diff --git a/xmtp_debug/src/app.rs b/xmtp_debug/src/app.rs
index 79f6c6473..3204bd878 100644
--- a/xmtp_debug/src/app.rs
+++ b/xmtp_debug/src/app.rs
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ mod types;
 use color_eyre::eyre::{self, Result};
 use directories::ProjectDirs;
 use std::{fs, path::PathBuf, sync::Arc};
+use clap::CommandFactory;
 use xmtp_cryptography::utils::LocalWallet;
 use xmtp_id::associations::unverified::UnverifiedRecoverableEcdsaSignature;
 use xmtp_id::associations::{generate_inbox_id, unverified::UnverifiedSignature};
@@ -95,6 +96,11 @@ impl App {
         } = opts;
         debug!(fdlimit = get_fdlimit());
 
+        if cmd.is_none() && !clear {
+            AppOpts::command().print_help()?;
+            eyre::bail!("No subcommand was specified");
+        }
+
         if let Some(cmd) = cmd {
             match cmd {
                 Generate(g) => generate::Generate::new(g, backend, db).run().await,
diff --git a/xmtp_debug/src/args.rs b/xmtp_debug/src/args.rs
index ec1decbaf..3c2cf67c5 100644
--- a/xmtp_debug/src/args.rs
+++ b/xmtp_debug/src/args.rs
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ pub struct Generate {
     #[arg(long, short)]
     pub amount: usize,
     /// Specify amount of random identities to invite to group
-    #[arg(long, short)]
+    #[arg(long)]
     pub invite: Option<usize>,
     #[command(flatten)]
     pub message_opts: MessageGenerateOpts,