diff --git a/bookwyrm/connectors/connector_manager.py b/bookwyrm/connectors/connector_manager.py
index e5a2399d3..ee8fb0fc8 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/connectors/connector_manager.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/connectors/connector_manager.py
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ def first_search_result(
 def get_connectors() -> Iterator[abstract_connector.AbstractConnector]:
     """load all connectors"""
     queryset = models.Connector.objects.filter(active=True)
-    if models.SiteSettings.objects.get().disable_federation:
+    if models.SiteSettings.get().disable_federation:
         queryset = queryset.exclude(connector_file="bookwyrm_connector")
 
     for info in queryset.order_by("priority").all():
diff --git a/bookwyrm/context_processors.py b/bookwyrm/context_processors.py
index bec704a2c..1dac54997 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/context_processors.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/context_processors.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ def site_settings(request):
     if not request.is_secure():
         request_protocol = "http://"
 
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     theme = "css/themes/bookwyrm-light.scss"
     if (
         hasattr(request, "user")
diff --git a/bookwyrm/emailing.py b/bookwyrm/emailing.py
index ccc0aea61..4a0ae7423 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/emailing.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/emailing.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from bookwyrm.settings import DOMAIN, BASE_URL
 
 def email_data():
     """fields every email needs"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     return {
         "site_name": site.name,
         "logo": site.logo_small_url,
diff --git a/bookwyrm/importers/importer.py b/bookwyrm/importers/importer.py
index d2a11d7f2..e321303f1 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/importers/importer.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/importers/importer.py
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ class Importer:
     # pylint: disable=no-self-use
     def get_import_limit(self, user: User) -> tuple[int, int]:
         """check if import limit is set and return how many imports are left"""
-        site_settings = SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site_settings = SiteSettings.get()
         import_size_limit = site_settings.import_size_limit
         import_limit_reset = site_settings.import_limit_reset
         enforce_limit = import_size_limit and import_limit_reset
diff --git a/bookwyrm/management/commands/admin_code.py b/bookwyrm/management/commands/admin_code.py
index ee69b78cb..75322163f 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/management/commands/admin_code.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/management/commands/admin_code.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from bookwyrm import models
 
 def get_admin_code():
     """get that code"""
-    return models.SiteSettings.objects.get().admin_code
+    return models.SiteSettings.get().admin_code
 
 
 class Command(BaseCommand):
diff --git a/bookwyrm/models/site.py b/bookwyrm/models/site.py
index 8d21998c2..609538dba 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/models/site.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/models/site.py
@@ -269,7 +269,7 @@ def preview_image(instance: SiteSettings, *args, **kwargs) -> None:
 @app.task(queue=MISC)
 def check_for_updates_task() -> None:
     """See if git remote knows about a new version"""
-    site = SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = SiteSettings.get()
     release = get_data(RELEASE_API, timeout=3, is_activitypub=False)
     available_version = release.get("tag_name", None)
     if available_version:
diff --git a/bookwyrm/preview_images.py b/bookwyrm/preview_images.py
index 66d2e2d4b..446199c39 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/preview_images.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/preview_images.py
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ def generate_instance_layer(content_width):
     """Places components for instance preview"""
     font_instance = get_font("light", size=28)
 
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
     if site.logo_small:
         with Image.open(site.logo_small) as logo_img:
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@ def generate_site_preview_image_task():
     if not settings.ENABLE_PREVIEW_IMAGES:
         return
 
