diff --git a/python/src/deltachat/direct_imap.py b/python/src/deltachat/direct_imap.py
index a7561a40c..37da51413 100644
--- a/python/src/deltachat/direct_imap.py
+++ b/python/src/deltachat/direct_imap.py
@@ -25,14 +25,14 @@ class ImapConn:
         self.select_folder("INBOX")
 
     def shutdown(self):
-        try:
-            self.connection.close()
-        except Exception:
-            pass
         try:
             self.connection.logout()
         except Exception:
             print("Could not logout direct_imap conn")
+        try:
+            self.connection.close()
+        except Exception:
+            pass
 
     def select_folder(self, foldername):
         status, messages = self.connection.select(foldername)