diff --git a/qutebrowser/browser/hints.py b/qutebrowser/browser/hints.py
index e3b3592db..009fc8650 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/browser/hints.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/browser/hints.py
@@ -864,7 +864,7 @@ class HintManager(QObject):
         for elems in self._context.elems.values():
             try:
                 if (filterstr is None or
-                        str(elems.elem).lower().startswith(filterstr)):
+                        filterstr.casefold() in str(elems.elem).casefold()):
                     if self._is_hidden(elems.label):
                         # hidden element which matches again -> show it
                         self._show_elem(elems.label)