diff --git a/strix/config/models.py b/strix/config/models.py
index f308b542..c2860da8 100644
--- a/strix/config/models.py
+++ b/strix/config/models.py
@@ -71,9 +71,15 @@ def configure_sdk_model_defaults(settings: Settings) -> None:
         set_tracing_disabled(True)
     except ImportError as exc:
         # Disabling tracing eagerly initializes an httpx client that may need an
-        # optional transport (e.g. socksio for SOCKS proxies). Tracing is already
-        # being turned off, so a failure here is non-fatal — log and continue.
-        logger.warning("Could not disable SDK tracing: %s", exc)
+        # optional transport (e.g. socksio for SOCKS proxies). A failure here is
+        # non-fatal for startup, but tracing then stays at the SDK default
+        # (enabled), so make the consequence explicit rather than silent.
+        logger.warning(
+            "Could not disable SDK tracing (%s); tracing may remain enabled and "
+            "spans could be sent to the provider. Install the missing transport "
+            "(e.g. 'socksio') to resolve.",
+            exc,
+        )
     _configure_litellm_compatibility()
     if llm.api_key:
         set_default_openai_key(llm.api_key, use_for_tracing=False)
diff --git a/tests/test_model_config.py b/tests/test_model_config.py
index 3d82437b..e5693f64 100644
--- a/tests/test_model_config.py
+++ b/tests/test_model_config.py
@@ -38,6 +38,9 @@ def test_configure_tolerates_tracing_import_error(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatc
 
     monkeypatch.setattr(models, "set_tracing_disabled", _raise)
     monkeypatch.setattr(models, "_configure_litellm_compatibility", lambda: None)
+    # With api_base=None the function reaches the real set_default_openai_api;
+    # stub it so the test stays isolated from SDK-side effects.
+    monkeypatch.setattr(models, "set_default_openai_api", lambda _mode: None)
 
     # Should not raise despite set_tracing_disabled blowing up.
     models.configure_sdk_model_defaults(_make_settings())