diff --git a/openspec/changes/sidepanel-ux-improvements/tasks.md b/openspec/changes/sidepanel-ux-improvements/tasks.md
index b2e0710..499acb8 100644
--- a/openspec/changes/sidepanel-ux-improvements/tasks.md
+++ b/openspec/changes/sidepanel-ux-improvements/tasks.md
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 ## 3. Focus and caret/scroll restore
 
 - [x] 3.1 In `loadNoteForTab`, after setting `editor.value`, restore caret via `setSelectionRange` with offsets clamped to content length (default 0 for legacy records), restore `scrollTop` (in `requestAnimationFrame` if layout timing clamps it), and call `editor.focus()`
-- [ ] 3.2 Make `reloadFromDB` skip the `editor.value` assignment when fetched content is identical, so remote saves never move the local caret unnecessarily
+- [x] 3.2 Make `reloadFromDB` skip the `editor.value` assignment when fetched content is identical, so remote saves never move the local caret unnecessarily
 - [ ] 3.3 Manually verify focus lands when the panel opens via toolbar action and via keyboard shortcut; caret restore works on panel open, tab switch, and SPA navigation
 
 ## 4. Adjustable font size
diff --git a/sidepanel/sidepanel.js b/sidepanel/sidepanel.js
index 301643a..a6f58e7 100644
--- a/sidepanel/sidepanel.js
+++ b/sidepanel/sidepanel.js
@@ -202,9 +202,14 @@ async function reloadFromDB() {
   if (!currentKey) return;
   try {
     const note = await getNoteByKey(currentKey);
-    isLoadingContent = true;
-    editor.value = note ? note.content : '';
-    isLoadingContent = false;
+    const content = note ? note.content : '';
+    // Skip the assignment when content is unchanged: setting editor.value
+    // would needlessly reset this panel's caret to the start.
+    if (content !== editor.value) {
+      isLoadingContent = true;
+      editor.value = content;
+      isLoadingContent = false;
+    }
     currentNote = note;
     updateStatus('Saved');
     deferredReload = false;