diff --git a/pocket/pocket.lua b/pocket/pocket.lua
index e759160..b8038f5 100644
--- a/pocket/pocket.lua
+++ b/pocket/pocket.lua
@@ -167,8 +167,11 @@ function pocket.init_nav(smem)
         -- configure the sidebar
         ---@param items sidebar_entry[]
         function app.set_sidebar(items)
-            app.sidebar_items = items
-            if self.sidebar then self.sidebar.update(items) end
+            -- only modify the sidebar if this app is still open
+            if self.cur_app == app_id then
+                app.sidebar_items = items
+                if self.sidebar then self.sidebar.update(items) end
+            end
         end
 
         -- function to run on initial load into memory