total_cancelled > 0;
 }
 
-bool HOT Scheduler::SchedulerItem::cmp(const SchedulerItemPtr &a, const SchedulerItemPtr &b) {
+bool HOT Scheduler::SchedulerItem::cmp(SchedulerItem *a, SchedulerItem *b) {
   // High bits are almost always equal (change only on 32-bit rollover ~49 days)
   // Optimize for common case: check low bits first when high bits are equal
   return (a->next_execution_high_ == b->next_execution_high_) ? (a->next_execution_low_ > b->next_execution_low_)
@@ -710,23 +719,26 @@ bool HOT Scheduler::SchedulerItem::cmp(const SchedulerItemPtr &a, const Schedule
 // IMPORTANT: Caller must hold the scheduler lock before calling this function.
 // This protects scheduler_item_pool_ from concurrent access by other threads
 // that may be acquiring items from the pool in set_timer_common_().
-void Scheduler::recycle_item_main_loop_(SchedulerItemPtr item) {
-  if (!item)
+void Scheduler::recycle_item_main_loop_(SchedulerItem *item) {
+  if (item == nullptr)
     return;
 
   if (this->scheduler_item_pool_.size() < MAX_POOL_SIZE) {
     // Clear callback to release captured resources
     item->callback = nullptr;
-    this->scheduler_item_pool_.push_back(std::move(item));
+    this->scheduler_item_pool_.push_back(item);
 #ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Recycled item to pool (pool size now: %zu)", this->scheduler_item_pool_.size());
 #endif
   } else {
 #ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Pool full (size: %zu), deleting item", this->scheduler_item_pool_.size());
+#endif
+    delete item;
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+    this->debug_live_items_--;
 #endif
   }
-  // else: unique_ptr will delete the item when it goes out of scope
 }
 
 #ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
@@ -753,21 +765,54 @@ void Scheduler::debug_log_timer_(const SchedulerItem *item, NameType name_type,
 
 // Helper to get or create a scheduler item from the pool
 // IMPORTANT: Caller must hold the scheduler lock before calling this function.
-Scheduler::SchedulerItemPtr Scheduler::get_item_from_pool_locked_() {
-  SchedulerItemPtr item;
+Scheduler::SchedulerItem *Scheduler::get_item_from_pool_locked_() {
   if (!this->scheduler_item_pool_.empty()) {
-    item = std::move(this->scheduler_item_pool_.back());
+    SchedulerItem *item = this->scheduler_item_pool_.back();
     this->scheduler_item_pool_.pop_back();
 #ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
     ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Reused item from pool (pool size now: %zu)", this->scheduler_item_pool_.size());
 #endif
-  } else {
-    item = SchedulerItemPtr(new SchedulerItem());
-#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
-    ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Allocated new item (pool empty)");
-#endif
+    return item;
   }
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+  ESP_LOGD(TAG, "Allocated new item (pool empty)");
+#endif
+  auto *item = new SchedulerItem();
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+  this->debug_live_items_++;
+#endif
   return item;
 }
 
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+bool Scheduler::debug_verify_no_leak_() const {
+  // Invariant: every live SchedulerItem must be in exactly one container.
+  // debug_live_items_ tracks allocations minus deletions.
+  size_t accounted = this->items_.size() + this->to_add_.size() + this->scheduler_item_pool_.size();
+#ifndef ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE
+  accounted += this->defer_queue_.size();
+#endif
+  if (accounted != this->debug_live_items_) {
+    ESP_LOGE(TAG,
+             "SCHEDULER LEAK DETECTED: live=%" PRIu32 " but accounted=%" PRIu32 " (items=%" PRIu32 " to_add=%" PRIu32
+             " pool=%" PRIu32
+#ifndef ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE
+             " defer=%" PRIu32
+#endif
+             ")",
+             static_cast<uint32_t>(this->debug_live_items_), static_cast<uint32_t>(accounted),
+             static_cast<uint32_t>(this->items_.size()), static_cast<uint32_t>(this->to_add_.size()),
+             static_cast<uint32_t>(this->scheduler_item_pool_.size())
+#ifndef ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE
+                 ,
+             static_cast<uint32_t>(this->defer_queue_.size())
+#endif
+    );
+    assert(false);
+    return false;
+  }
+  return true;
+}
+#endif
+
 }  // namespace esphome
diff --git a/esphome/core/scheduler.h b/esphome/core/scheduler.h
index 9f48ed7e927..6d67492fca6 100644
--- a/esphome/core/scheduler.h
+++ b/esphome/core/scheduler.h
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 #include "esphome/core/defines.h"
 #include <cstring>
-#include <memory>
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
 #ifdef ESPHOME_THREAD_MULTI_ATOMICS
@@ -144,19 +143,6 @@ class Scheduler {
   };
 
