diff --git a/esphome/components/ethernet/ethernet_component.cpp b/esphome/components/ethernet/ethernet_component.cpp
index d5548fc377..0553d66273 100644
--- a/esphome/components/ethernet/ethernet_component.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/ethernet/ethernet_component.cpp
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ void EthernetComponent::setup() {
 }
 void EthernetComponent::loop() {
   const uint32_t now = millis();
-  if (!this->connected_ && !this->last_connected_ && now - this->last_connected_ > 15000) {
+  if (!this->connected_ && !this->last_connected_ && now - this->connect_begin_ > 15000) {
     ESP_LOGW(TAG, "Connecting via ethernet failed! Re-connecting...");
     this->start_connect_();
     return;