diff --git a/src/core/meshcop/commissioner.cpp b/src/core/meshcop/commissioner.cpp
index c00aaa41f..3bdf6b86e 100644
--- a/src/core/meshcop/commissioner.cpp
+++ b/src/core/meshcop/commissioner.cpp
@@ -173,7 +173,10 @@ exit:
     if (error != OT_ERROR_NONE)
     {
         otLogWarnMeshCoP("Failed to start commissioner: %s", otThreadErrorToString(error));
-        Get<Coap::CoapSecure>().Stop();
+        if (error != OT_ERROR_ALREADY)
+        {
+            Get<Coap::CoapSecure>().Stop();
+        }
     }
 
     return error;