diff --git a/src/calibre/srv/loop.py b/src/calibre/srv/loop.py
index dd17b90279..c1f46f6305 100644
--- a/src/calibre/srv/loop.py
+++ b/src/calibre/srv/loop.py
@@ -488,6 +488,7 @@ class ServerLoop:
 
     def initialize_socket(self):
         if self.pre_activated_socket is None:
+            self.socket_was_preactivated = False
             try:
                 self.do_bind()
             except OSError as err: