diff --git a/sway/scratchpad.c b/sway/scratchpad.c
index 787af6e1e..b7d6fd998 100644
--- a/sway/scratchpad.c
+++ b/sway/scratchpad.c
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ static void scratchpad_show(struct sway_container *con) {
 	}
 
 	arrange_windows(ws);
-	seat_set_focus(seat, con);
+	seat_set_focus(seat, seat_get_focus_inactive(seat, con));
 
 	container_set_dirty(con->parent);
 }