diff --git a/group/classes/output/user_groups_editable.php b/group/classes/output/user_groups_editable.php
index 831189a4019..9595a033568 100644
--- a/group/classes/output/user_groups_editable.php
+++ b/group/classes/output/user_groups_editable.php
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ class user_groups_editable extends \core\output\inplace_editable {
      */
     public function __construct($course, $context, $user, $coursegroups, $value) {
         // Check capabilities to get editable value.
-        $editable = has_capability('moodle/course:managegroups', $context);
+        $editable = has_capability('moodle/course:managegroups', $context) && !empty($coursegroups);
 
         // Invent an itemid.
         $itemid = $course->id . ':' . $user->id;