diff --git a/frontend/src/services/torch.ts b/frontend/src/services/torch.ts
index 8b20f5e..2ff5b9d 100644
--- a/frontend/src/services/torch.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/services/torch.ts
@@ -74,11 +74,8 @@ async function handleMessage(data: any) {
       clientId = data.id
       torchStore.setClientId(data.id)
       console.log(`[Torch] Registered as ${data.id}, hasTorch: ${data.hasTorch}`)
-
-      // Just update state, don't auto-connect - user must request torch explicitly
-      if (data.hasTorch) {
-        torchStore.setTorchState(data.id)
-      }
+      // Don't set torch state here — let torch-update handle the transition
+      // so connectToMCP() is triggered correctly
       break
     }