diff --git a/nimble/host/src/ble_gap.c b/nimble/host/src/ble_gap.c
index edd00e494..0f6d74051 100644
--- a/nimble/host/src/ble_gap.c
+++ b/nimble/host/src/ble_gap.c
@@ -2059,6 +2059,7 @@ ble_gap_rx_peroidic_adv_sync_estab(const struct ble_hci_ev_le_subev_periodic_adv
                                                           &ble_conn_reattempt.periodic_params,
                                                           ble_conn_reattempt.cb, ble_conn_reattempt.cb_arg);
                 if (rc != 0) {
+                    ble_hs_unlock();
                     return;
                 }
             }