diff --git a/.changeset/chilly-parrots-pay.md b/.changeset/chilly-parrots-pay.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f6f19f5f64
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/chilly-parrots-pay.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@backstage/plugin-search-react': patch
+---
+
+Fix accessibility issue in `SearchCheckbox` component, making it possible to use the field via keyboard.
diff --git a/plugins/search-react/src/components/SearchFilter/SearchFilter.tsx b/plugins/search-react/src/components/SearchFilter/SearchFilter.tsx
index 6194ab8387..8579f01caa 100644
--- a/plugins/search-react/src/components/SearchFilter/SearchFilter.tsx
+++ b/plugins/search-react/src/components/SearchFilter/SearchFilter.tsx
@@ -138,7 +138,6 @@ export const CheckboxFilter = (props: SearchFilterComponentProps) => {
           control={
             <Checkbox
               color="primary"
-              tabIndex={-1}
               inputProps={{ 'aria-labelledby': value }}
               value={value}
               name={value}