diff --git a/docs/CHANGELOG.md b/docs/CHANGELOG.md
index b23e1f51..51b31145 100644
--- a/docs/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/docs/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -7,6 +7,10 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 
 ## [Unreleased] - ??
 
+### Fixed
+
+- Python Shiny apps can be deployed when Connect server version is hidden. (#695)
+
 ## [1.27.0] - 2025-07-10
 
 ### Added
diff --git a/rsconnect/main.py b/rsconnect/main.py
index bec4604f..357d2b9a 100644
--- a/rsconnect/main.py
+++ b/rsconnect/main.py
@@ -1694,12 +1694,20 @@ def deploy_app(
 
         if isinstance(ce.client, RSConnectClient):
             # Update the starlette version if needed. After all users are on Connect
-            # 2024.01.1 or later, this can be removed.
-            environment = fix_starlette_requirements(
-                environment=environment,
-                app_mode=app_mode,
-                connect_version_string=ce.client.server_settings()["version"],
-            )
+            # 2024.01.1 or later, this can be removed. Requires access to the
+            # Connect server version, which may be hidden.
+            connect_version_string = ce.client.server_settings().get("version", "")
+            if connect_version_string:
+                environment = fix_starlette_requirements(
+                    environment=environment,
+                    app_mode=app_mode,
+                    connect_version_string=connect_version_string,
+                )
+            else:
+                click.secho(
+                    "    Warning: Connect server version is hidden. Skipping starlette requirements check.",
+                    fg="yellow",
+                )
 
         ce.validate_server()
         ce.validate_app_mode(app_mode=app_mode)