diff --git a/containers/backupchecks/src/backend/app/main/routes_settings.py b/containers/backupchecks/src/backend/app/main/routes_settings.py
index 65aaeb6..f7e772c 100644
--- a/containers/backupchecks/src/backend/app/main/routes_settings.py
+++ b/containers/backupchecks/src/backend/app/main/routes_settings.py
@@ -482,7 +482,15 @@ def settings():
 
         if "autotask_default_ticket_status" in request.form:
             try:
-                settings.autotask_default_ticket_status = int(request.form.get("autotask_default_ticket_status") or 0) or None
+                form_value = request.form.get("autotask_default_ticket_status", "").strip()
+                if form_value:  # Only update if a value was actually selected
+                    settings.autotask_default_ticket_status = int(form_value)
+                elif form_value == "" and settings.autotask_default_ticket_status is not None:
+                    # If explicitly cleared (empty string submitted) and was previously set,
+                    # allow clearing only if reference data is loaded (dropdown has options)
+                    if getattr(settings, "autotask_cached_ticket_statuses_json", None):
+                        settings.autotask_default_ticket_status = None
+                # Otherwise: keep existing value (prevents accidental clearing when dropdown is empty)
             except (ValueError, TypeError):
                 pass