diff --git a/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp b/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp
index 76607f6d27..0e2710940f 100644
--- a/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp
+++ b/src/mqtt/MQTT.cpp
@@ -580,6 +580,7 @@ void MQTT::onSend(const meshtastic_MeshPacket &mp_encrypted, const meshtastic_Me
             LOG_DEBUG("portnum %i message", env->packet->decoded.portnum);
         } else {
             LOG_DEBUG("nothing, pkt not decrypted");
+            mqttPool.release(env);
             return; // Don't upload a still-encrypted PKI packet if not encryption_enabled
         }
 
@@ -768,4 +769,4 @@ bool MQTT::isPrivateIpAddress(const char address[])
 
     int octet2Num = atoi(octet2);
     return octet2Num >= 16 && octet2Num <= 31;
-}
+}
\ No newline at end of file