diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/[badge_id]/ae_comp__badge_print_controls.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/[badge_id]/ae_comp__badge_print_controls.svelte
index bca86a56..be69be9f 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/[badge_id]/ae_comp__badge_print_controls.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/[badge_id]/ae_comp__badge_print_controls.svelte
@@ -225,6 +225,17 @@ async function handle_print_badge() {
     };
     if (is_first_print) data_to_update.print_first_datetime = now;
 
+    // Offline or API unreachable: skip the PATCH and print immediately.
+    // Never block a physical print for a network issue — staff can correct the
+    // count manually in the Admin section after connectivity is restored.
+    if (!navigator.onLine || $ae_loc?.account_id === 'ghost') {
+        if (browser) window.print();
+        print_status = 'error';
+        await new Promise<void>((r) => setTimeout(r, 4000));
+        if (browser) window.location.href = `/events/${event_id}/badges`;
+        return;
+    }
+
     try {
         const result = await events_func.update_ae_obj__event_badge({
             api_cfg: $ae_api,