diff --git a/source/_integrations/fan.mqtt.markdown b/source/_integrations/fan.mqtt.markdown
index 3a1ae169fb1..a871d2e41cb 100644
--- a/source/_integrations/fan.mqtt.markdown
+++ b/source/_integrations/fan.mqtt.markdown
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@ The `mqtt` fan platform lets you control your MQTT enabled fans.
 
 ## Configuration
 
-In an ideal scenario, the MQTT device will have a `state_topic` to publish state changes. If these messages are published with a `RETAIN` flag, the MQTT fan will receive an instant state update after subscription and will start with the correct state. Otherwise, the initial state of the fan will be `false` / `off`.
+In an ideal scenario, the MQTT device will have a `state_topic` to publish state changes. If these messages are published with a `RETAIN` flag, the MQTT fan will receive an instant state update after subscription and will start with the correct state. Otherwise, the initial state of the fan will be `unknown`. A MQTT device can reset the current state to `unknown` using a `None` payload.
 
-When a `state_topic` is not available, the fan will work in optimistic mode. In this mode, the fan will immediately change state after every command. Otherwise, the fan will wait for state confirmation from the device (message from `state_topic`).
+When a `state_topic` is not available, the fan will work in optimistic mode. In this mode, the fan will immediately change state after every command. Otherwise, the fan will wait for state confirmation from the device (message from `state_topic`).  The initial state is set to `False` / `off` in optimistic mode.
 
 Optimistic mode can be forced even if a `state_topic` is available. Try to enable it if you are experiencing incorrect fan operation.