diff --git a/matrix_keycloak_bot.py b/matrix_keycloak_bot.py
index b63b572..16172c3 100644
--- a/matrix_keycloak_bot.py
+++ b/matrix_keycloak_bot.py
@@ -462,18 +462,23 @@ async def main():
     )
 
     # 1. Attempt to restore an existing session
+    session_restored = False
     if os.path.exists(CREDENTIALS_FILE):
         print("Restoring existing Matrix session...")
-        with open(CREDENTIALS_FILE, "r") as f:
-            creds = json.load(f)
+        try:
+            with open(CREDENTIALS_FILE, "r") as f:
+                creds = json.load(f)
+            
+            client.access_token = creds["access_token"]
+            client.user_id = creds["user_id"]
+            client.device_id = creds["device_id"]
+            session_restored = True
+        except (json.JSONDecodeError, KeyError) as e:
+            print(f"⚠️ Credentials file is empty or corrupted ({e}). Discarding and forcing new login...")
         
-        client.access_token = creds["access_token"]
-        client.user_id = creds["user_id"]
-        client.device_id = creds["device_id"]
-        
-    # 2. If no session exists, log in and save the credentials
-    else:
-        print(f"No existing session found. Logging in to {MATRIX_HOMESERVER}...")
+    # 2. If no session exists or restoration failed, log in and save the credentials
+    if not session_restored:
+        print(f"No valid session found. Logging in to {MATRIX_HOMESERVER}...")
         resp = await client.login(MATRIX_BOT_PASSWORD)
         
         # Create the store directory if it doesn't exist