diff --git a/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeScreenBrightness.java b/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeScreenBrightness.java
index c5664605dcef1..5d99c571ee201 100644
--- a/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeScreenBrightness.java
+++ b/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeScreenBrightness.java
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ public class DozeScreenBrightness extends BroadcastReceiver implements DozeMachi
     }
 
     private void updateBrightnessAndReady() {
-        if (mRegistered) {
+        if (mRegistered || mDebugBrightnessBucket != -1) {
             int sensorValue = mDebugBrightnessBucket == -1
                     ? mLastSensorValue : mDebugBrightnessBucket;
             int brightness = computeBrightness(sensorValue);