diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/preferences/sending.py b/src/calibre/gui2/preferences/sending.py
index ac4abbcf41..c6cc7da754 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/preferences/sending.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/preferences/sending.py
@@ -29,6 +29,10 @@ class ConfigWidget(ConfigWidgetBase, Ui_Form):
                 (_('Only on send'), 'on_send'),
                 (_('Automatic management'), 'on_connect')]
         r('manage_device_metadata', prefs, choices=choices)
+        if gui.device_manager.is_device_connected:
+            self.opt_manage_device_metadata.setEnabled(False)
+            self.opt_manage_device_metadata.setToolTip(
+                _('Cannot change metadata management while a device is connected'))
 
         self.send_template.changed_signal.connect(self.changed_signal.emit)