diff --git a/hooks/use-notifications.ts b/hooks/use-notifications.ts
index 9f2e0ee0..8c9b835f 100644
--- a/hooks/use-notifications.ts
+++ b/hooks/use-notifications.ts
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ export function useNotifications() {
     interval: REFRESH_INTERVALS.NOTIFICATIONS_COUNT,
     enabled: status === 'authenticated',
     onRefresh: async () => {
-      await fetchNotificationCount(false);
+      await fetchNotificationCount(true);  // Force refresh to bypass cache
     },
     priority: 'high',
   });