diff --git a/openwisp_controller/connection/base/models.py b/openwisp_controller/connection/base/models.py
index 2ccd1ae45..66452fc4a 100644
--- a/openwisp_controller/connection/base/models.py
+++ b/openwisp_controller/connection/base/models.py
@@ -368,7 +368,6 @@ def update_config(self):
             except Exception as e:
                 logger.exception(e)
             else:
-                self.device.config.set_status_applied()
                 self.disconnect()
 
     def save(self, *args, **kwargs):
diff --git a/openwisp_controller/connection/tests/test_models.py b/openwisp_controller/connection/tests/test_models.py
index 5c7243e5b..ca1d10bfa 100644
--- a/openwisp_controller/connection/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/openwisp_controller/connection/tests/test_models.py
@@ -928,7 +928,7 @@ def _assert_applying_conf_test_command(mocked_exec):
                 args, _ = mocked_exec_command.call_args_list[1]
                 self.assertIn('OW_CONFIG_PID', args[0])
             conf.refresh_from_db()
-            self.assertEqual(conf.status, 'applied')
+            self.assertEqual(conf.status, 'modified')
 
         with self.subTest('openwisp_config < 0.6.0a: exit_code 0'):
             conf.config = '{"interfaces": [{"name": "eth00","type": "ethernet"}]}'
@@ -942,7 +942,7 @@ def _assert_applying_conf_test_command(mocked_exec):
                 _assert_version_check_command(mocked_exec_command)
                 _assert_applying_conf_test_command(mocked_exec_command)
             conf.refresh_from_db()
-            self.assertEqual(conf.status, 'applied')
+            self.assertEqual(conf.status, 'modified')
 
         with self.subTest('openwisp_config < 0.6.0a: exit_code 1'):
             conf.config = '{"radios": []}'