diff --git a/qutebrowser/config.py b/qutebrowser/config.py
index f634946..5ebcad8 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/config.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/config.py
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ c.tabs.indicator.width = 3
 c.tabs.last_close = "close"
 c.tabs.max_width = 8000
 c.tabs.min_width = -1
-c.tabs.mode_on_change = "persist"
+c.tabs.mode_on_change = "restore"
 c.tabs.new_position.related = "next"
 c.tabs.padding = {"bottom": 2, "left": 5, "right": 5, "top": 2}
 c.tabs.position = "top"