diff --git a/resources/qml/emoji/EmojiPicker.qml b/resources/qml/emoji/EmojiPicker.qml
index 3a5ee57a..0e277415 100644
--- a/resources/qml/emoji/EmojiPicker.qml
+++ b/resources/qml/emoji/EmojiPicker.qml
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ Popup {
             cellHeight: 52
             boundsBehavior: Flickable.StopAtBounds
             clip: true
+            currentIndex: -1 // prevent sorting from stealing focus
 
             // Individual emoji
             delegate: AbstractButton {