diff --git a/core/services/cable_guy/api/settings.py b/core/services/cable_guy/api/settings.py
index 361b51d1ea..d9a625069d 100644
--- a/core/services/cable_guy/api/settings.py
+++ b/core/services/cable_guy/api/settings.py
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ def load(self) -> bool:
         except Exception as exception:
             logger.warning(f"Failed to fetch data from file ({self.settings_file}): {exception}")
             logger.warning(data)
+            return False
 
         return True