diff --git a/telethon/telegram_client.py b/telethon/telegram_client.py
index babc5499..1bdd6d04 100644
--- a/telethon/telegram_client.py
+++ b/telethon/telegram_client.py
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ class TelegramClient(TelegramBareClient):
                 target=self._recv_thread_impl
             )
             self._recv_thread.start()
-            if self.updates.enabled:
+            if self.updates.polling:
                 self.sync_updates()
 
         return ok