  protected:
-  struct SchedulerItem;
-
-  // Custom deleter for SchedulerItem unique_ptr that prevents the compiler from
-  // inlining the destructor at every destruction site. On BK7231N (Thumb-1), GCC
-  // inlines ~unique_ptr<SchedulerItem> (~30 bytes: null check + ~std::function +
-  // operator delete) at every destruction site, while ESP32/ESP8266/RTL8720CF outline
-  // it into a single helper. This noinline deleter ensures only one copy exists.
-  // operator() is defined in scheduler.cpp to prevent inlining.
-  struct SchedulerItemDeleter {
-    void operator()(SchedulerItem *ptr) const noexcept;
-  };
-  using SchedulerItemPtr = std::unique_ptr<SchedulerItem, SchedulerItemDeleter>;
-
   struct SchedulerItem {
     // Ordered by size to minimize padding
     Component *component;
@@ -216,14 +202,14 @@ class Scheduler {
       name_.static_name = nullptr;
     }
 
-    // Destructor - no dynamic memory to clean up
+    // Destructor - no dynamic memory to clean up (callback's std::function handles its own)
     ~SchedulerItem() = default;
 
     // Delete copy operations to prevent accidental copies
     SchedulerItem(const SchedulerItem &) = delete;
     SchedulerItem &operator=(const SchedulerItem &) = delete;
 
-    // Delete move operations: SchedulerItem objects are only managed via unique_ptr, never moved directly
+    // Delete move operations: SchedulerItem objects are managed via raw pointers, never moved directly
     SchedulerItem(SchedulerItem &&) = delete;
     SchedulerItem &operator=(SchedulerItem &&) = delete;
 
@@ -247,7 +233,7 @@ class Scheduler {
       name_type_ = type;
     }
 
-    static bool cmp(const SchedulerItemPtr &a, const SchedulerItemPtr &b);
+    static bool cmp(SchedulerItem *a, SchedulerItem *b);
 
     // Note: We use 48 bits total (32 + 16), stored in a 64-bit value for API compatibility.
     // The upper 16 bits of the 64-bit value are always zero, which is fine since
@@ -298,12 +284,13 @@ class Scheduler {
   // Returns the number of items remaining after cleanup
   // IMPORTANT: This method should only be called from the main thread (loop task).
   size_t cleanup_();
-  // Remove and return the front item from the heap
+  // Remove and return the front item from the heap as a raw pointer.
+  // Caller takes ownership and must either recycle or delete the item.
   // IMPORTANT: Caller must hold the scheduler lock before calling this function.
-  SchedulerItemPtr pop_raw_locked_();
+  SchedulerItem *pop_raw_locked_();
   // Get or create a scheduler item from the pool
   // IMPORTANT: Caller must hold the scheduler lock before calling this function.
-  SchedulerItemPtr get_item_from_pool_locked_();
+  SchedulerItem *get_item_from_pool_locked_();
 
