diff --git a/Tools/AP_Bootloader/AP_Bootloader.cpp b/Tools/AP_Bootloader/AP_Bootloader.cpp
index 2a65c43c4a..58bde11adc 100644
--- a/Tools/AP_Bootloader/AP_Bootloader.cpp
+++ b/Tools/AP_Bootloader/AP_Bootloader.cpp
@@ -76,6 +76,10 @@ int main(void)
     AFIO->MAPR = mapr | AFIO_MAPR_CAN_REMAP_REMAP2 | AFIO_MAPR_SPI3_REMAP;
 #endif
 
+#ifdef HAL_FLASH_PROTECTION
+    stm32_flash_unprotect_flash();
+#endif
+
 #ifndef NO_FASTBOOT
     enum rtc_boot_magic m = check_fast_reboot();
     bool was_watchdog = stm32_was_watchdog_reset();