diff --git a/js/src/features/compose/compose-overlay.tsx b/js/src/features/compose/compose-overlay.tsx
index fe5ada2..eba1a40 100644
--- a/js/src/features/compose/compose-overlay.tsx
+++ b/js/src/features/compose/compose-overlay.tsx
@@ -501,8 +501,9 @@ export function ComposeOverlay({
         e.preventDefault();
         // Only stop on release if held long enough (hold-to-record mode).
         // Quick taps are handled by the second keydown (toggle mode).
-        if (Date.now() - recordStartRef.current >= HOLD_THRESHOLD_MS) {
+        if (recordStartRef.current > 0 && Date.now() - recordStartRef.current >= HOLD_THRESHOLD_MS) {
           stopRecording();
+          recordStartRef.current = 0;
         }
       }
     };