diff --git a/backend/open_webui/routers/openai.py b/backend/open_webui/routers/openai.py
index e5c9f2e7e8..690018e80b 100644
--- a/backend/open_webui/routers/openai.py
+++ b/backend/open_webui/routers/openai.py
@@ -1141,8 +1141,8 @@ def convert_to_responses_payload(payload: dict) -> dict:
                         converted_tool['description'] = func['description']
                     if 'parameters' in func:
                         converted_tool['parameters'] = func['parameters']
-                    if 'strict' in func:
-                        converted_tool['strict'] = func['strict']
+                    # Default loose tools to non-strict; preserve explicit strict.
+                    converted_tool['strict'] = func.get('strict', False)
                 converted_tools.append(converted_tool)
             else:
                 # Already in correct format or unknown format, pass through