diff --git a/deepmd/tf/model/model.py b/deepmd/tf/model/model.py
index c28f266d2c..51c66de65e 100644
--- a/deepmd/tf/model/model.py
+++ b/deepmd/tf/model/model.py
@@ -812,6 +812,8 @@ def deserialize(cls, data: dict, suffix: str = "") -> "Descriptor":
         if descriptor.explicit_ntypes:
             type_embedding = descriptor.type_embedding
             fitting.dim_descrpt -= type_embedding.neuron[-1]
+        else:
+            type_embedding = None
         # BEGINE not supported keys
         data.pop("atom_exclude_types")
         data.pop("pair_exclude_types")