diff --git a/src/wallet/wallet.rs b/src/wallet/wallet.rs
index 9b6a4aa..db4bcf8 100644
--- a/src/wallet/wallet.rs
+++ b/src/wallet/wallet.rs
@@ -1857,6 +1857,19 @@ fn start_sync(wallet: Wallet) -> Thread {
 				return;
 			}
 
+			// Start the nostr payment-messaging service the moment the wallet is
+			// open — BEFORE (and independent of) the grin node sync. Previously
+			// this lived deep in the sync body behind `!sync_error` and the node
+			// checks, so the Nym/relay connection could wait up to a full
+			// SYNC_DELAY (60s) — or never start while the node errored — leaving
+			// the profile stuck on "Connecting…". Idempotent.
+			if let Some(service) = wallet.nostr_service() {
+				service.start(wallet.clone());
+				// Auto-cancel/expire stale pending transactions (frees outputs
+				// locked by stale sends).
+				service.expire_stale(&wallet);
+			}
+
 			// Check integrated node state.
 			if wallet.get_current_connection() == ConnectionMethod::Integrated {
 				let not_enabled = !Node::is_running() || Node::is_stopping();
@@ -1900,14 +1913,6 @@ fn start_sync(wallet: Wallet) -> Thread {
 							Err(_) => {}
 						}
 					}
-
-					// Start nostr payment-messaging service (idempotent).
-					if let Some(service) = wallet.nostr_service() {
-						service.start(wallet.clone());
-						// Auto-cancel/expire transactions left pending past the
-						// configured window (frees outputs locked by stale sends).
-						service.expire_stale(&wallet);
-					}
 				}
 
 				// Sync wallet from node.