diff --git a/src/components/DataExportSection.vue b/src/components/DataExportSection.vue
index cfbc2dea..a5c31ace 100644
--- a/src/components/DataExportSection.vue
+++ b/src/components/DataExportSection.vue
@@ -1,9 +1,12 @@
 /** * Data Export Section Component * * Provides UI and functionality for
 exporting user data and backing up identifier seeds. * Includes buttons for seed
 backup and database export, with platform-specific download instructions. * *
-@component * @displayName DataExportSection * @example * ```vue *
+Features: * - Platform-specific export handling (web vs. native) * - Proper
+resource cleanup for blob URLs * - Robust error handling with user-friendly
+messages * - Conditional UI based on platform capabilities * * @component *
+@displayName DataExportSection * @example * ```vue *
 <DataExportSection :active-did="currentDid" />
-* ``` */
+* ``` * * @author Matthew Raymer * @since 2025-01-25 * @version 1.1.0 */
 
 <template>
   <div
@@ -26,11 +29,14 @@ backup and database export, with platform-specific download instructions. * *
     >
       Download Contacts
     </button>
+
+    <!-- Hidden download link for web platform - always rendered for ref access -->
     <a
-      v-if="isWebPlatform && downloadUrl"
+      v-if="isWebPlatform"
       ref="downloadLink"
       :href="downloadUrl"
       :download="fileName"
+      :class="{ hidden: !downloadUrl }"
       class="block w-full text-center text-md bg-gradient-to-b from-green-500 to-green-800 shadow-[inset_0_-1px_0_0_rgba(0,0,0,0.5)] text-white px-1.5 py-2 rounded-md mb-6"
     >
       If no download happened yet, click again here to download now.
@@ -97,8 +103,11 @@ export default class DataExportSection extends Vue {
 
   /**
    * Notification helper for consistent notification patterns
+   * Created as a getter to ensure $notify is available when called
    */
-  notify = createNotifyHelpers(this.$notify);
+  get notify() {
+    return createNotifyHelpers(this.$notify);
+  }
 
   /**
    * NOTE: PlatformServiceMixin provides both concise helpers (e.g. $contacts, capabilities)
@@ -135,6 +144,7 @@ export default class DataExportSection extends Vue {
   beforeUnmount() {
     if (this.downloadUrl && this.isWebPlatform) {
       URL.revokeObjectURL(this.downloadUrl);
+      this.downloadUrl = "";
     }
   }
 
@@ -183,9 +193,31 @@ export default class DataExportSection extends Vue {
    */
   private async handleWebExport(blob: Blob): Promise<void> {
     this.downloadUrl = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
-    const downloadAnchor = this.$refs.downloadLink as HTMLAnchorElement;
-    downloadAnchor.click();
-    setTimeout(() => URL.revokeObjectURL(this.downloadUrl), 1000);
+
+    try {
+      // Wait for next tick to ensure DOM is updated
+      await this.$nextTick();
+
+      const downloadAnchor = this.$refs.downloadLink as HTMLAnchorElement;
+      if (!downloadAnchor) {
+        throw new Error("Download link element not found. Please try again.");
+      }
+
+      downloadAnchor.click();
+
+      // Clean up the URL after a delay
+      setTimeout(() => {
+        URL.revokeObjectURL(this.downloadUrl);
+        this.downloadUrl = "";
+      }, 1000);
+    } catch (error) {
+      // Clean up the URL on error
+      if (this.downloadUrl) {
+        URL.revokeObjectURL(this.downloadUrl);
+        this.downloadUrl = "";
+      }
+      throw error;
+    }
   }
 
   /**