diff --git a/screen-write.c b/screen-write.c
index be409f7a8..1b101ed94 100644
--- a/screen-write.c
+++ b/screen-write.c
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-/* $OpenBSD: screen-write.c,v 1.289 2026/08/24 14:07:56 nicm Exp $ */
+/* $OpenBSD: screen-write.c,v 1.290 2026/08/24 15:05:26 nicm Exp $ */
 
 /*
  * Copyright (c) 2007 Nicholas Marriott <nicholas.marriott@gmail.com>
@@ -305,12 +305,14 @@ screen_write_initctx(struct screen_write_ctx *ctx, struct tty_ctx *ttyctx,
 
 	if (~ctx->flags & SCREEN_WRITE_SYNC) {
 		/*
-		 * For the active pane or for an overlay (no pane), we want to
-		 * only use synchronized updates if requested (commands that
-		 * move the cursor); for other panes, always use it, since the
-		 * cursor will have to move.
+		 * For the active pane showing its base screen or for an
+		 * overlay (no pane), only use synchronized updates if
+		 * requested (commands that move the cursor); for other panes
+		 * or a pane in a mode, always use it, since the cursor will
+		 * have to move.
 		 */
-		if (ctx->wp != NULL && ctx->wp != ctx->wp->window->active)
+		if (ctx->wp != NULL && (ctx->wp != ctx->wp->window->active ||
+		    ctx->wp->screen != &ctx->wp->base))
 			ttyctx->flags |= TTY_CTX_SYNC;
 		else {
 			if (ctx->wp == NULL)