diff --git a/wled00/image_loader.cpp b/wled00/image_loader.cpp
index a289c722..2f922fea 100644
--- a/wled00/image_loader.cpp
+++ b/wled00/image_loader.cpp
@@ -146,7 +146,13 @@ byte renderImageToSegment(Segment &seg) {
   if (!seg.name) return IMAGE_ERROR_NO_NAME;
   // disable during effect transition, causes flickering, multiple allocations and depending on image, part of old FX remaining
   //if (seg.mode != seg.currentMode()) return IMAGE_ERROR_WAITING;
-  if (activeSeg && activeSeg != &seg) return IMAGE_ERROR_SEG_LIMIT; // only one segment at a time
+  if (activeSeg && activeSeg != &seg) {            // only one segment at a time
+    if (!seg.isActive()) return IMAGE_ERROR_SEG_LIMIT; // sanity check: calling segment must be active
+    if (gifDecodeFailed || !activeSeg->isActive())     // decoder failed, or last segment became inactive
+      endImagePlayback(activeSeg);                     // => allow takeover but clean up first
+    else
+      return IMAGE_ERROR_SEG_LIMIT;                
+  }
 
   activeSeg = &seg;
   segCols = activeSeg->virtualWidth();