diff --git a/tools/python/xen/xm/main.py b/tools/python/xen/xm/main.py
index 968828e1b3..df8c7bfc3c 100644
--- a/tools/python/xen/xm/main.py
+++ b/tools/python/xen/xm/main.py
@@ -1224,9 +1224,6 @@ def xm_start(args):
     if console_autoconnect:
         start_do_console(dom)
 
-    if console_autoconnect:
-        console.runVncViewer(domid, vncviewer_autopass, True)
-
     try:
         if serverType == SERVER_XEN_API:
             server.xenapi.VM.start(get_single_vm(dom), paused)
@@ -1241,6 +1238,10 @@ def xm_start(args):
     if domid == -1:
         raise xmlrpclib.Fault(0, "Domain '%s' is not started" % dom)
 
+    if vncviewer:
+        console.runVncViewer(domid, vncviewer_autopass, True)
+
+
 def xm_delete(args):
     arg_check(args, "delete", 1)
     dom = args[0]