diff --git a/bitchat/Services/GeohashParticipantTracker.swift b/bitchat/Services/GeohashParticipantTracker.swift
index 1bd2df02..0e46ad34 100644
--- a/bitchat/Services/GeohashParticipantTracker.swift
+++ b/bitchat/Services/GeohashParticipantTracker.swift
@@ -83,6 +83,9 @@ public final class GeohashParticipantTracker: ObservableObject {
         var map = participants[geohash] ?? [:]
         map[key] = Date()
         participants[geohash] = map
+        
+        // Always notify observers that state has changed so counts in UI update
+        objectWillChange.send()
 
         // Only refresh visible list if this geohash is currently active
         if activeGeohash == geohash {