diff --git a/wifi/java/android/net/wifi/WifiStateMachine.java b/wifi/java/android/net/wifi/WifiStateMachine.java
index 2d9cc2945465c..2ab59e347f91d 100644
--- a/wifi/java/android/net/wifi/WifiStateMachine.java
+++ b/wifi/java/android/net/wifi/WifiStateMachine.java
@@ -3983,6 +3983,7 @@ public class WifiStateMachine extends StateMachine {
                     if (!isWifiTethered(stateChange.active)) {
                         loge("Tethering reports wifi as untethered!, shut down soft Ap");
                         setWifiApEnabled(null, false);
+                        setWifiApEnabled(null, true);
                     }
                     return HANDLED;
                 case CMD_STOP_AP: