diff --git a/src/calibre/web/feeds/input.py b/src/calibre/web/feeds/input.py
index f3a7d01917..32d9075465 100644
--- a/src/calibre/web/feeds/input.py
+++ b/src/calibre/web/feeds/input.py
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ class RecipeInput(InputFormatPlugin):
             zf.close()
             self.recipe_source = open('download.recipe', 'rb').read()
             recipe = compile_recipe(self.recipe_source)
+            recipe.needs_subscription = False
             self.recipe_object = recipe(opts, log, self.report_progress)
         else:
             if os.access(recipe_or_file, os.R_OK):