diff --git a/conf/configuration.go b/conf/configuration.go
index 7eed7c4cb..a2c5c9faa 100644
--- a/conf/configuration.go
+++ b/conf/configuration.go
@@ -88,15 +88,18 @@ func InitConfig(cfgFile string) {
 	if cfgFile != "" {
 		// Use config file from the flag.
 		viper.SetConfigFile(cfgFile)
+		if err := viper.ReadInConfig(); err != nil {
+			fmt.Println("Navidrome could not open config file: ", err)
+			os.Exit(1)
+		}
 	} else {
 		// Search config in local directory with name "navidrome" (without extension).
 		viper.AddConfigPath(".")
 		viper.SetConfigName("navidrome")
+		_ = viper.ReadInConfig()
 	}
 
 	_ = viper.BindEnv("port")
 	viper.SetEnvPrefix("ND")
 	viper.AutomaticEnv()
-
-	_ = viper.ReadInConfig()
 }