diff --git a/quantum/split_common/split_util.c b/quantum/split_common/split_util.c
index 48b9cce6d445..4892b7f8d829 100644
--- a/quantum/split_common/split_util.c
+++ b/quantum/split_common/split_util.c
@@ -135,6 +135,10 @@ void split_pre_init(void) {
 #if defined(SPLIT_HAND_PIN)
     setPinInput(SPLIT_HAND_PIN);
     wait_us(100);
+#elif defined(EE_HANDS)
+    if (!eeconfig_is_enabled()) {
+        eeconfig_init();
+    }
 #endif
     isLeftHand = is_keyboard_left();