diff --git a/src/modules/CannedMessageModule.cpp b/src/modules/CannedMessageModule.cpp
index f435f6060..9cbacc877 100644
--- a/src/modules/CannedMessageModule.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/CannedMessageModule.cpp
@@ -836,6 +836,7 @@ bool CannedMessageModule::handleFreeTextInput(const InputEvent *event)
     if (event->inputEvent == INPUT_BROKER_BACK && this->freetext.length() > 0) {
         payload = 0x08;
         lastTouchMillis = millis();
+        requestFocus();
         runOnce();
         return true;
     }
@@ -844,6 +845,7 @@ bool CannedMessageModule::handleFreeTextInput(const InputEvent *event)
     if (event->inputEvent == INPUT_BROKER_LEFT) {
         payload = INPUT_BROKER_LEFT;
         lastTouchMillis = millis();
+        requestFocus();
         runOnce();
         return true;
     }
@@ -851,6 +853,7 @@ bool CannedMessageModule::handleFreeTextInput(const InputEvent *event)
     if (event->inputEvent == INPUT_BROKER_RIGHT) {
         payload = INPUT_BROKER_RIGHT;
         lastTouchMillis = millis();
+        requestFocus();
         runOnce();
         return true;
     }