diff --git a/Libraries/Components/StatusBar/StatusBar.js b/Libraries/Components/StatusBar/StatusBar.js
index 516deaad91fb49..628bd67b6deada 100644
--- a/Libraries/Components/StatusBar/StatusBar.js
+++ b/Libraries/Components/StatusBar/StatusBar.js
@@ -471,7 +471,12 @@ class StatusBar extends React.Component<Props> {
         if (!oldProps || oldProps.hidden.value !== mergedProps.hidden.value) {
           NativeStatusBarManagerAndroid.setHidden(mergedProps.hidden.value);
         }
-        if (!oldProps || oldProps.translucent !== mergedProps.translucent) {
+        // Activities are not translucent by default, so always set if true.
+        if (
+          !oldProps ||
+          oldProps.translucent !== mergedProps.translucent ||
+          mergedProps.translucent
+        ) {
           NativeStatusBarManagerAndroid.setTranslucent(mergedProps.translucent);
         }
       }