diff --git a/selfdrive/ui/qt/util.cc b/selfdrive/ui/qt/util.cc
index 16d31ce304..bc3c494fa7 100644
--- a/selfdrive/ui/qt/util.cc
+++ b/selfdrive/ui/qt/util.cc
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 #include <vector>
 
 #include <QApplication>
+#include <QDir>
 #include <QFile>
 #include <QFileInfo>
 #include <QHash>
@@ -114,6 +115,11 @@ void initApp(int argc, char *argv[], bool disable_hidpi) {
 
   qputenv("QT_DBL_CLICK_DIST", QByteArray::number(150));
 
+  // ensure the current dir matches the exectuable's directory
+  QApplication tmp(argc, argv);
+  QString appDir = QCoreApplication::applicationDirPath();
+  QDir::setCurrent(appDir);
+
   setQtSurfaceFormat();
 }