diff --git a/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/command.py b/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/command.py
index 6ea9b5552..056203290 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/command.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/command.py
@@ -234,9 +234,10 @@ class Command(misc.MinimalLineEditMixin, misc.CommandLineEdit):
         """
         text = self.text()
         if text in modeparsers.STARTCHARS and e.key() == Qt.Key_Backspace:
+            e.accept()
             modeman.leave(self._win_id, usertypes.KeyMode.command,
                           'prefix deleted')
-
+            return 
         if e.key() == Qt.Key_Return:
             e.ignore()
             return