diff --git a/adafruit_matrixportal/wifi.py b/adafruit_matrixportal/wifi.py
index e9411a9..5312887 100755
--- a/adafruit_matrixportal/wifi.py
+++ b/adafruit_matrixportal/wifi.py
@@ -77,6 +77,8 @@ def __init__(self, *, status_neopixel=None, esp=None, external_spi=None):
             )
 
         requests.set_socket(socket, self.esp)
+        if esp.is_connected:
+            self.requests = requests
         self._manager = None
 
         gc.collect()