diff --git a/apps/emqx_dashboard_sso/src/emqx_dashboard_sso_saml.erl b/apps/emqx_dashboard_sso/src/emqx_dashboard_sso_saml.erl
index fc2cadfe6..e2fa36382 100644
--- a/apps/emqx_dashboard_sso/src/emqx_dashboard_sso_saml.erl
+++ b/apps/emqx_dashboard_sso/src/emqx_dashboard_sso_saml.erl
@@ -100,6 +100,8 @@ desc(_) ->
 %% APIs
 %%------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
+create(#{enable := false} = _Config) ->
+    {ok, undefined};
 create(#{sp_sign_request := true} = Config) ->
     try
         do_create(ensure_cert_and_key(Config))