diff --git a/src/charm.py b/src/charm.py
index 09634a125..fa1fe5b40 100755
--- a/src/charm.py
+++ b/src/charm.py
@@ -460,6 +460,11 @@ def _on_peer_relation_joined(self, _) -> None:
 
     def _on_config_changed(self, _: EventBase) -> None:
         """Handle the config changed event."""
+        container = self.unit.get_container(CONTAINER_NAME)
+        if not container.can_connect():
+            # configuration also take places on pebble ready handler
+            return
+
         if not self._is_peer_data_set:
             # skip when not initialized
             return