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
     if site.logo:
         logo = site.logo
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_bookwyrm_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_bookwyrm_import.py
index 1f50e78a6..89ba65557 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_bookwyrm_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_bookwyrm_import.py
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ class BookwyrmBooksImport(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mouse", "mouse@mouse.mouse", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_calibre_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_calibre_import.py
index d7947e65e..214549112 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_calibre_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_calibre_import.py
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ class CalibreImport(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mouse", "mouse@mouse.mouse", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_goodreads_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_goodreads_import.py
index 81169ff10..9d52a5602 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_goodreads_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_goodreads_import.py
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ class GoodreadsImport(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mouse", "mouse@mouse.mouse", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_importer.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_importer.py
index 31e01d96a..857d51e3c 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_importer.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_importer.py
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ class GenericImporter(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mouse", "mouse@mouse.mouse", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
@@ -374,7 +373,7 @@ class GenericImporter(TestCase):
 
     def test_import_limit(self, *_):
         """checks if import limit works"""
-        site_settings = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site_settings = models.SiteSettings.get()
         site_settings.import_size_limit = 2
         site_settings.import_limit_reset = 2
         site_settings.save()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_librarything_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_librarything_import.py
index 6b145e2d6..f6d81b303 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_librarything_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_librarything_import.py
@@ -45,7 +45,6 @@ class LibrarythingImport(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mmai", "mmai@mmai.mmai", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_openlibrary_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_openlibrary_import.py
index ceb83762d..aa330e229 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_openlibrary_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_openlibrary_import.py
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ class OpenLibraryImport(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mouse", "mouse@mouse.mouse", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_storygraph_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_storygraph_import.py
index 859760085..182fa794c 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_storygraph_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/importers/test_storygraph_import.py
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ class StorygraphImport(TestCase):
             cls.local_user = models.User.objects.create_user(
                 "mouse", "mouse@mouse.mouse", "password", local=True
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
         cls.book = models.Edition.objects.create(
             title="Example Edition",
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/test_context_processors.py b/bookwyrm/tests/test_context_processors.py
index 7a58b05d8..7c1fbb1dd 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/test_context_processors.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/test_context_processors.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ class ContextProcessor(TestCase):
             )
         cls.anonymous_user = AnonymousUser
         cls.anonymous_user.is_authenticated = False
-        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
+        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """other test data"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/test_emailing.py b/bookwyrm/tests/test_emailing.py
index c507a059f..186cce930 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/test_emailing.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/test_emailing.py
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ class Emailing(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """other test data"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/test_merge.py b/bookwyrm/tests/test_merge.py
index 46f39384e..07313e47d 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/test_merge.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/test_merge.py
@@ -12,8 +12,6 @@ class MergeBookDataModel(TestCase):
     @classmethod
     def setUpTestData(cls):
         """shared data"""
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
         cls.jrr_tolkien = models.Author.objects.create(
             name="J.R.R. Tolkien",
             aliases=["JRR Tolkien", "Tolkien"],
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/test_preview_images.py b/bookwyrm/tests/test_preview_images.py
index 12fb56d07..726118de1 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/test_preview_images.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/test_preview_images.py
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ class PreviewImages(TestCase):
             parent_work=self.work,
         )
 
-        self.site = models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
+        self.site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
         settings.ENABLE_PREVIEW_IMAGES = True
 
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_announcements.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_announcements.py
index 62fb86d16..7e8925d21 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_announcements.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_announcements.py
@@ -27,8 +27,6 @@ class AnnouncementViews(TestCase):
                 localname="mouse",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_automod.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_automod.py
index 27f98163e..d1dbd7909 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_automod.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_automod.py
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ class AutomodViews(TestCase):
         initdb.init_permissions()
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_celery.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_celery.py
index 513d69944..9233552fa 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_celery.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_celery.py
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ class CeleryStatusViews(TestCase):
         initdb.init_permissions()
         group = Group.objects.get(name="admin")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_dashboard.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_dashboard.py
index 35fcb25a4..3289ad9f6 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_dashboard.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_dashboard.py
@@ -34,8 +34,6 @@ class DashboardViews(TestCase):
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_blocks.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_blocks.py
index 08a131c3a..4315c40c9 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_blocks.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_blocks.py
@@ -34,8 +34,6 @@ class EmailBlocklistViews(TestCase):
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_config.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_config.py
index 22f4b7a05..b8218a284 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_config.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_email_config.py
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ class EmailConfigViews(TestCase):
         initdb.init_permissions()
         group = Group.objects.get(name="admin")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_federation.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_federation.py
index 6dcd5535f..818c949f5 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_federation.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_federation.py
@@ -46,8 +46,6 @@ class FederationViews(TestCase):
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_imports.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_imports.py
index 211407ff6..a8fdfbf04 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_imports.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_imports.py
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ class ImportsAdminViews(TestCase):
         initdb.init_permissions()
         group = Group.objects.get(name="admin")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_ip_blocklist.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_ip_blocklist.py
index 491915eda..dfbc06797 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_ip_blocklist.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_ip_blocklist.py
@@ -34,8 +34,6 @@ class IPBlocklistViews(TestCase):
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_link_domains.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_link_domains.py
index 20d28896f..57e909567 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_link_domains.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_link_domains.py
@@ -41,8 +41,6 @@ class LinkDomainViews(TestCase):
             added_by=cls.local_user,
         )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_reports.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_reports.py
index 146e40a9b..8a6b03898 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_reports.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_reports.py
@@ -41,7 +41,6 @@ class ReportViews(TestCase):
         initdb.init_permissions()
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_site.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_site.py
index 277bfbc85..0804bfe89 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_site.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_site.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ class SiteSettingsViews(TestCase):
         group = Group.objects.get(name="admin")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
 
-        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
+        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ class SiteSettingsViews(TestCase):
         validate_html(result.render())
         self.assertEqual(result.status_code, 200)
 
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         self.assertEqual(site.name, "Name!")
 
     def test_site_post_invalid(self):
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_themes.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_themes.py
index af46bf060..d7d4f8bf3 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_themes.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_themes.py
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class AdminThemesViews(TestCase):
         group = Group.objects.get(name="admin")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
 
-        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
+        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_user_admin.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_user_admin.py
index 48fd7202e..f34c3157b 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_user_admin.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/admin/test_user_admin.py
@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ class UserAdminViews(TestCase):
         initdb.init_permissions()
         group = Group.objects.get(name="moderator")
         cls.local_user.groups.set([group])
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_book.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_book.py
index ee6e7d8b4..3adc2c088 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_book.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_book.py
@@ -52,8 +52,6 @@ class BookViews(TestCase):
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_edit_book.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_edit_book.py
index 05a4d68ac..7270fd3c0 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_edit_book.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_edit_book.py
@@ -49,7 +49,6 @@ class EditBookViews(TestCase):
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_editions.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_editions.py
index ef7404e51..e54f0eb13 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_editions.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_editions.py
@@ -37,8 +37,6 @@ class BookViews(TestCase):
             physical_format="paperback",
         )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_links.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_links.py
index 299dea484..16b6a9f2b 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_links.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/books/test_links.py
@@ -47,8 +47,6 @@ class LinkViews(TestCase):
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import.py
index 763fcc19f..de73f4134 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import.py
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ class ImportViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_review.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_review.py
index 026efac11..989560c6a 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_review.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_review.py
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ class ImportManualReviewViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         cls.job = models.ImportJob.objects.create(user=cls.local_user, mappings={})
 
         work = models.Work.objects.create(title="Test Work")
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_troubleshoot.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_troubleshoot.py
index 2e76da373..1ed04d208 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_troubleshoot.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_import_troubleshoot.py
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ class ImportTroubleshootViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_user_import.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_user_import.py
index 3e097fb0f..f4f32c152 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_user_import.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/imports/test_user_import.py
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ class ImportUserViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def test_get_user_import_page(self):
         """there are so many views, this just makes sure it LOADS"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox.py
index 6deae38b7..b3e69b4d6 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox.py
@@ -54,7 +54,6 @@ class Inbox(TestCase):
                 inbox="https://example.com/users/rat/inbox",
                 outbox="https://example.com/users/rat/outbox",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def test_inbox_invalid_get(self):
         """shouldn't try to handle if the user is not found"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_add.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_add.py
index b3d50fe46..3ada89ec2 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_add.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_add.py
@@ -45,8 +45,6 @@ class InboxAdd(TestCase):
             parent_work=work,
         )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     @responses.activate
     def test_handle_add_book_to_shelf(self):
         """shelving a book"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_announce.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_announce.py
index 1bc508d11..6afb2e0e9 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_announce.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_announce.py
@@ -48,8 +48,6 @@ class InboxActivities(TestCase):
                 remote_id="https://example.com/status/1",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.create_json = {
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_block.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_block.py
index 923a87a76..956c736b4 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_block.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_block.py
@@ -37,8 +37,6 @@ class InboxBlock(TestCase):
                 outbox="https://example.com/users/rat/outbox",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def test_handle_blocks(self):
         """create a "block" database entry from an activity"""
         self.local_user.followers.add(self.remote_user)
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_create.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_create.py
index 0bb3907af..73a35665a 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_create.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_create.py
@@ -47,7 +47,6 @@ class TransactionInboxCreate(TransactionTestCase):
             "cc": ["https://example.com/user/mouse/followers"],
             "object": {},
         }
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def test_create_status_transaction(self, *_):
         """the "it justs works" mode"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_delete.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_delete.py
index 8d7582a21..52b26e00a 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_delete.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_delete.py
@@ -44,8 +44,6 @@ class InboxActivities(TestCase):
                 remote_id="https://example.com/status/1",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def test_delete_status(self):
         """remove a status"""
         self.assertFalse(self.status.deleted)
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_follow.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_follow.py
index ccc58c974..058d66005 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_follow.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_follow.py
@@ -38,8 +38,6 @@ class InboxRelationships(TestCase):
                 outbox="https://example.com/users/rat/outbox",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def test_follow(self):
         """remote user wants to follow local user"""
         activity = {
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_like.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_like.py
index 88dc24fbb..3675e9176 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_like.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_like.py
@@ -47,8 +47,6 @@ class InboxActivities(TestCase):
                 remote_id="https://example.com/status/1",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.create_json = {
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_remove.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_remove.py
index 89f66c9bb..4bd5840fb 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_remove.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_remove.py
@@ -44,8 +44,6 @@ class InboxRemove(TestCase):
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def test_handle_unshelve_book(self):
         """remove a book from a shelf"""
         shelf = models.Shelf.objects.create(user=self.remote_user, name="Test Shelf")
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_update.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_update.py
index a0f74a3fb..d22a59862 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_update.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/inbox/test_inbox_update.py
@@ -39,8 +39,6 @@ class InboxUpdate(TestCase):
                 outbox="https://example.com/users/rat/outbox",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.update_json = {
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_invite.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_invite.py
index 8adc64f4f..eca0fa0b1 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_invite.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_invite.py
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ class InviteViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_landing.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_landing.py
index c68c9cd53..26d9b4b93 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_landing.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_landing.py
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ class LandingViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
@@ -94,7 +93,7 @@ class LandingViews(TestCase):
 
     def test_impressum_page_on(self):
         """there are so many views, this just makes sure it LOADS"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         site.show_impressum = True
         site.save()
 
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_login.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_login.py
index 00e446855..a7c99f149 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_login.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_login.py
@@ -47,7 +47,9 @@ class LoginViews(TestCase):
                 localname="badger",
                 two_factor_auth=True,
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create(id=1, require_confirm_email=False)
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
+        site.require_confirm_email = False
+        site.save()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_password.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_password.py
index ad3110b02..33ada7dd8 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_password.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_password.py
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@ class PasswordViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create(id=1)
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_register.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_register.py
index 7db6775db..3c93da8f8 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_register.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/landing/test_register.py
@@ -35,9 +35,10 @@ class RegisterViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        cls.settings = models.SiteSettings.objects.create(
-            id=1, require_confirm_email=False, allow_registration=True
-        )
+        cls.settings = models.SiteSettings.get()
+        cls.settings.require_confirm_email = False
+        cls.settings.allow_registration = True
+        cls.settings.save()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_curate.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_curate.py
index 458d0b1e8..bb6dfb060 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_curate.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_curate.py
@@ -43,8 +43,6 @@ class ListViews(TestCase):
         ):
             cls.list = models.List.objects.create(name="Test List", user=cls.local_user)
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_embed.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_embed.py
index 69462a007..ea8760cbf 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_embed.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_embed.py
@@ -43,8 +43,6 @@ class ListViews(TestCase):
         ):
             cls.list = models.List.objects.create(name="Test List", user=cls.local_user)
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list.py
index 38af920a1..724d693de 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list.py
@@ -72,8 +72,6 @@ class ListViews(TestCase):
         ):
             cls.list = models.List.objects.create(name="Test List", user=cls.local_user)
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list_item.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list_item.py
index bb64329f0..bc7d82998 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list_item.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_list_item.py
@@ -38,8 +38,6 @@ class ListItemViews(TestCase):
         ):
             cls.list = models.List.objects.create(name="Test List", user=cls.local_user)
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_lists.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_lists.py
index 3f24f669d..32fe41d08 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_lists.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/lists/test_lists.py
@@ -35,8 +35,6 @@ class ListViews(TestCase):
                 "rat@local.com", "rat@rat.com", "ratword", local=True, localname="rat"
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_block.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_block.py
index e20888659..0e3542533 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_block.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_block.py
@@ -39,8 +39,6 @@ class BlockViews(TestCase):
                 outbox="https://example.com/users/rat/outbox",
             )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_change_password.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_change_password.py
index 75a17e462..76ad5d8ef 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_change_password.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_change_password.py
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ class ChangePasswordViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create(id=1)
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_delete_user.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_delete_user.py
index 68a1ebc3b..5af838e25 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_delete_user.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_delete_user.py
@@ -52,8 +52,6 @@ class DeleteUserViews(TestCase):
                     shelf=cls.local_user.shelf_set.first(),
                 )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_edit_user.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_edit_user.py
index c31c8237e..8c1b8c8d5 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_edit_user.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_edit_user.py
@@ -50,8 +50,6 @@ class EditUserViews(TestCase):
                     shelf=cls.local_user.shelf_set.first(),
                 )
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_export_user.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_export_user.py
index 1d844676a..ab494bc48 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_export_user.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/preferences/test_export_user.py
@@ -14,7 +14,6 @@ class ExportUserViews(TestCase):
 
