diff --git a/static/js/web-install.js b/static/js/web-install.js
index 66df4314..4e598474 100644
--- a/static/js/web-install.js
+++ b/static/js/web-install.js
@@ -213,8 +213,13 @@ async function flashRelease(setProgress) {
         throw new Error("You need to download a release first!");
     }
 
-    setProgress("Flashing release...");
     safeToLeave = false;
+
+    // If the user didn't follow the update instructions correctly
+    setProgress("Cancelling any update in progress...");
+    await device.runCommand("snapshot-update:cancel");
+
+    setProgress("Flashing release...");
     try {
         await device.flashFactoryZip(blob, true, reconnectCallback,
             (action, item, progress) => {