diff --git a/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerTestUtils.cpp b/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerTestUtils.cpp
index 33cf84c..68aede2 100644
--- a/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerTestUtils.cpp
+++ b/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerTestUtils.cpp
@@ -290,6 +290,11 @@
                                            : IComposerClient::Vsync::DISABLE;
   Error error = mClient->setVsyncEnabled(display, vsync);
   ASSERT_EQ(Error::NONE, error) << "failed to set vsync mode";
+
+  // give the hwbinder thread some time to handle any pending vsync callback
+  if (!enabled) {
+      usleep(5 * 1000);
+  }
 }
 
 }  // namespace tests
diff --git a/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerV2_1TargetTest.cpp b/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerV2_1TargetTest.cpp
index 387222f..4261d00 100644
--- a/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerV2_1TargetTest.cpp
+++ b/graphics/composer/2.1/vts/functional/VtsHalGraphicsComposerV2_1TargetTest.cpp
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@
   // the set of all currently connected displays
   std::unordered_set<Display> mDisplays;
   // true only when vsync is enabled
-  bool mVsyncAllowed = false;
+  bool mVsyncAllowed = true;
 
   // track invalid callbacks
   int mInvalidHotplugCount = 0;
@@ -137,6 +137,10 @@
 
     // assume the first display is primary and is never removed
     mPrimaryDisplay = waitForFirstDisplay();
+
+    // explicitly disable vsync
+    mComposerClient->setVsyncEnabled(mPrimaryDisplay, false);
+    mComposerCallback->setVsyncAllowed(false);
   }
 
   void TearDown() override {