diff --git a/src/common/config.py b/src/common/config.py
index 401fdc03d..9986a0986 100644
--- a/src/common/config.py
+++ b/src/common/config.py
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class Config:
 		'autopopup': [ opt_bool, False ],
 		'notify_on_signin': [ opt_bool, True ],
 		'notify_on_signout': [ opt_bool, False ],
-		'notify_on_new_message': [ opt_bool, False ],
+		'notify_on_new_message': [ opt_bool, True ],
 		'autopopupaway': [ opt_bool, False ],
 		'ignore_unknown_contacts': [ opt_bool, False ],
 		'showoffline': [ opt_bool, False ],
diff --git a/src/config.py b/src/config.py
index d69156f4f..2f757d48a 100644
--- a/src/config.py
+++ b/src/config.py
@@ -233,7 +233,8 @@ class PreferencesWindow:
 		# on new message
 		only_in_roster = True
 		if gajim.config.get('notify_on_new_message'):
-			self.xml.get_widget('notify_on_new_message_radiobutton').set_active(1)
+			self.xml.get_widget('notify_on_new_message_radiobutton').set_active(
+				True)
 			only_in_roster = False
 		if gajim.config.get('autopopup'):
 			self.xml.get_widget('popup_new_message_radiobutton').set_active(True)