diff --git a/adafruit_tfmini.py b/adafruit_tfmini.py
index fd58c9c..b5e8117 100644
--- a/adafruit_tfmini.py
+++ b/adafruit_tfmini.py
@@ -49,6 +49,7 @@ class TFmini:
     def __init__(self, uart, *, timeout=1):
         self._uart = uart
         self._uart.baudrate = 115200
+        self._uart.reset_input_buffer()
         self.timeout = timeout
         self._strength = None
         self._mode = None