diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index f821c92..1fe729f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -21,6 +21,11 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      # the build reports Cargo.toml's version; a stale one makes the app say its own release "is out"
+      - name: tag matches Cargo.toml
+        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
+        shell: bash
+        run: test "${GITHUB_REF_NAME#v}" = "$(grep -m1 '^version' Cargo.toml | cut -d'"' -f2)"
       - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
         with:
           targets: ${{ matrix.target }}
diff --git a/Cargo.lock b/Cargo.lock
index 17f1438..aaa8184 100644
--- a/Cargo.lock
+++ b/Cargo.lock
@@ -2886,7 +2886,7 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "rig-hub"
-version = "0.1.0-alpha.3"
+version = "0.1.0-alpha.4"
 dependencies = [
  "anyhow",
  "dirs",
diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index f718a96..96438f3 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [package]
 name = "rig-hub"
-version = "0.1.0-alpha.3"
+version = "0.1.0-alpha.4"
 edition = "2024"
 license = "GPL-3.0-or-later"
 description = "One app for your mouse, cooler LCD, headset and mic on Linux"