diff --git a/src/core/mac/mac.cpp b/src/core/mac/mac.cpp
index a48ddc93a..aa13d3a96 100644
--- a/src/core/mac/mac.cpp
+++ b/src/core/mac/mac.cpp
@@ -340,6 +340,10 @@ void Mac::PerformEnergyScan(void)
     }
     else
     {
+        if (!GetRxOnWhenIdle())
+        {
+            mLinks.Receive(mScanChannel);
+        }
         error = mLinks.EnergyScan(mScanChannel, mScanDuration);
     }