diff --git a/sample.env b/sample.env
index f83534d..d354c02 100644
--- a/sample.env
+++ b/sample.env
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ DISABLE_VIDEO_PREVIEW=false
 CHAT_ENABLED=true
 
 # set to true to start chat closed
-CHAT_START_CLOSED=false
+CHAT_START_CLOSED=true
 
 # set to true to disable announcements "You are now (un-)muted"
 DISABLE_SOUND_MUTED=false