diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5d6e4b2f..07d25eb9 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -82,8 +82,8 @@ let opts = {
   captureImage: false,
   
   // Only applies to continuous mode. Whether to actively scan when the tab is not active.
-  // When false, this reduces CPU usage when the tab is not active. Default false.
-  backgroundScan: false,
+  // When false, this reduces CPU usage when the tab is not active. Default true.
+  backgroundScan: true,
   
   // Only applies to continuous mode. The period, in milliseconds, before the same QR code
   // will be recognized in succession. Default 5000 (5 seconds).
diff --git a/src/scanner.js b/src/scanner.js
index 7d3173f9..1e2f169f 100644
--- a/src/scanner.js
+++ b/src/scanner.js
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ class Scanner extends EventEmitter {
 
     this.video = this._configureVideo(opts);
     this.mirror = (opts.mirror !== false);
-    this.backgroundScan = opts.backgroundScan || false;
+    this.backgroundScan = (opts.backgroundScan !== false);
     this._continuous = (opts.continuous !== false);
     this._analyzer = new Analyzer(this.video);
     this._camera = null;