diff --git a/builtin/fetch.c b/builtin/fetch.c
index 0c345b5dfe..863c858fde 100644
--- a/builtin/fetch.c
+++ b/builtin/fetch.c
@@ -1755,8 +1755,6 @@ int cmd_fetch(int argc, const char **argv, const char *prefix)
 
 	packet_trace_identity("fetch");
 
-	fetch_if_missing = 0;
-
 	/* Record the command line for the reflog */
 	strbuf_addstr(&default_rla, "fetch");
 	for (i = 1; i < argc; i++)
@@ -1824,6 +1822,8 @@ int cmd_fetch(int argc, const char **argv, const char *prefix)
 		}
 	}
 
+	fetch_if_missing = 0;
+
 	if (remote) {
 		if (filter_options.choice || has_promisor_remote())
 			fetch_one_setup_partial(remote);