diff --git a/contrib/plato.sh b/contrib/plato.sh
index a9a36cf6..373096b7 100755
--- a/contrib/plato.sh
+++ b/contrib/plato.sh
@@ -6,4 +6,7 @@ cd "$WORKDIR" || exit 1
 export PRODUCT=remarkable
 export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=./libs
 
+# Default to disabling built-in swtfb client (still seems not quite rock solid currently :| )
+[ -z "$PLATO_DISABLE_BUILTIN_SWTFB_CLIENT" ] && export PLATO_DISABLE_BUILTIN_SWTFB_CLIENT=yes
+
 exec ./plato