diff --git a/src/DocSearchModal.tsx b/src/DocSearchModal.tsx
index 7755595e..20ce8af1 100644
--- a/src/DocSearchModal.tsx
+++ b/src/DocSearchModal.tsx
@@ -321,6 +321,10 @@ export function DocSearchModal({
   React.useEffect(() => {
     if (initialQuery.length > 0) {
       refresh();
+
+      if (inputRef.current) {
+        inputRef.current.focus();
+      }
     }
   }, [initialQuery, refresh]);