diff --git a/lib/storage/channel_message_store.dart b/lib/storage/channel_message_store.dart
index 55c1a47..ee60050 100644
--- a/lib/storage/channel_message_store.dart
+++ b/lib/storage/channel_message_store.dart
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ class ChannelMessageStore {
 
   String publicKeyHex = '';
   set setPublicKeyHex(String value) =>
-      publicKeyHex = value.length > 10 ? value.substring(0, 10) : '';
+      publicKeyHex = value.length >= 10 ? value.substring(0, 10) : '';
 
   /// Resolves a channel slot index to its channel's PSK hex — a stable identity
   /// that does not change when the channel moves slots. Set by the connector.