diff --git a/src/pipecat/services/websocket_service.py b/src/pipecat/services/websocket_service.py
index d7d3cd505..5540f1be0 100644
--- a/src/pipecat/services/websocket_service.py
+++ b/src/pipecat/services/websocket_service.py
@@ -76,7 +76,9 @@ class WebsocketService(ABC):
         logger.warning(f"{self} reconnecting (attempt: {attempt_number})")
         await self._disconnect_websocket()
         await self._connect_websocket()
-        return await self._verify_connection()
+        if not await self._verify_connection():
+            raise ConnectionError(f"{self} websocket reconnection failed verification")
+        return True
 
     async def _try_reconnect(
         self,
diff --git a/tests/test_websocket_service.py b/tests/test_websocket_service.py
index 2cffbce97..d5f17297b 100644
--- a/tests/test_websocket_service.py
+++ b/tests/test_websocket_service.py
@@ -165,6 +165,19 @@ async def test_reconnect_exhausted_emits_non_fatal_error(service, report_error):
     assert "Connection refused" in final_error.error
 
 
+@pytest.mark.asyncio
+async def test_reconnect_exhausted_when_connect_does_not_raise(service, report_error):
+    """A non-raising failed connect is treated as a failed reconnect attempt."""
+    result = await service._try_reconnect(report_error=report_error)
+
+    assert result is False
+    assert report_error.call_count == 4
+    final_error = report_error.call_args_list[-1][0][0]
+    assert isinstance(final_error, ErrorFrame)
+    assert final_error.fatal is False
+    assert "websocket reconnection failed verification" in final_error.error
+
+
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Quick failure detection — accept then immediately close
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------