diff --git a/staticlibs/testutils/host/python/apf_test_base.py b/staticlibs/testutils/host/python/apf_test_base.py
index 33b383841c..6a62e21019 100644
--- a/staticlibs/testutils/host/python/apf_test_base.py
+++ b/staticlibs/testutils/host/python/apf_test_base.py
@@ -70,6 +70,9 @@ class ApfTestBase(multi_devices_test_base.MultiDevicesTestBase):
     # Enable doze mode to activate APF.
     adb_utils.set_doze_mode(self.clientDevice, True)
 
+    # wait for APF to become active.
+    time.sleep(3)
+
   def teardown_class(self):
     adb_utils.set_doze_mode(self.clientDevice, False)
     tether_utils.cleanup_tethering_for_upstream_type(