diff --git a/lib/focus/key_event_utils.dart b/lib/focus/key_event_utils.dart
index e156388c..156e70ac 100644
--- a/lib/focus/key_event_utils.dart
+++ b/lib/focus/key_event_utils.dart
@@ -78,6 +78,10 @@ KeyEventResult handleBackKeyAction(KeyEvent event, VoidCallback onBack) {
 }
 
 KeyEventResult handleBackKeyNavigation<T>(BuildContext context, KeyEvent event, {T? result}) {
+  // Let system handle back if there's nothing to pop (e.g. root screen)
+  if (!Navigator.canPop(context)) {
+    return KeyEventResult.ignored;
+  }
   // Handle on KeyUpEvent to prevent double-pop when returning from child screens
   // (KeyDownEvent can be received by both the popping screen and the returned-to screen)
   return handleBackKeyAction(event, () => Navigator.pop(context, result));
diff --git a/lib/services/download_storage_service.dart b/lib/services/download_storage_service.dart
index 7676929d..0ec7d838 100644
--- a/lib/services/download_storage_service.dart
+++ b/lib/services/download_storage_service.dart
@@ -40,6 +40,9 @@ class DownloadStorageService {
     // Reset cached directories to force recalculation
     _baseDownloadsDir = null;
     _artworkDirectoryPath = null;
+
+    // Eagerly initialize artwork directory for sync access
+    await getArtworkDirectory();
   }
 
   /// Refresh custom path from settings (call when settings change)