  private:
   // Helper to cancel items - must be called with lock held
@@ -327,19 +314,16 @@ class Scheduler {
   // Helper function to check if item matches criteria for cancellation
   // name_type determines matching: STATIC_STRING uses static_name, others use hash_or_id
   // IMPORTANT: Must be called with scheduler lock held
-  inline bool HOT matches_item_locked_(const SchedulerItemPtr &item, Component *component, NameType name_type,
+  inline bool HOT matches_item_locked_(SchedulerItem *item, Component *component, NameType name_type,
                                        const char *static_name, uint32_t hash_or_id, SchedulerItem::Type type,
                                        bool match_retry, bool skip_removed = true) const {
     // THREAD SAFETY: Check for nullptr first to prevent LoadProhibited crashes. On multi-threaded
-    // platforms, items can be moved out of defer_queue_ during processing, leaving nullptr entries.
-    // PR #11305 added nullptr checks in callers (mark_matching_items_removed_locked_()), but this check
-    // provides defense-in-depth: helper
-    // functions should be safe regardless of caller behavior.
+    // platforms, items can be nulled in defer_queue_ during processing.
     // Fixes: https://github.com/esphome/esphome/issues/11940
-    if (!item)
+    if (item == nullptr)
       return false;
-    if (item->component != component || item->type != type ||
-        (skip_removed && this->is_item_removed_locked_(item.get())) || (match_retry && !item->is_retry)) {
+    if (item->component != component || item->type != type || (skip_removed && this->is_item_removed_locked_(item)) ||
+        (match_retry && !item->is_retry)) {
       return false;
     }
     // Name type must match
@@ -361,10 +345,12 @@ class Scheduler {
   }
 
   // Helper to recycle a SchedulerItem back to the pool.
+  // Takes a raw pointer — caller transfers ownership. The item is either added to the
+  // pool or deleted if the pool is full.
   // IMPORTANT: Only call from main loop context! Recycling clears the callback,
   // so calling from another thread while the callback is executing causes use-after-free.
   // IMPORTANT: Caller must hold the scheduler lock before calling this function.
-  void recycle_item_main_loop_(SchedulerItemPtr item);
+  void recycle_item_main_loop_(SchedulerItem *item);
 
   // Helper to perform full cleanup when too many items are cancelled
   void full_cleanup_removed_items_();
@@ -420,27 +406,28 @@ class Scheduler {
     // Merge lock acquisitions: instead of separate locks for move-out and recycle (2N+1 total),
     // recycle each item after re-acquiring the lock for the next iteration (N+1 total).
     // The lock is held across: recycle → loop condition → move-out, then released for execution.
-    SchedulerItemPtr item;
+    SchedulerItem *item;
 
     this->lock_.lock();
     while (this->defer_queue_front_ < defer_queue_end) {
-      // SAFETY: Moving out the unique_ptr leaves a nullptr in the vector at defer_queue_front_.
-      // This is intentional and safe because:
+      // Take ownership of the item, leaving nullptr in the vector slot.
+      // This is safe because:
       // 1. The vector is only cleaned up by cleanup_defer_queue_locked_() at the end of this function
       // 2. Any code iterating defer_queue_ MUST check for nullptr items (see mark_matching_items_removed_locked_)
       // 3. The lock protects concurrent access, but the nullptr remains until cleanup
-      item = std::move(this->defer_queue_[this->defer_queue_front_]);
+      item = this->defer_queue_[this->defer_queue_front_];
+      this->defer_queue_[this->defer_queue_front_] = nullptr;
       this->defer_queue_front_++;
       this->lock_.unlock();
 
       // Execute callback without holding lock to prevent deadlocks
       // if the callback tries to call defer() again
-      if (!this->should_skip_item_(item.get())) {
-        now = this->execute_item_(item.get(), now);
+      if (!this->should_skip_item_(item)) {
+        now = this->execute_item_(item, now);
       }
 
