diff --git a/.github/dependabot.yml b/.github/dependabot.yml
index f7fc0126c..965668988 100644
--- a/.github/dependabot.yml
+++ b/.github/dependabot.yml
@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 # Every Dependabot PR triggers the full pipeline (~15 jobs), so version
 # updates are batched weekly. Nx minor+patch updates use a dedicated group so
-# official packages move together; Nx majors are manual coordinated migrations,
-# and other minor+patch updates are grouped per ecosystem. Security updates are
-# separate and are not limited by this schedule; CI enforces complete Nx lockstep.
+# official packages move together; Nx majors are manual coordinated migrations.
+# Native packaging, parser, and version-locked playback dependencies stay in
+# standalone PRs; other minor+patch updates are grouped per ecosystem. Security
+# updates are separate and are not limited by this schedule; CI enforces complete
+# Nx lockstep.
 version: 2
 updates:
     - package-ecosystem: npm
@@ -36,8 +38,14 @@ updates:
           npm-minor-patch:
               applies-to: version-updates
               exclude-patterns:
+                  - better-sqlite3
+                  - electron
+                  - electron-builder
+                  - epg-parser
+                  - mpegts.js
                   - nx
                   - '@nx/*'
+                  - shaka-player
               update-types:
                   - minor
                   - patch
diff --git a/docs/architecture/workspace-shell.md b/docs/architecture/workspace-shell.md
index b77f7679d..a57cb9af7 100644
--- a/docs/architecture/workspace-shell.md
+++ b/docs/architecture/workspace-shell.md
@@ -324,6 +324,11 @@ Toolchain notes for the Electron 41 upgrade:
    carries the v26 backport that fully extracts the Snap template's `.tar.7z`
    payload; 26.15.0–26.15.6 can
    produce a Snap that is missing `desktop-init.sh`. CI already runs Node 22.
+4. Dependabot keeps Electron, native database, packaging, EPG parser, and
+   version-locked Shaka/mpegts updates out of the shared npm minor/patch group.
+   Those dependencies require standalone PRs so their dedicated package,
+   worker, playback, and diagnostic-contract validation cannot be hidden by an
+   unrelated grouped update.
 
 Known caveats: