diff --git a/ui-electrobun/src/mainview/CommandPalette.svelte b/ui-electrobun/src/mainview/CommandPalette.svelte
index b4f7430..09dba29 100644
--- a/ui-electrobun/src/mainview/CommandPalette.svelte
+++ b/ui-electrobun/src/mainview/CommandPalette.svelte
@@ -88,11 +88,11 @@
     }
   });
 
-  // Clamp selection when filtered list changes
-  $effect(() => {
+  // Clamp selection when query changes (NOT via $effect — avoids read+write cycle)
+  function clampSelection() {
     const len = filtered.length;
     if (selectedIdx >= len) selectedIdx = Math.max(0, len - 1);
-  });
+  }
 
   function handleKeydown(e: KeyboardEvent) {
     if (e.key === 'Escape') { onClose(); return; }
@@ -138,6 +138,7 @@
           placeholder={t('palette.placeholder')}
           bind:this={inputEl}
           bind:value={query}
+          oninput={() => clampSelection()}
           onkeydown={handleKeydown}
           aria-label="Command search"
           aria-autocomplete="list"