diff --git a/meshchat.py b/meshchat.py
index cf69428..19f136f 100644
--- a/meshchat.py
+++ b/meshchat.py
@@ -840,6 +840,12 @@ class ReticulumMeshChat:
         @routes.get("/api/v1/lxmf/propagation-node/sync")
         async def index(request):
 
+            # ensure propagation node is configured before attempting to sync
+            if self.message_router.get_outbound_propagation_node() is None:
+                return web.json_response({
+                    "message": "A propagation node must be configured to sync messages.",
+                }, status=400)
+
             # request messages from propagation node
             self.message_router.request_messages_from_propagation_node(self.identity)
 
diff --git a/src/frontend/components/App.vue b/src/frontend/components/App.vue
index 97321c5..2176805 100644
--- a/src/frontend/components/App.vue
+++ b/src/frontend/components/App.vue
@@ -406,11 +406,15 @@ export default {
             // request sync
             try {
                 await axios.get("/api/v1/lxmf/propagation-node/sync");
-                await this.updatePropagationNodeStatus();
             } catch(e) {
-                DialogUtils.alert("Failed to sync propagation node");
+                const errorMessage = e.response?.data?.message ?? "Something went wrong. Try again later.";
+                DialogUtils.alert(errorMessage);
+                return;
             }
 
+            // update propagation status
+            await this.updatePropagationNodeStatus();
+
             // wait until sync has finished
             const syncFinishedInterval = setInterval(() => {