diff --git a/renderer/renderer.js b/renderer/renderer.js
index dd07722..00ba620 100644
--- a/renderer/renderer.js
+++ b/renderer/renderer.js
@@ -56,7 +56,12 @@ function connect() {
   }
 
   clearReconnectTimer();
-  setStatus('connecting', 'Connecting...');
+  // Only show "Connecting..." on the very first attempt.
+  // Once we've ever connected, we're in a reconnect loop — preserve
+  // "Disconnected — retrying..." until onopen fires so there's no flicker.
+  if (!everConnected) {
+    setStatus('connecting', 'Connecting...');
+  }
 
   try {
     ws = new WebSocket(getWsUrl());
@@ -249,7 +254,8 @@ async function init() {
         saveBtn.classList.remove('saved');
       }, 1500);
 
-      // Reconnect with new settings
+      // Reconnect with new settings (treat as fresh connection)
+      everConnected = false;
       connect();
     } catch (e) {
       console.error('Failed to save config:', e);