diff --git a/src/lib/constants.ts b/src/lib/constants.ts
index f2e615b9c..a52ac8795 100644
--- a/src/lib/constants.ts
+++ b/src/lib/constants.ts
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ export const MAX_DM_GRAPHEME_LENGTH = 1000
 // Recommended is 100 per: https://www.w3.org/WAI/GL/WCAG20/tests/test3.html
 // but increasing limit per user feedback
 export const MAX_ALT_TEXT = 2000
-export const DEFAULT_ALT_TEXT_AI_MODEL = 'google/gemini-2.5-flash-lite'
+export const DEFAULT_ALT_TEXT_AI_MODEL = 'google/gemma-3-27b-it:free'
 
 export const MAX_REPORT_REASON_GRAPHEME_LENGTH = 2000
 
diff --git a/src/view/com/composer/photos/ImageAltTextDialog.tsx b/src/view/com/composer/photos/ImageAltTextDialog.tsx
index 02e2459a0..5098a161d 100644
--- a/src/view/com/composer/photos/ImageAltTextDialog.tsx
+++ b/src/view/com/composer/photos/ImageAltTextDialog.tsx
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ const ImageAltTextInner = ({
                 onChangeText={text => {
                   setAltText(text)
                 }}
-                value={altText}
+                defaultValue={altText}
                 multiline
                 numberOfLines={3}
                 autoFocus