diff --git a/homeassistant/components/axis/device.py b/homeassistant/components/axis/device.py
index 3b3a35f1a2d..87f382eeb85 100644
--- a/homeassistant/components/axis/device.py
+++ b/homeassistant/components/axis/device.py
@@ -92,14 +92,14 @@ class AxisNetworkDevice:
                     self.config_entry, 'camera'))
 
         if self.config_entry.options[CONF_EVENTS]:
-            self.hass.async_create_task(
+            task = self.hass.async_create_task(
                 self.hass.config_entries.async_forward_entry_setup(
                     self.config_entry, 'binary_sensor'))
 
             self.api.stream.connection_status_callback = \
                 self.async_connection_status_callback
             self.api.enable_events(event_callback=self.async_event_callback)
-            self.api.start()
+            task.add_done_callback(self.start)
 
         self.config_entry.add_update_listener(self.async_new_address_callback)
 
@@ -149,6 +149,11 @@ class AxisNetworkDevice:
         if action == 'add':
             async_dispatcher_send(self.hass, self.event_new_sensor, event)
 
+    @callback
+    def start(self, fut):
+        """Start the event stream."""
+        self.api.start()
+
     @callback
     def shutdown(self, event):
         """Stop the event stream."""