diff --git a/qtpy/__init__.py b/qtpy/__init__.py
index 7ac6e66c..6a548dc3 100644
--- a/qtpy/__init__.py
+++ b/qtpy/__init__.py
@@ -100,9 +100,8 @@ class PythonQtWarning(Warning):
 PYQT5 = True
 PYQT6 = PYSIDE2 = PYSIDE6 = False
 
-# When `FORCE_QT_API` is set, we disregard
-# any previously imported python bindings.
-if 'FORCE_QT_API' in os.environ:
+# Unless `FORCE_QT_API` is set, use previously imported Qt Python bindings
+if not os.environ.get('FORCE_QT_API'):
     if 'PyQt6' in sys.modules:
         API = initial_api if initial_api in PYQT6_API else 'pyqt6'
     elif 'PyQt5' in sys.modules: