diff --git a/quantum/backlight/backlight_soft.c b/quantum/backlight/backlight_soft.c
index f481dbae890..2bcecef9479 100644
--- a/quantum/backlight/backlight_soft.c
+++ b/quantum/backlight/backlight_soft.c
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 #endif
 
 #ifndef BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE
-#    define BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE 0
+#    define BACKLIGHT_ON_STATE 1
 #endif
 
 #ifdef BACKLIGHT_PINS