diff --git a/public/ui.js b/public/ui.js
index 3c6d851..26587cd 100644
--- a/public/ui.js
+++ b/public/ui.js
@@ -13,7 +13,9 @@
   
   // Update general UI state
   M.updateUI = function() {
-    const isPlaying = M.synced ? !M.serverPaused : !M.audio.paused;
+    const isConnecting = M.wantSync && !M.synced;
+    // While connecting, treat as not playing (paused state)
+    const isPlaying = M.synced ? !M.serverPaused : (!isConnecting && !M.audio.paused);
     M.$("#btn-sync").classList.toggle("synced", M.wantSync);
     M.$("#btn-sync").classList.toggle("connected", M.synced);
     M.$("#btn-sync").title = M.wantSync ? "Unsync" : "Sync";