diff --git a/app_server.py b/app_server.py
index cdeef00..f0a04ca 100644
--- a/app_server.py
+++ b/app_server.py
@@ -140,13 +140,18 @@ def sync_extension_registry():
 
     added, reactivated, deactivated = [], [], []
 
+    # Extensions deactivated via /release-deleted (zero versions) must stay deactivated even if the repo still exists.
+    versions_count = {r['name']: r['cnt'] for r in query(
+        "SELECT e.name, COUNT(ev.id) AS cnt FROM extensions e LEFT JOIN extension_versions ev ON ev.extension_id = e.id GROUP BY e.name"
+    )}
+
     for name, kebab in gitea_extensions.items():
         composer_name = f'{GITEA_ORG}/{kebab}'
         if name not in db_names:
             query("INSERT INTO extensions (name, composer_name, is_active) VALUES (%s, %s, true)",
                   (name, composer_name), fetch=None)
             added.append(name)
-        elif name not in db_active:
+        elif name not in db_active and versions_count.get(name, 0) > 0:
             query("UPDATE extensions SET is_active = true, updated_at = NOW() WHERE name = %s",
                   (name,), fetch=None)
             reactivated.append(name)