diff --git a/cmd/incusd/api_cluster_evacuation.go b/cmd/incusd/api_cluster_evacuation.go
index 9cc1e8fb47d..f83a59e6a52 100644
--- a/cmd/incusd/api_cluster_evacuation.go
+++ b/cmd/incusd/api_cluster_evacuation.go
@@ -227,6 +227,9 @@ func evacuateInstancesFunc(ctx context.Context, inst instance.Instance, opts eva
 			// Done with this instance.
 			return nil
 		}
+	} else if !isRunning {
+		// Can't live migrate if we're stopped.
+		action = "migrate"
 	}
 
 	// Find a new location for the instance.