diff --git a/core/Makefile b/core/Makefile
index 9a12aa5da0..b3c5786a0f 100644
--- a/core/Makefile
+++ b/core/Makefile
@@ -6726,8 +6726,10 @@ ifdef BOARD_CUSTOM_BOOTIMG
 	@# Prebuilt boot images
 	$(hide) mkdir -p $(zip_root)/BOOTABLE_IMAGES
 	$(hide) $(ACP) $(INSTALLED_BOOTIMAGE_TARGET) $(zip_root)/BOOTABLE_IMAGES/
+ifneq ($(INSTALLED_RECOVERYIMAGE_TARGET),)
 	$(hide) $(ACP) $(INSTALLED_RECOVERYIMAGE_TARGET) $(zip_root)/BOOTABLE_IMAGES/
 endif
+endif
 ifdef BUILDING_SYSTEM_IMAGE
 	@# Contents of the system image
 ifneq ($(SOONG_DEFINED_SYSTEM_IMAGE_PATH),)