diff --git a/src/micronucleus.c b/src/micronucleus.c
index a1681669..1835cc27 100644
--- a/src/micronucleus.c
+++ b/src/micronucleus.c
@@ -907,7 +907,7 @@ static int micronucleus_parseextparams(const PROGRAMMER *pgm, const LISTID xpara
             msg_error("  -xwait       Wait for the device to be plugged in if not connected\n");
             msg_error("  -xwait=<arg> Wait <arg> [s] for the device to be plugged in if not connected\n");
             msg_error("  -xhelp       Show this help menu and exit\n");
-            exit(0);
+            return LIBAVRDUDE_SOFTFAIL;
         }
         else
         {