diff --git a/target/xtensa/cpu.c b/target/xtensa/cpu.c
index 3163b75823..0d4d79b58b 100644
--- a/target/xtensa/cpu.c
+++ b/target/xtensa/cpu.c
@@ -136,6 +136,8 @@ static void xtensa_cpu_reset_hold(Object *obj, ResetType type)
     /* For inf * 0 + NaN, return the input NaN */
     set_float_infzeronan_rule(float_infzeronan_dnan_never, &env->fp_status);
     set_no_signaling_nans(!dfpu, &env->fp_status);
+    /* Default NaN value: sign bit clear, set frac msb */
+    set_float_default_nan_pattern(0b01000000, &env->fp_status);
     xtensa_use_first_nan(env, !dfpu);
 }