diff --git a/examples/ssd1351_128x96_simpletest.py b/examples/ssd1351_128x96_simpletest.py
index f941fe2..454841c 100644
--- a/examples/ssd1351_128x96_simpletest.py
+++ b/examples/ssd1351_128x96_simpletest.py
@@ -9,11 +9,13 @@
 from adafruit_display_text import label
 from adafruit_ssd1351 import SSD1351
 
+# Release any resources currently in use for the displays
+displayio.release_displays()
+
 spi = board.SPI()
 tft_cs = board.D5
 tft_dc = board.D6
 
-displayio.release_displays()
 display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=tft_dc, chip_select=tft_cs,
                                  reset=board.D9, baudrate=16000000)
 
diff --git a/examples/ssd1351_simpletest.py b/examples/ssd1351_simpletest.py
index e0f5cc6..34b0c79 100644
--- a/examples/ssd1351_simpletest.py
+++ b/examples/ssd1351_simpletest.py
@@ -9,11 +9,13 @@
 from adafruit_display_text import label
 from adafruit_ssd1351 import SSD1351
 
+# Release any resources currently in use for the displays
+displayio.release_displays()
+
 spi = board.SPI()
 tft_cs = board.D5
 tft_dc = board.D6
 
-displayio.release_displays()
 display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=tft_dc, chip_select=tft_cs,
                                  reset=board.D9, baudrate=16000000)