diff --git a/mautrix_telegram/example-config.yaml b/mautrix_telegram/example-config.yaml
index 7e7915f6..b30edb9c 100644
--- a/mautrix_telegram/example-config.yaml
+++ b/mautrix_telegram/example-config.yaml
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ bridge:
     # Whether or not to sync the member list in channels.
     # If no channel admins have logged into the bridge, the bridge won't be able to sync the member
     # list regardless of this setting.
-    sync_channel_members: true
+    sync_channel_members: false
     # Whether or not to skip deleted members when syncing members.
     skip_deleted_members: true
     # Whether or not to automatically synchronize contacts and chats of Matrix users logged into