diff --git a/tests/components/light/test_mqtt.py b/tests/components/light/test_mqtt.py
index 3570889c94b..dc87c90e896 100644
--- a/tests/components/light/test_mqtt.py
+++ b/tests/components/light/test_mqtt.py
@@ -108,11 +108,13 @@ class TestLightMQTT(unittest.TestCase):
 
         xy = color_util.color_RGB_to_xy(125,125,125)
 
+        fire_mqtt_message(self.hass, 'test_light_rgb/status', 'on')
+        self.hass.pool.block_till_done()
+
         fire_mqtt_message(self.hass, 'test_light_rgb/rgb/status', '125,125,125')
         self.hass.pool.block_till_done()
 
         light_state = self.hass.states.get('light.test')
-        self.hass.pool.block_till_done()
         self.assertEqual(xy,
                          light_state.attributes['xy_color'])