diff --git a/quantum/action_util.c b/quantum/action_util.c
index c0dc4f38228..9f2a30b7a78 100644
--- a/quantum/action_util.c
+++ b/quantum/action_util.c
@@ -267,8 +267,9 @@ static uint8_t get_mods_for_report(void) {
             clear_oneshot_mods();
         }
 #    endif
-        mods |= oneshot_mods;
         if (has_anykey()) {
+            // only send oneshots to host if used with a real key
+            mods |= oneshot_mods;
             clear_oneshot_mods();
         }
     }