diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/BitchatApplication.kt b/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/BitchatApplication.kt
index 7a0ede22..df9cd6e5 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/BitchatApplication.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/BitchatApplication.kt
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ class BitchatApplication : Application() {
         // Initialize relay directory (loads assets/nostr_relays.csv)
         RelayDirectory.initialize(this)
 
+        // Initialize LocationNotesManager dependencies early so sheet subscriptions can start immediately
+        try { com.bitchat.android.nostr.LocationNotesInitializer.initialize(this) } catch (_: Exception) { }
+
         // Initialize favorites persistence early so MessageRouter/NostrTransport can use it on startup
         try {
             com.bitchat.android.favorites.FavoritesPersistenceService.initialize(this)
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/LocationNotesManager.kt b/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/LocationNotesManager.kt
index 37c02f05..655a9783 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/LocationNotesManager.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/bitchat/android/nostr/LocationNotesManager.kt
@@ -297,8 +297,27 @@ class LocationNotesManager private constructor() {
         
         val subscribe = subscribeFunc
         if (subscribe == null) {
-            Log.e(TAG, "Cannot subscribe - subscribe function not initialized")
+            Log.e(TAG, "Cannot subscribe - subscribe function not initialized; will retry shortly")
             _state.value = State.LOADING
+            // Retry a few times in case initialization is racing the sheet open
+            scope.launch {
+                var attempts = 0
+                while (attempts < 10 && subscribeFunc == null) {
+                    delay(300)
+                    attempts++
+                }
+                val subNow = subscribeFunc
+                if (subNow != null) {
+                    // Try again now that dependencies are ready
+                    subscribeAll()
+                } else {
+                    // Give UI a chance to show empty state rather than spinner forever
+                    if (!_initialLoadComplete.value!!) {
+                        _initialLoadComplete.value = true
+                        _state.value = State.READY
+                    }
+                }
+            }
             return
         }