diff --git a/src/devices/wwan/nm-device-modem.c b/src/devices/wwan/nm-device-modem.c
index 8e5b70bde..a2f2e7a6f 100644
--- a/src/devices/wwan/nm-device-modem.c
+++ b/src/devices/wwan/nm-device-modem.c
@@ -384,6 +384,15 @@ modem_state_cb (NMModem *modem,
 		 */
 		nm_modem_set_mm_enabled (priv->modem, priv->rf_enabled);
 
+		if (dev_state == NM_DEVICE_STATE_NEED_AUTH) {
+			/* The modem was unlocked externally to NetworkManager,
+			   deactivate so the default connection can be
+			   automatically activated again */
+			nm_device_state_changed (device,
+			                         NM_DEVICE_STATE_DEACTIVATING,
+			                         NM_DEVICE_STATE_REASON_MODEM_AVAILABLE);
+		}
+
 		/* Now allow connections without a PIN to be available */
 		nm_device_recheck_available_connections (device);
 	}