diff --git a/shells/browser/firefox/manifest.json b/shells/browser/firefox/manifest.json
index a7969cb304..d69d4179a1 100644
--- a/shells/browser/firefox/manifest.json
+++ b/shells/browser/firefox/manifest.json
@@ -41,8 +41,7 @@
   ],
 
   "background": {
-    "scripts": ["build/background.js"],
-    "persistent": false
+    "scripts": ["build/background.js"]
   },
 
   "permissions": [