diff --git a/gtk/gtkfilechooserwidget.c b/gtk/gtkfilechooserwidget.c
index ca23ce38da..609e20e6aa 100644
--- a/gtk/gtkfilechooserwidget.c
+++ b/gtk/gtkfilechooserwidget.c
@@ -7146,6 +7146,7 @@ show_spinner (gpointer data)
   GtkFileChooserWidgetPrivate *priv = impl->priv;
 
   gtk_widget_show (priv->search_spinner);
+  gtk_spinner_start (GTK_SPINNER (priv->search_spinner));
   priv->show_progress_timeout = 0;
 
   return G_SOURCE_REMOVE;