diff --git a/.github/workflows/release.yml b/.github/workflows/release.yml
index 77e8922..fa8ffed 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/release.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/release.yml
@@ -14,14 +14,16 @@ jobs:
   # --- publish to crates.io -------------------------------------------------
   crates-io:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    # Requires a CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN repo secret (Settings → Secrets → Actions).
+    env:
+      CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN }}
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
       - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
       - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@v2
       - name: Publish to crates.io
-        # Requires a CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN repo secret (Settings → Secrets → Actions).
-        if: ${{ secrets.CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN != '' }}
-        run: cargo publish --token "${{ secrets.CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN }}"
+        if: ${{ env.CARGO_REGISTRY_TOKEN != '' }}
+        run: cargo publish
 
   # --- prebuilt binaries + GitHub Release -----------------------------------
   release: