diff --git a/python/src/trezorlib/client.py b/python/src/trezorlib/client.py
index a438f669fd..17a9795647 100644
--- a/python/src/trezorlib/client.py
+++ b/python/src/trezorlib/client.py
@@ -136,6 +136,9 @@ class TrezorClient:
         self.session_counter = 0
         self.init_device()
 
+        if self.features.model == "1":  # TODO @matejcik: move this to the UI object
+            self.passphrase_on_host = True
+
     def open(self):
         if self.session_counter == 0:
             self.transport.begin_session()