diff --git a/net/mac80211/cfg.c b/net/mac80211/cfg.c
index e60df48fa4d..296620d6ca0 100644
--- a/net/mac80211/cfg.c
+++ b/net/mac80211/cfg.c
@@ -791,7 +791,7 @@ static int sta_apply_parameters(struct ieee80211_local *local,
 		if (set & BIT(NL80211_STA_FLAG_AUTHORIZED))
 			ret = sta_info_move_state_checked(sta,
 					IEEE80211_STA_AUTHORIZED);
-		else
+		else if (test_sta_flag(sta, WLAN_STA_AUTHORIZED))
 			ret = sta_info_move_state_checked(sta,
 					IEEE80211_STA_ASSOC);
 		if (ret)