       this->lock_.lock();
-      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(std::move(item));
+      this->recycle_item_main_loop_(item);
     }
     // Clean up the queue (lock already held from last recycle or initial acquisition)
     this->cleanup_defer_queue_locked_();
@@ -520,18 +507,14 @@ class Scheduler {
   // name_type determines matching: STATIC_STRING uses static_name, others use hash_or_id
   // Returns the number of items marked for removal
   // IMPORTANT: Must be called with scheduler lock held
-  __attribute__((noinline)) size_t mark_matching_items_removed_locked_(std::vector<SchedulerItemPtr> &container,
+  __attribute__((noinline)) size_t mark_matching_items_removed_locked_(std::vector<SchedulerItem *> &container,
                                                                        Component *component, NameType name_type,
                                                                        const char *static_name, uint32_t hash_or_id,
                                                                        SchedulerItem::Type type, bool match_retry) {
     size_t count = 0;
-    for (auto &item : container) {
-      // Skip nullptr items (can happen in defer_queue_ when items are being processed)
-      // The defer_queue_ uses index-based processing: items are std::moved out but left in the
-      // vector as nullptr until cleanup. Even though this function is called with lock held,
-      // the vector can still contain nullptr items from the processing loop. This check prevents crashes.
-      if (item && this->matches_item_locked_(item, component, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id, type, match_retry)) {
-        this->set_item_removed_(item.get(), true);
+    for (auto *item : container) {
+      if (this->matches_item_locked_(item, component, name_type, static_name, hash_or_id, type, match_retry)) {
+        this->set_item_removed_(item, true);
         count++;
       }
     }
@@ -539,15 +522,15 @@ class Scheduler {
   }
 
   Mutex lock_;
-  std::vector<SchedulerItemPtr> items_;
-  std::vector<SchedulerItemPtr> to_add_;
+  std::vector<SchedulerItem *> items_;
+  std::vector<SchedulerItem *> to_add_;
 #ifndef ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE
   // Single-core platforms don't need the defer queue and save ~32 bytes of RAM
   // Using std::vector instead of std::deque avoids 512-byte chunked allocations
   // Index tracking avoids O(n) erase() calls when draining the queue each loop
-  std::vector<SchedulerItemPtr> defer_queue_;  // FIFO queue for defer() calls
-  size_t defer_queue_front_{0};                // Index of first valid item in defer_queue_ (tracks consumed items)
-#endif                                         /* ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE */
+  std::vector<SchedulerItem *> defer_queue_;  // FIFO queue for defer() calls
+  size_t defer_queue_front_{0};               // Index of first valid item in defer_queue_ (tracks consumed items)
+#endif                                        /* ESPHOME_THREAD_SINGLE */
   uint32_t to_remove_{0};
 
   // Memory pool for recycling SchedulerItem objects to reduce heap churn.
@@ -558,7 +541,18 @@ class Scheduler {
   // - The pool significantly reduces heap fragmentation which is critical because heap allocation/deallocation
   //   can stall the entire system, causing timing issues and dropped events for any components that need
   //   to synchronize between tasks (see https://github.com/esphome/backlog/issues/52)
-  std::vector<SchedulerItemPtr> scheduler_item_pool_;
+  std::vector<SchedulerItem *> scheduler_item_pool_;
+
+#ifdef ESPHOME_DEBUG_SCHEDULER
+  // Leak detection: tracks total live SchedulerItem allocations.
+  // Invariant: debug_live_items_ == items_.size() + to_add_.size() + defer_queue_.size() + scheduler_item_pool_.size()
+  // Verified periodically in call() to catch leaks early.
+  size_t debug_live_items_{0};
+
+  // Verify the scheduler memory invariant: all allocated items are accounted for.
+  // Returns true if no leak detected. Logs an error and asserts on failure.
+  bool debug_verify_no_leak_() const;
+#endif
 };
 
