diff --git a/fs/btrfs/ioctl.c b/fs/btrfs/ioctl.c
index 6752e4b..f706287 100644
--- a/fs/btrfs/ioctl.c
+++ b/fs/btrfs/ioctl.c
@@ -387,6 +387,7 @@ bool btrfs_exclop_start(struct btrfs_fs_info *fs_info,
  *
  * Compatibility:
  * - the same type is already running
+ * - when trying to add a device and balance has been paused
  * - not BTRFS_EXCLOP_NONE - this is intentionally incompatible and the caller
  *   must check the condition first that would allow none -> @type
  */
@@ -394,7 +395,9 @@ bool btrfs_exclop_start_try_lock(struct btrfs_fs_info *fs_info,
 				 enum btrfs_exclusive_operation type)
 {
 	spin_lock(&fs_info->super_lock);
-	if (fs_info->exclusive_operation == type)
+	if (fs_info->exclusive_operation == type ||
+	    (fs_info->exclusive_operation == BTRFS_EXCLOP_BALANCE_PAUSED &&
+	     type == BTRFS_EXCLOP_DEV_ADD))
 		return true;
 
 	spin_unlock(&fs_info->super_lock);