diff --git a/packages/meteor/startup_client.js b/packages/meteor/startup_client.js
index 7c88ee434e..d52d52f205 100644
--- a/packages/meteor/startup_client.js
+++ b/packages/meteor/startup_client.js
@@ -8,6 +8,11 @@ var ready = function() {
   if (awaitingEventsCount > 0)
     return;
 
+  // XXX hide the splash screen if such exists, only on mobile
+  if (Meteor.isCordova) {
+    navigator.splashscree && navigator.splashscreen.hide();
+  }
+
   loaded = true;
   while (queue.length)
     (queue.shift())();
diff --git a/tools/commands-cordova.js b/tools/commands-cordova.js
index e15239a6c2..e7094e4aa4 100644
--- a/tools/commands-cordova.js
+++ b/tools/commands-cordova.js
@@ -1225,7 +1225,8 @@ var consumeControlFile = function (controlFilePath, cordovaPath) {
   // set some defaults different from the Phonegap/Cordova defaults
   var additionalConfiguration = {
     'webviewbounce': false,
-    'DisallowOverscroll': true
+    'DisallowOverscroll': true,
+    'AutoHideSplashScreen': false
   };
   var imagePaths = {
     icon: {},