     def setUp(self):
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         with (
             patch("bookwyrm.suggested_users.rerank_suggestions_task.delay"),
             patch("bookwyrm.activitystreams.populate_stream_task.delay"),
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf.py
index 9c2b0a645..72c4fe9a2 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf.py
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ class ShelfViews(TestCase):
             cls.shelf = models.Shelf.objects.create(
                 name="Test Shelf", identifier="test-shelf", user=cls.local_user
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf_actions.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf_actions.py
index d4727d9c5..73155b61a 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf_actions.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/shelf/test_shelf_actions.py
@@ -52,7 +52,6 @@ class ShelfActionViews(TestCase):
             cls.shelf = models.Shelf.objects.create(
                 name="Test Shelf", identifier="test-shelf", user=cls.local_user
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_annual_summary.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_annual_summary.py
index 1ee4322f7..ff86cfa8d 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_annual_summary.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_annual_summary.py
@@ -44,7 +44,6 @@ class AnnualSummary(TestCase):
             parent_work=cls.work,
             pages=300,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_author.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_author.py
index ed65fc30b..0d023f0ad 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_author.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_author.py
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ class AuthorViews(TestCase):
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_directory.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_directory.py
index 3ea224154..96dcd3692 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_directory.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_directory.py
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ class DirectoryViews(TestCase):
                 localname="mouse",
                 remote_id="https://example.com/users/mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_discover.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_discover.py
index 15732b924..f93913df2 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_discover.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_discover.py
@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ class DiscoverViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_feed.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_feed.py
index be4956c64..28a8e1bd3 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_feed.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_feed.py
@@ -48,7 +48,6 @@ class FeedViews(TestCase):
             title="Example Edition",
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_follow.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_follow.py
index c26a9372a..1074de118 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_follow.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_follow.py
@@ -20,7 +20,6 @@ class FollowViews(TestCase):
     @classmethod
     def setUpTestData(cls):
         """we need basic test data and mocks"""
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
         with (
             patch("bookwyrm.suggested_users.rerank_suggestions_task.delay"),
             patch("bookwyrm.activitystreams.populate_stream_task.delay"),
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_get_started.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_get_started.py
index b33948c19..d84435df7 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_get_started.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_get_started.py
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@ class GetStartedViews(TestCase):
             title="Example Edition",
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_goal.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_goal.py
index d682b727d..a7309e4aa 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_goal.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_goal.py
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ class GoalViews(TestCase):
             title="Example Edition",
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_group.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_group.py
index 90223f74a..a2989dbff 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_group.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_group.py
@@ -48,7 +48,6 @@ class GroupViews(TestCase):
         cls.membership = models.GroupMember.objects.create(
             group=cls.testgroup, user=cls.local_user
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_hashtag.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_hashtag.py
index d9679fe5a..ebf3662f8 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_hashtag.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_hashtag.py
@@ -67,8 +67,6 @@ class HashtagView(TestCase):
         for status in cls.statuses_bookclub:
             status.mention_hashtags.add(cls.hashtag_bookclub)
 
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
-
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_isbn.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_isbn.py
index 60a81f3a2..517090212 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_isbn.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_isbn.py
@@ -37,7 +37,6 @@ class IsbnViews(TestCase):
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_notifications.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_notifications.py
index 878a64c2c..fe80a1dfe 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_notifications.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_notifications.py
@@ -32,7 +32,6 @@ class NotificationViews(TestCase):
             )
         with patch("bookwyrm.models.activitypub_mixin.broadcast_task.apply_async"):
             cls.status = models.Status.objects.create(content="hi", user=cls.local_user)
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_report.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_report.py
index f07887bfe..4f545aa1e 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_report.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_report.py
@@ -41,7 +41,6 @@ class ReportViews(TestCase):
                 user=cls.local_user,
                 content="Test status",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_rss_feed.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_rss_feed.py
index 790efe51b..99d98c652 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_rss_feed.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_rss_feed.py
@@ -28,7 +28,6 @@ class RssFeedView(TestCase):
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
             parent_work=work,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_search.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_search.py
index 3b3e78e17..8a1001820 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_search.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_search.py
@@ -39,7 +39,6 @@ class Views(TestCase):
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
             parent_work=cls.work,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_setup.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_setup.py
index 7547b5646..aeb01887a 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_setup.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_setup.py
@@ -16,7 +16,9 @@ class SetupViews(TestCase):
     @classmethod
     def setUpTestData(cls):
         """we need basic test data and mocks"""
-        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.objects.create(install_mode=True)
+        cls.site = models.SiteSettings.get()
+        cls.site.install_mode = True
+        cls.site.save()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_status.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_status.py
index af8a6dc3f..5d31ad4bc 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_status.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_status.py
@@ -118,7 +118,6 @@ class StatusViews(TestCase):
             remote_id="https://example.com/book/1",
             parent_work=work,
         )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_updates.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_updates.py
index 7230f3324..f35daf8c6 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_updates.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_updates.py
@@ -27,7 +27,6 @@ class UpdateViews(TestCase):
                 local=True,
                 localname="mouse",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_user.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_user.py
index 362d04feb..010df23af 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_user.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_user.py
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ class UserViews(TestCase):
                 user=cls.local_user,
                 shelf=cls.local_user.shelf_set.first(),
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_wellknown.py b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_wellknown.py
index 444d88d17..14309a87a 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_wellknown.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/tests/views/test_wellknown.py
@@ -41,7 +41,6 @@ class WellknownViews(TestCase):
                 inbox="https://example.com/users/rat/inbox",
                 outbox="https://example.com/users/rat/outbox",
             )
-        models.SiteSettings.objects.create()
 
