diff --git a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_gpio.c b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_gpio.c
index cb994cc2efb..14b7454b893 100644
--- a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_gpio.c
+++ b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_gpio.c
@@ -172,6 +172,10 @@ int esp32_configgpio(int pin, gpio_pinattr_t attr)
 
   if ((attr & INPUT) != 0)
     {
+      /* Enable input mode in the IO_MUX. */
+
+      func |= FUN_IE;
+
       if (pin < 32)
         {
           putreg32((1ul << pin), GPIO_ENABLE_W1TC_REG);
@@ -209,10 +213,6 @@ int esp32_configgpio(int pin, gpio_pinattr_t attr)
 
   func |= (uint32_t)(2ul << FUN_DRV_S);
 
-  /* Input enable... Required for output as well? */
-
-  func |= FUN_IE;
-
   pinmode = (attr & PINMODE_MASK);
   if (pinmode == INPUT || pinmode == OUTPUT)
     {