diff --git a/src/cdk/stepper/stepper.ts b/src/cdk/stepper/stepper.ts
index 96c132156fe8..8fec6f00156c 100644
--- a/src/cdk/stepper/stepper.ts
+++ b/src/cdk/stepper/stepper.ts
@@ -542,7 +542,7 @@ export class CdkStepper implements AfterContentInit, AfterViewInit, OnDestroy {
       this.selectedIndex = manager.activeItemIndex;
       event.preventDefault();
     } else {
-      manager.onKeydown(event);
+      manager.setFocusOrigin('keyboard').onKeydown(event);
     }
   }