diff --git a/bookwyrm/management/commands/initdb.py b/bookwyrm/management/commands/initdb.py
index 09d864626..4e23a5306 100644
--- a/bookwyrm/management/commands/initdb.py
+++ b/bookwyrm/management/commands/initdb.py
@@ -120,6 +120,7 @@ def init_settings():
     models.SiteSettings.objects.create(
         support_link="https://www.patreon.com/bookwyrm",
         support_title="Patreon",
+        install_mode=True,
     )