diff --git a/client/components/notifications/NotificationBell.tsx b/client/components/notifications/NotificationBell.tsx
index 40f9015f..1578b1ed 100644
--- a/client/components/notifications/NotificationBell.tsx
+++ b/client/components/notifications/NotificationBell.tsx
@@ -87,6 +87,7 @@ export default function NotificationBell({ className }: { className?: string })
     const subscription = aethexRealtimeService.subscribeToUserNotifications(
       user.id,
       (payload: any) => {
+        if (!isActive) return;
         const next = (payload?.new ?? payload) as AethexNotification | undefined;
         if (!next?.id) return;