     def setUp(self):
         """individual test setup"""
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/admin/dashboard.py b/bookwyrm/views/admin/dashboard.py
index 87af434c5..85b781dc4 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/admin/dashboard.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/admin/dashboard.py
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class Dashboard(View):
             "email_sender"
         ] = f"{settings.EMAIL_SENDER_NAME}@{settings.EMAIL_SENDER_DOMAIN}"
 
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         # pylint: disable=protected-access
         data["missing_conduct"] = (
             not site.code_of_conduct
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/admin/federation_settings.py b/bookwyrm/views/admin/federation_settings.py
index 127f85a12..6230dd3ec 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/admin/federation_settings.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/admin/federation_settings.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ class FederationSettings(View):
 
     def get(self, request):
         """show the current settings"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         data = {
             "form": forms.FederationSettings(instance=site),
         }
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ class FederationSettings(View):
 
     def post(self, request):
         """Update federation settings"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         form = forms.FederationSettings(request.POST, instance=site)
         if not form.is_valid():
             data = {"form": form}
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/admin/imports.py b/bookwyrm/views/admin/imports.py
index ad704a2e8..882ec3ea4 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/admin/imports.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/admin/imports.py
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class ImportList(View):
         user_paginated = Paginator(user_imports, PAGE_LENGTH)
         user_page = user_paginated.get_page(request.GET.get("page"))
 
-        site_settings = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site_settings = models.SiteSettings.get()
         data = {
             "imports": page,
             "user_imports": user_page,
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ class ImportList(View):
 # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 def disable_imports(request):
     """When you just need people to please stop starting imports"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     site.imports_enabled = False
     site.save(update_fields=["imports_enabled"])
     return redirect("settings-imports")
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ def disable_imports(request):
 # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 def enable_imports(request):
     """When you just need people to please stop starting imports"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     site.imports_enabled = True
     site.save(update_fields=["imports_enabled"])
     return redirect("settings-imports")
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ def enable_imports(request):
 @permission_required("bookwyrm.edit_instance_settings", raise_exception=True)
 def set_import_size_limit(request):
     """Limit the amount of books users can import at once"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     import_size_limit = int(request.POST.get("limit"))
     import_limit_reset = int(request.POST.get("reset"))
     site.import_size_limit = import_size_limit
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ def set_user_import_completed(request, import_id):
 @permission_required("bookwyrm.edit_instance_settings", raise_exception=True)
 def set_user_import_limit(request):
     """Limit how ofter users can import and export their account"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     site.user_import_time_limit = int(request.POST.get("limit"))
     site.save(update_fields=["user_import_time_limit"])
     return redirect("settings-imports")
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ def set_user_import_limit(request):
 # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 def enable_user_exports(request):
     """Allow users to export account data"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     site.user_exports_enabled = True
     site.save(update_fields=["user_exports_enabled"])
     return redirect("settings-imports")
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ def enable_user_exports(request):
 # pylint: disable=unused-argument
 def disable_user_exports(request):
     """Don't allow users to export account data"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     site.user_exports_enabled = False
     site.save(update_fields=["user_exports_enabled"])
     return redirect("settings-imports")
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/admin/site.py b/bookwyrm/views/admin/site.py
index 4b0a9c7d8..3dfda91e4 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/admin/site.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/admin/site.py
@@ -18,13 +18,13 @@ class Site(View):
 
     def get(self, request):
         """edit form"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         data = {"site_form": forms.SiteForm(instance=site)}
         return TemplateResponse(request, "settings/site.html", data)
 
