diff --git a/lib/pleroma/tesla/middleware/follow_redirects.ex b/lib/pleroma/tesla/middleware/follow_redirects.ex
index f2c502c69..5a7032215 100644
--- a/lib/pleroma/tesla/middleware/follow_redirects.ex
+++ b/lib/pleroma/tesla/middleware/follow_redirects.ex
@@ -55,6 +55,10 @@ defp redirect(env, next, left) do
         release_conn(opts)
         {:error, {__MODULE__, :too_many_redirects}}
 
+      {:error, _} = e ->
+        release_conn(opts)
+        e
+
       other ->
         unless opts[:body_as] == :chunks do
           release_conn(opts)