diff --git a/src/authenticator/cli.py b/src/authenticator/cli.py
index da87385..2d9adb5 100644
--- a/src/authenticator/cli.py
+++ b/src/authenticator/cli.py
@@ -592,6 +592,8 @@ def _generate(self, id_pattern='*', refresh=5, bare=False):
                 print("", file=self.__stdout)
             first_time = False
             soonest_expiration = self._generate_once(cds_to_calc, bare=bare)
+            if bare:
+                return
             if soonest_expiration is None:
                 # we only calculate counter-based HOTPs once
                 keep_going = False