diff --git a/packages/api/src/web5.ts b/packages/api/src/web5.ts
index 1431e0d4a..334da01d7 100644
--- a/packages/api/src/web5.ts
+++ b/packages/api/src/web5.ts
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ export class Web5 {
           // Set the stored identity as the connected DID.
           connectedDid = identity.did;
         } else {
-          throw new Error('connect() failed due to unexpected state: ${storedIdentities} stored identities');
+          throw new Error(`connect() failed due to unexpected state: ${storedIdentities} stored identities`);
         }
       }