diff --git a/wled00/wled.h b/wled00/wled.h
index f2a99ced..b0697f5b 100644
--- a/wled00/wled.h
+++ b/wled00/wled.h
@@ -539,7 +539,8 @@ WLED_GLOBAL byte macroDoublePress[WLED_MAX_BUTTONS]   _INIT({0});
 WLED_GLOBAL bool otaLock     _INIT(false);  // prevents OTA firmware updates without password. ALWAYS enable if system exposed to any public networks
 WLED_GLOBAL bool wifiLock    _INIT(false);  // prevents access to WiFi settings when OTA lock is enabled
 #ifdef ARDUINO_ARCH_ESP32
-WLED_GLOBAL bool aOtaEnabled _INIT(true);   // ArduinoOTA allows easy updates directly from the IDE. Careful, it does not auto-disable when OTA lock is on
+// WLEDMM disabled as default - arduinoOTA is a relic, only useful when using ArduinoIDE
+WLED_GLOBAL bool aOtaEnabled _INIT(false);   // ArduinoOTA allows easy updates directly from the IDE. Careful, it does not auto-disable when OTA lock is on
 #else
 WLED_GLOBAL bool aOtaEnabled _INIT(false);   // WLEDMM: start with OTA disabled, as it seems to be unstable on 8266
 #endif