diff --git a/VoiceInk/Services/AudioDeviceManager.swift b/VoiceInk/Services/AudioDeviceManager.swift
index 85617d9..d2a9a20 100644
--- a/VoiceInk/Services/AudioDeviceManager.swift
+++ b/VoiceInk/Services/AudioDeviceManager.swift
@@ -447,6 +447,13 @@ class AudioDeviceManager: ObservableObject {
     private func handleDeviceListChange() {
         logger.info("Device list change detected")
 
+        // Don't change devices while recording is active
+        // This prevents audio engine errors during recording startup
+        if isRecordingActive {
+            logger.info("Recording is active - deferring device change handling")
+            return
+        }
+
         loadAvailableDevices { [weak self] in
             guard let self = self else { return }