diff --git a/mt7603_main.c b/mt7603_main.c
index b7e3a458..bcb444ca 100644
--- a/mt7603_main.c
+++ b/mt7603_main.c
@@ -26,9 +26,9 @@ mt7603_start(struct ieee80211_hw *hw)
 {
 	struct mt7603_dev *dev = hw->priv;
 
-	mt7603_mac_watchdog_reset(dev);
 	ieee80211_queue_delayed_work(mt76_hw(dev), &dev->mac_work,
 				     MT7603_WATCHDOG_TIME);
+	mt7603_mac_start(dev);
 	set_bit(MT76_STATE_RUNNING, &dev->mt76.state);
 
 	return 0;
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@ mt7603_stop(struct ieee80211_hw *hw)
 
 	clear_bit(MT76_STATE_RUNNING, &dev->mt76.state);
 	cancel_delayed_work_sync(&dev->mac_work);
+	mt7603_mac_watchdog_reset(dev);
 	mt7603_mac_stop(dev);
 }