Offline first upload of an already-created local project shows “Could not create the project” (misleading message)

Description
When attempting to upload a project while offline for a project that is already created locally in the mobile app, the app shows: “Couldn't create the project. Please try again later...” This is confusing because the project already exists locally; the message should clearly indicate that the device is offline and that server-side upload/creation cannot proceed now. This is specifically about the first upload from the device (to create the project on the server) while offline.

Environment
PROD

Application (+ app version, build, operating system)

• Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, Android 15
• iOS version: iOS 18.5

Steps to reproduce

1. Open Mergin Maps mobile
2. Create a new local project (exists locally; not uploaded yet)
3. Open the project
4. Switch the device to offline (disable mobile data/Wi‑Fi)
5. Tap Sync to upload (first upload)
6. Observe the error

Actual results

• Error dialog: “Couldn't create the project. Please try again later...”
• Message refers to project creation even though a local project already exists; it doesn’t explain that upload/creation on the server can’t occur while offline.

Expected results

• Detect offline state and provide clear, actionable messaging for first upload:
  • “You’re offline. Connect to the internet to upload and create this project on the server.”
• Do not use “create project” phrasing when the project already exists locally (and the action is first upload).

Screenshots or logs

Conclusion
Created by GitHub Copilot and supervised by a human test analyst.

The payload names no source file or test; start at the mobile Sync action for a locally created project and trace the first-upload failure while offline. Done means the offline case has distinct, actionable wording and does not present the local project as newly created; verify the reproduction on the stated Android and iOS environments.