diff --git a/app/globals.css b/app/globals.css
index 1be628671..a344dd0de 100644
--- a/app/globals.css
+++ b/app/globals.css
@@ -941,31 +941,39 @@ optgroup {
 }
 
 /* Smooth halo applied to a setting row when the user clicks a sub-result in
-   the settings search. The element bg + a 10px box-shadow fill the row plus
-   a 10px ring of the same tint, then a 2px outline sits exactly at the outer
-   edge. Uses the primary theme color so it adapts to light/dark. */
+   the settings search. It is drawn by a pseudo-element behind the row's
+   content, so the row keeps its own shape and divider. It stays inside the
+   row's padding box vertically (never over the dividers above and below) and
+   reaches 10px past it sideways so the text isn't flush with its edge. Uses
+   the primary theme color so it adapts to light/dark. */
 @keyframes settings-search-pulse {
   0% {
     background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
-    outline-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
+    border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
   }
   30% {
     background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 12%, transparent);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 0 10px color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 12%, transparent);
-    outline-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 60%, transparent);
+    border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 40%, transparent);
   }
   100% {
     background-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
-    box-shadow: 0 0 0 10px color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
-    outline-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
+    border-color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--color-primary) 0%, transparent);
   }
 }
 
 .settings-search-highlight {
-  outline: 2px solid transparent;
-  outline-offset: 10px;
+  position: relative;
+  isolation: isolate;
+}
+
+.settings-search-highlight::before {
+  content: "";
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: 0 -10px;
+  z-index: -1;
+  border: 1px solid transparent;
   border-radius: 8px;
+  pointer-events: none;
   animation: settings-search-pulse 1.6s ease-in-out forwards;
 }