diff --git a/lib/wibox/widget/template.lua b/lib/wibox/widget/template.lua
index 875f1c3de..8bf2a1d6d 100644
--- a/lib/wibox/widget/template.lua
+++ b/lib/wibox/widget/template.lua
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ function template:_do_update_now()
     end
 
     self._private.update_args = nil
-    template.queued_updates[self] = false
+    template.queued_updates[self] = nil
 end
 
 --- Update the widget.