diff --git a/install/tools/ipa-compat-manage b/install/tools/ipa-compat-manage
index 2b13c4a68..178cef979 100755
--- a/install/tools/ipa-compat-manage
+++ b/install/tools/ipa-compat-manage
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ def main():
         if dirman_password is None:
             sys.exit("Directory Manager password required")
 
-    api.bootstrap(context='cli', debug=options.debug)
+    api.bootstrap(context='cli', in_server=True, debug=options.debug)
     api.finalize()
 
     conn = None