diff --git a/src/pybamm/config.py b/src/pybamm/config.py
index b670f43257..3696c34cf2 100644
--- a/src/pybamm/config.py
+++ b/src/pybamm/config.py
@@ -46,15 +46,15 @@ def generate():
     if is_running_tests():
         return
 
+    # Check if the config file already exists
+    if read() is not None:
+        return
+
     config_file = _get_config_file()
 
     # Create the directory if it doesn't exist
     config_file.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
 
-    # Check if the config file already exists
-    if read() is not None:
-        return
-
     # Generate a UUID
     unique_id = uuid.uuid4()