diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index f1fb9ac..5782196 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -160,6 +160,17 @@ sys-update    # nix flake update + system rebuild (BTRFS snapshot first when ava
 home-update   # home-manager switch (no flake update, no sudo)
 ```
 
+**Order matters when pulling distro updates.** `home-update` does *not*
+touch the lock — it rebuilds the desktop against the **current**
+`flake.lock`. A new Nomarchy revision (new keybinds, theming, modules)
+arrives only when the lock is updated, which `sys-update` does
+(`nix flake update`). So to pull an update that affects the desktop layer:
+run `sys-update` **first** (updates the lock + rebuilds the system), **then**
+`home-update` (re-applies the desktop against the new lock). Doing them in
+the other order rebuilds the desktop against the *old* inputs and silently
+skips the new home-side changes. After a home-side keybind/config change,
+also `hyprctl reload` (or relogin) so the running session re-reads it.
+
 Override anything via the `nomarchy.*` surface or plain NixOS/HM options:
 appearance (gaps/colors/fonts) changes through `nomarchy-theme-sync`,
 behaviour (input/misc/monitor/chrome) is `mkDefault` so a plain `home.nix`