diff --git a/python_payload/st3m/application.py b/python_payload/st3m/application.py
index 5efaecf9fb609483d7608db121a07b51084c6570..aeea0dbcac7f5b3e11ad64d9a5fd0af5c0630557 100644
--- a/python_payload/st3m/application.py
+++ b/python_payload/st3m/application.py
@@ -76,7 +76,8 @@ class Application(BaseView):
         super().on_exit()
         # set the default graphics mode, this is a no-op if
         # it is already set
-        sys_display.set_mode(0)
+        if fully_exiting:
+            sys_display.set_mode(0)
 
     def think(self, ins: InputState, delta_ms: int) -> None:
         super().think(ins, delta_ms)