diff --git a/libraries/inky_frame/inky_frame.cpp b/libraries/inky_frame/inky_frame.cpp
index 9ac8c606..fe4ec1b6 100644
--- a/libraries/inky_frame/inky_frame.cpp
+++ b/libraries/inky_frame/inky_frame.cpp
@@ -66,11 +66,11 @@ namespace pimoroni {
   }
 
   void InkyFrame::update(bool blocking) {
-    while(is_busy()) {
+    while(blocking && is_busy()) {
       tight_loop_contents();
     }
     uc8159.update((PicoGraphics_PenP4 *)this);
-    while(is_busy()) {
+    while(blocking && is_busy()) {
       tight_loop_contents();
     }
     uc8159.power_off();
diff --git a/libraries/inky_frame_7/inky_frame_7.cpp b/libraries/inky_frame_7/inky_frame_7.cpp
index b22af2d8..af902461 100644
--- a/libraries/inky_frame_7/inky_frame_7.cpp
+++ b/libraries/inky_frame_7/inky_frame_7.cpp
@@ -65,11 +65,11 @@ namespace pimoroni {
   }
 
   void InkyFrame::update(bool blocking) {
-    while(is_busy()) {
+    while(blocking && is_busy()) {
       tight_loop_contents();
     }
     inky73.update((PicoGraphics_PenInky7 *)this);
-    while(is_busy()) {
+    while(blocking && is_busy()) {
       tight_loop_contents();
     }
     inky73.power_off();