diff --git a/js/app.js b/js/app.js
index a0e1817..5c3447e 100644
--- a/js/app.js
+++ b/js/app.js
@@ -8739,6 +8739,8 @@ async function init() {
         if (e.key !== 'Escape') return;
         if (!$('#settingsPanel').classList.contains('is-open')) return;
         if (document.querySelector('.modal:not(.is-hidden)')) return;
+        // Busy overlay up (sync/backup running) — don't close under it.
+        if ($('#busyOverlay') && !$('#busyOverlay').classList.contains('is-hidden')) return;
         // When the search box has focus AND a query, the input's own
         // handler clears the query (and stops propagation) — let it run.
         // Capture phase fires document handlers BEFORE element handlers,