diff --git a/src/core/config/mod.rs b/src/core/config/mod.rs
index 718bb672..5720ea06 100644
--- a/src/core/config/mod.rs
+++ b/src/core/config/mod.rs
@@ -1942,7 +1942,7 @@ pub struct Config {
 	/// real-world testing can shake out any implementation issues rather than
 	/// jeopardize existing rooms, but otherwise will default to true at the
 	/// next point release or patch.
-	#[serde(default)]
+	#[serde(default = "true_fn")]
 	pub hydra_backports: bool,
 
 	/// Delete rooms when the last user from this server leaves. This feature is
diff --git a/tuwunel-example.toml b/tuwunel-example.toml
index d3e9c9c6..f2993004 100644
--- a/tuwunel-example.toml
+++ b/tuwunel-example.toml
@@ -1666,7 +1666,7 @@
 # jeopardize existing rooms, but otherwise will default to true at the
 # next point release or patch.
 #
-#hydra_backports = false
+#hydra_backports = true
 
 # Delete rooms when the last user from this server leaves. This feature is
 # experimental and for the purpose of least-surprise is not enabled by