diff --git a/core/src/apps/common/mnemonic.py b/core/src/apps/common/mnemonic.py
index d556e68ce5..30ca2763bf 100644
--- a/core/src/apps/common/mnemonic.py
+++ b/core/src/apps/common/mnemonic.py
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def _start_progress() -> None:
     # Because we are drawing to the screen manually, without a layout, we
     # should make sure that no other layout is running.  At this point, only
     # the homescreen should be on, so shut it down.
-    workflow.close_default()
+    workflow.kill_default()
     ui.backlight_fade(ui.BACKLIGHT_DIM)
     ui.display.clear()
     ui.header("Please wait")
diff --git a/core/src/trezor/workflow.py b/core/src/trezor/workflow.py
index 4cb28195f9..852f415f4b 100644
--- a/core/src/trezor/workflow.py
+++ b/core/src/trezor/workflow.py
@@ -79,9 +79,15 @@ def replace_default(constructor: Callable[[], loop.Task]) -> None:
         loop.finalize(default_task, None)  # TODO: why not close_default()
     start_default(constructor)
 
+def kill_default() -> None:
+    """Forcefully shut down default task.
 
-def close_default() -> None:
-    """Explicitly close the default workflow task."""
+    The purpose of the call is to prevent the default task from interfering with
+    a synchronous layout-less workflow (e.g., the progress bar in `mnemonic.get_seed`).
+
+    This function should only be called from a workflow registered with `on_start`.
+    Otherwise the default will be restarted immediately.
+    """
     if default_task:
         if __debug__:
             log.debug(__name__, "close default")