diff --git a/src/python/config_files.py b/src/python/config_files.py
index aabb3703..694b5b77 100644
--- a/src/python/config_files.py
+++ b/src/python/config_files.py
@@ -107,7 +107,8 @@ class UISettings(JSONConfigFile):
 
     async def default_data(self) -> JsonData:
         return {
-            "theme":        "Default.qpl",
+            "alertOnMessageForMsec": 4000,
+            "theme": "Default.qpl",
             "writeAliases": {},
             "keys": {
                 "reloadConfig":  ["Alt+R"],
diff --git a/src/python/pyotherside_events.py b/src/python/pyotherside_events.py
index 0c5f8574..81e464ea 100644
--- a/src/python/pyotherside_events.py
+++ b/src/python/pyotherside_events.py
@@ -37,15 +37,10 @@ class ExitRequested(PyOtherSideEvent):
 @dataclass
 class AlertRequested(PyOtherSideEvent):
     """Request an alert to be shown for msec milliseconds.
-    If msec is 0 (default), the alert should be shown indefinitely until
-    the window is focused.
-
     The Alert state for example sets the urgency hint on X11/Wayland,
     or flashes the taskbar icon on Windows.
     """
 
-    msec: int = 0
-
 
 @dataclass
 class CoroutineDone(PyOtherSideEvent):
diff --git a/src/qml/event_handlers.js b/src/qml/event_handlers.js
index 3359e79d..d2645848 100644
--- a/src/qml/event_handlers.js
+++ b/src/qml/event_handlers.js
@@ -6,9 +6,9 @@ function onExitRequested(exitCode) {
 }
 
 
-function onAlertRequested(msec) {
+function onAlertRequested() {
     if (Qt.application.state != Qt.ApplicationActive) {
-		window.alert(msec)
+		window.alert(window.settings.alertOnMessageForMsec)
 	}
 }