diff --git a/tuhi/protocol.py b/tuhi/protocol.py
index 887b08d..24f0e52 100644
--- a/tuhi/protocol.py
+++ b/tuhi/protocol.py
@@ -602,7 +602,13 @@ class MsgConnectSpark(Msg):
         if len(self.args) != 6:
             raise ValueError('UUID must be 6 bytes long')
 
-        # uses the default 0xb3 handler
+    def _handle_reply(self, reply):
+        try:
+            super()._handle_reply(reply)
+        except DeviceError as e:
+            if e.errorcode == DeviceError.ErrorCode.GENERAL_ERROR:
+                raise AuthorizationError()
+            raise e
 
 
 class MsgGetName(Msg):
diff --git a/tuhi/wacom.py b/tuhi/wacom.py
index a821c42..8b6db19 100644
--- a/tuhi/wacom.py
+++ b/tuhi/wacom.py
@@ -395,12 +395,9 @@ class WacomRegisterHelper(WacomProtocolLowLevelComm):
             # expected
             try:
                 self.p.execute(Interactions.CONNECT, uuid)
-            except tuhi.protocol.DeviceError as e:
-                if e.errorcode == tuhi.protocol.DeviceError.ErrorCode.GENERAL_ERROR:
-                    # this is expected
-                    pass
-                else:
-                    raise e
+            except AuthorizationError:
+                # this is expected
+                pass
 
             # The "press button now command" on the spark
             self.p.execute(Interactions.REGISTER_PRESS_BUTTON)