diff --git a/gst/gstpad.c b/gst/gstpad.c
index 9bccd8d0f3..d357ec14ea 100644
--- a/gst/gstpad.c
+++ b/gst/gstpad.c
@@ -1135,6 +1135,7 @@ activate_mode_internal (GstPad * pad, GstObject * parent, GstPadMode mode,
 
     if (G_UNLIKELY (!activate_mode_internal (pad, parent, old, FALSE)))
       goto deactivate_failed;
+    old = GST_PAD_MODE_NONE;
   }
 
   switch (mode) {