diff --git a/copyparty/web/up2k.js b/copyparty/web/up2k.js
index 92ead14b..e2f9b346 100644
--- a/copyparty/web/up2k.js
+++ b/copyparty/web/up2k.js
@@ -1242,6 +1242,10 @@ function up2k_init(have_crypto) {
     onresize();
 
     function desc_show(e) {
+        var cfg = sread('tooltips');
+        if (cfg !== null && cfg != '1')
+            return;
+
         var msg = this.getAttribute('alt'),
             cdesc = ebi('u2cdesc');