diff --git a/static/js/hotkey.js b/static/js/hotkey.js
index b72fbf7a23..88c468d598 100644
--- a/static/js/hotkey.js
+++ b/static/js/hotkey.js
@@ -115,9 +115,7 @@ function process_hotkey(e) {
         }
     }
 
-    // Disable hotkeys on settings page etc., and when a modal pop-up
-    // is visible.
-    if (ui.home_tab_obscured()) {
+    if (ui.home_tab_obscured() && event_name !== 'search') {
         return false;
     }