diff --git a/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AlertController.java b/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AlertController.java
index 3462e08a4c6a8..0fd05c1cb8cdb 100644
--- a/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AlertController.java
+++ b/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AlertController.java
@@ -559,6 +559,13 @@ public class AlertController {
         final boolean hasButtonPanel = buttonPanel != null
                 && buttonPanel.getVisibility() != View.GONE;
 
+        if (!parentPanel.isInTouchMode()) {
+            final View content = hasCustomPanel ? customPanel : contentPanel;
+            if (!requestFocusForContent(content)) {
+                requestFocusForDefaultButton();
+            }
+        }
+
         // Only display the text spacer if we don't have buttons.
         if (!hasButtonPanel) {
             if (contentPanel != null) {
@@ -624,6 +631,29 @@ public class AlertController {
         a.recycle();
     }
 
+    private boolean requestFocusForContent(View content) {
+        if (content != null && content.requestFocus()) {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        if (mListView != null) {
+            mListView.setSelection(0);
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    private void requestFocusForDefaultButton() {
+        if (mButtonPositive.getVisibility() == View.VISIBLE) {
+            mButtonPositive.requestFocus();
+        } else if (mButtonNegative.getVisibility() == View.VISIBLE) {
+            mButtonNegative.requestFocus();
+        } else if (mButtonNeutral.getVisibility() == View.VISIBLE) {
+            mButtonNeutral.requestFocus();
+        }
+    }
+
     private void setupCustomContent(ViewGroup customPanel) {
         final View customView;
         if (mView != null) {