diff --git a/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs b/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs
index 4a2579f8..5da0e020 100644
--- a/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs
+++ b/crates/collab-net/src/sessions_tests.rs
@@ -134,6 +134,10 @@ fn two_files_are_hosted_and_joined_independently() {
     guest.execute("doc.switch", &json!({"index": guest.docs.iter().position(|d| d.uid == gb).unwrap()})).unwrap();
     assert_eq!(guest.ds().unwrap().uid, gb, "B is in front while A receives edits");
     // An edit in A reaches the guest's copy of A only, while B is in front at the guest.
+    // Concurrent joins may complete in either order. Put B in front explicitly so the
+    // following assertions exercise A's background session independent of network timing.
+    guest.execute("doc.switch", &json!({"index": guest.docs.iter().position(|d| d.uid == gb).unwrap()})).unwrap();
+    assert_eq!(guest.ds().unwrap().uid, gb, "B is in front while A receives edits");
     let in_a = rect(&mut host);
     host.execute("doc.switch", &json!({"index": 1})).unwrap();
     let in_b = rect(&mut host);