diff --git a/src/revpi_middleware/dbus_middleware1/systemd_helper.py b/src/revpi_middleware/dbus_middleware1/systemd_helper.py
index bec26b7..e5359a0 100644
--- a/src/revpi_middleware/dbus_middleware1/systemd_helper.py
+++ b/src/revpi_middleware/dbus_middleware1/systemd_helper.py
@@ -100,7 +100,10 @@ def simple_systemd(action: ServiceActions, unit: str, unmask: bool = False) -> O
             log.warning(f"could not get systemd unit {unit}")
             return False
 
-        return properties.UnitFileState == "enabled" and properties.ActiveState == "active"
+        return properties.UnitFileState == "enabled" and properties.ActiveState in (
+            "active",
+            "activating",
+        )
 
     elif action is ServiceActions.AVAILABLE:
         try: