diff --git a/gajim/common/config.py b/gajim/common/config.py
index 41627bccc..aac305c57 100644
--- a/gajim/common/config.py
+++ b/gajim/common/config.py
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ class Config:
         'autopopupaway': [opt_bool, False],
         'autopopup_chat_opened': [opt_bool, False, _('Show desktop notification even when a chat window is opened for this contact and does not have focus')],
         'sounddnd': [opt_bool, False, _('Play sound when user is busy')],
-        'showoffline': [opt_bool, False],
+        'showoffline': [opt_bool, True],
         'show_only_chat_and_online': [opt_bool, False, _('Show only online and free for chat contacts in roster.')],
         'show_transports_group': [opt_bool, True],
         'autoaway': [opt_bool, True],