 }  // namespace esphome
diff --git a/tests/components/serial_proxy/common.yaml b/tests/components/serial_proxy/common.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..6f03cf95dff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/serial_proxy/common.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+wifi:
+  ssid: MySSID
+  password: password1
+
+api:
+
+serial_proxy:
+  - id: serial_proxy_1
+    name: Test Serial Port
+    port_type: RS232
diff --git a/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.esp32-idf.yaml b/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.esp32-idf.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b415125e84b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.esp32-idf.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+substitutions:
+  tx_pin: GPIO4
+  rx_pin: GPIO5
+
+packages:
+  uart: !include ../../test_build_components/common/uart/esp32-idf.yaml
+
+<<: !include common.yaml
diff --git a/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.esp8266-ard.yaml b/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.esp8266-ard.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..96ab4ef6aca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.esp8266-ard.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+substitutions:
+  tx_pin: GPIO0
+  rx_pin: GPIO2
+
+packages:
+  uart: !include ../../test_build_components/common/uart/esp8266-ard.yaml
+
+<<: !include common.yaml
diff --git a/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.rp2040-ard.yaml b/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.rp2040-ard.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..b28f2b5e05e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/serial_proxy/test.rp2040-ard.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+substitutions:
+  tx_pin: GPIO4
+  rx_pin: GPIO5
+
+packages:
+  uart: !include ../../test_build_components/common/uart/rp2040-ard.yaml
+
+<<: !include common.yaml
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_bulk_cleanup.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_bulk_cleanup.yaml
index de876da8c47..3d2c47a0de5 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_bulk_cleanup.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_bulk_cleanup.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-bulk-cleanup
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancel.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancel.yaml
index 9e3f927c33c..92ae0062aca 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancel.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancel.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-defer-cancel
 
 host:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancels_regular.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancels_regular.yaml
index fb6b1791dc4..cf7f6ec7338 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancels_regular.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_cancels_regular.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-defer-cancel-regular
 
 host:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_fifo_simple.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_fifo_simple.yaml
index 7384082ac2d..f69e5c6c67b 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_fifo_simple.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_fifo_simple.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-defer-fifo-simple
 
 host:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_stress.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_stress.yaml
index 0d9c1d14051..70eac01daf6 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_stress.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_defer_stress.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-defer-stress-test
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_heap_stress.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_heap_stress.yaml
index d4d340b68ba..486a5d12764 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_heap_stress.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_heap_stress.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-heap-stress-test
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_internal_id_no_collision.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_internal_id_no_collision.yaml
index 46dbb8e728d..e696e99efa6 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_internal_id_no_collision.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_internal_id_no_collision.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-internal-id-test
   on_boot:
     priority: -100
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_null_name.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_null_name.yaml
index 42eaacdd439..d5488761d68 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_null_name.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_null_name.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-null-name
 
 host:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_numeric_id_test.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_numeric_id_test.yaml
index 1669f026f5c..25decf20f51 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_numeric_id_test.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_numeric_id_test.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-numeric-id-test
   on_boot:
     priority: -100
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_rapid_cancellation.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_rapid_cancellation.yaml
index 4824654c5c6..530b8241f58 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_rapid_cancellation.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_rapid_cancellation.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: sched-rapid-cancel-test
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_recursive_timeout.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_recursive_timeout.yaml
index f1168802f6e..66b6f4b19bb 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_recursive_timeout.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_recursive_timeout.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: sched-recursive-timeout
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_removed_item_race.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_removed_item_race.yaml
index 2f8a7fb987b..55d2197d7ce 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_removed_item_race.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_removed_item_race.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-removed-item-race
 
 host:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_retry_test.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_retry_test.yaml
index ffe9082a69f..cdf71152bdc 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_retry_test.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_retry_test.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-retry-test
   on_boot:
     priority: -100
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_simultaneous_callbacks.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_simultaneous_callbacks.yaml
index 446ee7fdc0e..c15edc3ffd5 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_simultaneous_callbacks.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_simultaneous_callbacks.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: sched-simul-callbacks-test
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_lifetime.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_lifetime.yaml
index ebd5052b8bf..5ae5a1914e7 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_lifetime.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_lifetime.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: scheduler-string-lifetime-test
 
 external_components:
diff --git a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_name_stress.yaml b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_name_stress.yaml
index d1ef55c8d5f..8f68d1d1023 100644
--- a/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_name_stress.yaml
+++ b/tests/integration/fixtures/scheduler_string_name_stress.yaml
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 esphome:
+  debug_scheduler: true  # Enable scheduler leak detection
   name: sched-string-name-stress
 
 external_components: