diff --git a/src/gateway/workspace-sync-manager.ts b/src/gateway/workspace-sync-manager.ts
index 99f637f7b..0b15c8cdf 100644
--- a/src/gateway/workspace-sync-manager.ts
+++ b/src/gateway/workspace-sync-manager.ts
@@ -57,6 +57,10 @@ async function runSync(): Promise<void> {
 
   const logger = currentLogger;
 
+  // Clear any stale locks before attempting sync
+  // (handles case where prior sync failed and left a lock behind)
+  clearStaleLocks(logger);
+
   try {
     // Check if rclone is available
     const installed = await isRcloneInstalled();