diff --git a/plugins/chat/assets/javascripts/discourse/routes/chat-channel.js b/plugins/chat/assets/javascripts/discourse/routes/chat-channel.js
index 4a4f9f29d3..e34f57c9ff 100644
--- a/plugins/chat/assets/javascripts/discourse/routes/chat-channel.js
+++ b/plugins/chat/assets/javascripts/discourse/routes/chat-channel.js
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ export default class ChatChannelRoute extends DiscourseRoute {
 
     if (!transition?.to?.name?.startsWith("chat.")) {
       this.chatStateManager.storeChatURL();
-      this.chat.setActiveChannel(null);
+      this.chat.activeChannel = null;
       this.chat.updatePresence();
     }
   }