--- a/src/force-fullscreen.cpp
+++ b/src/force-fullscreen.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
  */
 
 #include <map>
+#include <vector>
 #include <wayfire/core.hpp>
 #include <wayfire/seat.hpp>
 #include <wayfire/plugin.hpp>
@@ -640,9 +641,22 @@
         output->rem_binding(&on_toggle_fullscreen);
         wayfire_force_fullscreen_instances.erase(output);
 
+        // Toggling off erases the entry from backgrounds. Keep view references
+        // in a separate list so cleanup does not invalidate its own iterator.
+        std::vector<wayfire_toplevel_view> views;
         for (auto& b : backgrounds)
         {
-            toggle_fullscreen(b.first);
+            views.push_back(b.first);
+        }
+
+        for (auto view : views)
+        {
+            // Teardown is mandatory even when another plugin or a session lock
+            // prevents user actions. Do not leave transformers referring to
+            // background data which is about to be destroyed.
+            view->toplevel()->pending().fullscreen = false;
+            wf::get_core().tx_manager->schedule_object(view->toplevel());
+            deactivate(view);
         }
     }
 };