diff --git a/i3pystatus/xkblayout.py b/i3pystatus/xkblayout.py
index 518dd4d..9d0c8cf 100644
--- a/i3pystatus/xkblayout.py
+++ b/i3pystatus/xkblayout.py
@@ -72,14 +72,7 @@ class Xkblayout(IntervalModule):
     def change_layout(self, increment=1):
         self._xkb.group_num += increment
 
-    def update_state(self):
-        """Update internal state if keyboard layout changed externally"""
-        self._xkb.close_display()
-        self._xkb.open_display()
-
     def run(self):
-        self.update_state()
-
         cdict = {
             "num": self._xkb.group_num,
             "name": self._xkb.group_name,