diff --git a/src/mesh/wifi/WiFiAPClient.cpp b/src/mesh/wifi/WiFiAPClient.cpp
index 7a56c258b..1133ad424 100644
--- a/src/mesh/wifi/WiFiAPClient.cpp
+++ b/src/mesh/wifi/WiFiAPClient.cpp
@@ -235,6 +235,11 @@ bool isWifiAvailable()
 #ifdef USE_WS5500
     } else if (config.network.eth_enabled) {
         return true;
+#endif
+#ifndef ARCH_PORTDUINO
+    } else if (WiFi.status() == WL_CONNECTED) {
+        // it's likely we have wifi now, but user intends to turn it off in config!
+        return true;
 #endif
     } else {
         return false;