     def post(self, request):
         """edit the site settings"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         form = forms.SiteForm(request.POST, request.FILES, instance=site)
         if not form.is_valid():
             data = {"site_form": form}
@@ -45,13 +45,13 @@ class RegistrationLimited(View):
 
     def get(self, request):
         """edit form"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         data = {"form": forms.RegistrationLimitedForm(instance=site)}
         return TemplateResponse(request, "settings/registration_limited.html", data)
 
     def post(self, request):
         """edit the site settings"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         form = forms.RegistrationLimitedForm(request.POST, request.FILES, instance=site)
         if not form.is_valid():
             data = {"form": form}
@@ -72,13 +72,13 @@ class Registration(View):
 
     def get(self, request):
         """edit form"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         data = {"form": forms.RegistrationForm(instance=site)}
         return TemplateResponse(request, "settings/registration.html", data)
 
     def post(self, request):
         """edit the site settings"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         form = forms.RegistrationForm(request.POST, request.FILES, instance=site)
         if not form.is_valid():
             data = {"form": form}
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/imports/import_data.py b/bookwyrm/views/imports/import_data.py
index 59686c1f0..3a36237dd 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/imports/import_data.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/imports/import_data.py
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ class Import(View):
         elif seconds:
             data["recent_avg_minutes"] = seconds / 60
 
-        site_settings = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site_settings = models.SiteSettings.get()
         time_range = timezone.now() - datetime.timedelta(
             days=site_settings.import_limit_reset
         )
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ class Import(View):
 
     def post(self, request):
         """ingest a book data csv"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         if not site.imports_enabled:
             raise PermissionDenied()
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ class UserImport(View):
         jobs = BookwyrmImportJob.objects.filter(user=request.user).order_by(
             "-created_date"
         )
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         hours = site.user_import_time_limit
         allowed = (
             jobs.first().created_date < timezone.now() - datetime.timedelta(hours=hours)
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/landing/about.py b/bookwyrm/views/landing/about.py
index 0bcdfd836..1beecf242 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/landing/about.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/landing/about.py
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ def privacy(request):
 @require_GET
 def impressum(request):
     """more information about the instance"""
-    site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+    site = models.SiteSettings.get()
     if not site.show_impressum:
         raise Http404()
     return TemplateResponse(request, "about/impressum.html")
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/landing/landing.py b/bookwyrm/views/landing/landing.py
index 87119f465..ca2b7ccc3 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/landing/landing.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/landing/landing.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ class Home(View):
         if request.user.is_authenticated:
             feed_view = Feed.as_view()
             return feed_view(request, "home")
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
 
         if site.install_mode:
             return redirect("setup")
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/preferences/export.py b/bookwyrm/views/preferences/export.py
index 32e7db06e..e3966fddc 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/preferences/export.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/preferences/export.py
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ class ExportUser(View):
         last_job = self.user_jobs.first()
         if not last_job:
             return None
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         blocked_until = last_job.created_date + timedelta(
             hours=site.user_import_time_limit
         )
diff --git a/bookwyrm/views/setup.py b/bookwyrm/views/setup.py
index 37344300d..106db9944 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/views/setup.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/views/setup.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ class InstanceConfig(View):
     def get(self, request):
         """Check out this cool instance"""
         # only allow this view when an instance is being configured
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         if not site.install_mode:
             raise PermissionDenied()
 
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class CreateAdmin(View):
     def get(self, request):
         """Create admin user form"""
         # only allow this view when an instance is being configured
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         if not site.install_mode:
             raise PermissionDenied()
 
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ class CreateAdmin(View):
     @transaction.atomic
     def post(self, request):
         """Create that user"""
-        site = models.SiteSettings.objects.get()
+        site = models.SiteSettings.get()
         # you can't create an admin user if you're in config mode
         if not site.install_mode:
             raise PermissionDenied()