diff --git a/electrum/simple_config.py b/electrum/simple_config.py
index 1c1d17d3f..195da58ef 100644
--- a/electrum/simple_config.py
+++ b/electrum/simple_config.py
@@ -266,6 +266,9 @@ class SimpleConfig(Logger):
         elif self.get('signet'):
             path = os.path.join(path, 'signet')
             make_dir(path, allow_symlink=False)
+        else:
+            path = os.path.join(path, 'testnet4')
+            make_dir(path, allow_symlink=False)
 
         self.logger.info(f"electrum directory {path}")
         return path
diff --git a/run_electrum b/run_electrum
index ef42864ee..70602922c 100755
--- a/run_electrum
+++ b/run_electrum
@@ -393,6 +393,10 @@ def main():
         constants.BitcoinSimnet.set_as_network()
     elif config.get('signet'):
         constants.BitcoinSignet.set_as_network()
+    elif config.get('mainnet'):
+        constants.BitcoinMainnet.set_as_network()
+    else:
+        constants.BitcoinTestnet4.set_as_network()
 
     # check if we received a valid payment identifier
     uri = config_options.get('url')