diff --git a/src/core/config/mod.rs b/src/core/config/mod.rs
index ed0d12647..e6200fda8 100644
--- a/src/core/config/mod.rs
+++ b/src/core/config/mod.rs
@@ -672,6 +672,7 @@ pub struct Config {
 	/// to `false`.
 	///
 	/// default: true
+	#[serde(default = "true_fn")]
 	pub allow_deactivation: bool,
 
 	/// Controls whether encrypted rooms and events are allowed.