diff --git a/src/core/gdbstub/gdbstub.cpp b/src/core/gdbstub/gdbstub.cpp
index bf15f10112..1e42ff5e4a 100644
--- a/src/core/gdbstub/gdbstub.cpp
+++ b/src/core/gdbstub/gdbstub.cpp
@@ -1043,8 +1043,10 @@ static void RemoveBreakpoint() {
 }
 
 void HandlePacket() {
-    if (!IsConnected() && defer_start) {
-        ToggleServer(true);
+    if (!IsConnected()) {
+        if (defer_start) {
+            ToggleServer(true);
+        }
         return;
     }