diff --git a/synapse/config/emailconfig.py b/synapse/config/emailconfig.py
index 4318c6f13d..1fa2bab3a0 100644
--- a/synapse/config/emailconfig.py
+++ b/synapse/config/emailconfig.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class EmailConfig(Config):
         self.email_enable_notifs = False
 
         email_config = config.get("email", {})
-        self.email_enable_notifs = email_config.get("enable_notifs", True)
+        self.email_enable_notifs = email_config.get("enable_notifs", False)
 
         if self.email_enable_notifs:
             required = [