diff --git a/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/database/Storage.kt b/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/database/Storage.kt
index d7ad48b497..28794e8ce6 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/database/Storage.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/database/Storage.kt
@@ -1582,8 +1582,11 @@ open class Storage(
         DatabaseComponent.get(context).recipientDatabase().setApproved(recipient, approved)
         if (recipient.isLocalNumber || !recipient.isContactRecipient) return
         configFactory.contacts?.upsertContact(recipient.address.serialize()) {
+            // if the contact wasn't approved before but is approved now, make sure it's visible
+            if(approved && !this.approved) this.priority = PRIORITY_VISIBLE
+
+            // update approval
             this.approved = approved
-            this.priority = PRIORITY_VISIBLE
         }
     }