diff --git a/pikit-web/assets/releases.js b/pikit-web/assets/releases.js
index 52f22b4..3eff2d1 100644
--- a/pikit-web/assets/releases.js
+++ b/pikit-web/assets/releases.js
@@ -177,10 +177,9 @@ export function initReleaseUI({ showToast, showBusy, hideBusy, confirmAction })
     } catch (e) {
       console.error("Failed to load release status", e);
       setReleaseChip({ status: "error", message: "Failed to load" });
-      if (releaseStatusMsg) {
-        releaseStatusMsg.textContent = "Failed to load release status";
-        releaseStatusMsg.classList.add("error");
-      }
+      // surface via toast/log only; avoid inline red flashes
+      showToast("Failed to load release status", "error");
+      logRelease("Error: failed to load release status");
     }
   }