diff --git a/core/src/main/java/haveno/core/trade/protocol/TradeProtocol.java b/core/src/main/java/haveno/core/trade/protocol/TradeProtocol.java
index a4cb01b417..0ae5dba3f2 100644
--- a/core/src/main/java/haveno/core/trade/protocol/TradeProtocol.java
+++ b/core/src/main/java/haveno/core/trade/protocol/TradeProtocol.java
@@ -334,7 +334,6 @@ public abstract class TradeProtocol implements DecryptedDirectMessageListener, D
 
     public void handleSignContractRequest(SignContractRequest message, NodeAddress sender) {
         System.out.println(getClass().getSimpleName() + ".handleSignContractRequest() " + trade.getId());
-        if (!trade.isArbitrator()) trade.addInitProgressStep(); // extend timeout unless arbitrator
         ThreadUtils.execute(() -> {
             synchronized (trade) {