diff --git a/examples/ili9341_shield_simpletest.py b/examples/ili9341_shield_simpletest.py
index 822a868..b52a636 100644
--- a/examples/ili9341_shield_simpletest.py
+++ b/examples/ili9341_shield_simpletest.py
@@ -10,11 +10,13 @@
 from adafruit_display_text import label
 import adafruit_ili9341
 
+# Release any resources currently in use for the displays
+displayio.release_displays()
+
 spi = board.SPI()
 tft_cs = board.D10
 tft_dc = board.D9
 
-displayio.release_displays()
 display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=tft_dc, chip_select=tft_cs)
 display = adafruit_ili9341.ILI9341(display_bus, width=320, height=240)
 
diff --git a/examples/ili9341_simpletest.py b/examples/ili9341_simpletest.py
index 818f92d..13581f4 100644
--- a/examples/ili9341_simpletest.py
+++ b/examples/ili9341_simpletest.py
@@ -11,11 +11,13 @@
 from adafruit_display_text import label
 import adafruit_ili9341
 
+# Release any resources currently in use for the displays
+displayio.release_displays()
+
 spi = board.SPI()
 tft_cs = board.D9
 tft_dc = board.D10
 
-displayio.release_displays()
 display_bus = displayio.FourWire(spi, command=tft_dc, chip_select=tft_cs, reset=board.D6)
 display = adafruit_ili9341.ILI9341(display_bus, width=320, height=240)