diff --git a/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py b/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py
index 7d632c75..da1f9c51 100644
--- a/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py
+++ b/backend/alwrity_utils/router_manager.py
@@ -43,6 +43,10 @@ class RouterManager:
             from api.subscription_api import router as subscription_router
             self.include_router_safely(subscription_router, "subscription")
             
+            # Step 3 Research router (core onboarding functionality)
+            from api.onboarding_utils.step3_routes import router as step3_research_router
+            self.include_router_safely(step3_research_router, "step3_research")
+            
             # GSC router
             from routers.gsc_auth import router as gsc_auth_router
             self.include_router_safely(gsc_auth_router, "gsc_auth")
@@ -152,12 +156,6 @@ class RouterManager:
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.warning(f"Stability AI routers not mounted: {e}")
             
-            # Step 3 Research router
-            try:
-                from api.onboarding_utils.step3_routes import router as step3_research_router
-                self.include_router_safely(step3_research_router, "step3_research")
-            except Exception as e:
-                logger.warning(f"Step 3 Research router not mounted: {e}")
             
             logger.info("✅ Optional routers processed")
             return True
diff --git a/backend/app.py b/backend/app.py
index f429f880..c5505187 100644
--- a/backend/app.py
+++ b/backend/app.py
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@ from api.component_logic import router as component_logic_router
 # Import subscription API endpoints
 from api.subscription_api import router as subscription_router
 
+# Import Step 3 onboarding routes
+from api.onboarding_utils.step3_routes import router as step3_routes
+
 # Import SEO tools router
 from routers.seo_tools import router as seo_tools_router
 # Import Facebook Writer endpoints