diff --git a/src/drivers/driver_nl80211.c b/src/drivers/driver_nl80211.c
index 8d43c6926..24154b957 100644
--- a/src/drivers/driver_nl80211.c
+++ b/src/drivers/driver_nl80211.c
@@ -4434,7 +4434,8 @@ static int nl80211_setup_ap(struct i802_bss *bss)
 				   "nl80211: Failed to subscribe for mgmt frames from SME driver - trying to run without it");
 
 	if (!drv->device_ap_sme && drv->use_monitor &&
-	    nl80211_create_monitor_interface(drv))
+	    nl80211_create_monitor_interface(drv) &&
+	    !drv->device_ap_sme)
 		return -1;
 
 	if (drv->device_ap_sme &&