diff --git a/src/diffusers/models/modeling_utils.py b/src/diffusers/models/modeling_utils.py
index 61dfc3133fbd..3ebb022df451 100644
--- a/src/diffusers/models/modeling_utils.py
+++ b/src/diffusers/models/modeling_utils.py
@@ -648,9 +648,6 @@ def set_attention_backend(self, backend: str) -> None:
                 continue
             processor._attention_backend = backend
 
-        # Important to set the active backend so that it propagates gracefully throughout.
-        _AttentionBackendRegistry.set_active_backend(backend)
-
     def reset_attention_backend(self) -> None:
         """
         Resets the attention backend for the model. Following calls to `forward` will use the environment default, if
diff --git a/tests/models/testing_utils/attention.py b/tests/models/testing_utils/attention.py
index f31323d1bf52..5d6fc7d573d6 100644
--- a/tests/models/testing_utils/attention.py
+++ b/tests/models/testing_utils/attention.py
@@ -307,6 +307,23 @@ def teardown_method(self):
         gc.collect()
         backend_empty_cache(torch_device)
 
+    def test_set_attention_backend_does_not_change_registry(self):
+        model = self.model_class(**self.get_init_dict())
+        initial_backend, _ = _AttentionBackendRegistry.get_active_backend()
+        model_backend = (
+            AttentionBackendName.NATIVE
+            if initial_backend != AttentionBackendName.NATIVE
+            else AttentionBackendName._NATIVE_MATH
+        )
+
+        try:
+            model.set_attention_backend(model_backend.value)
+            active_backend, _ = _AttentionBackendRegistry.get_active_backend()
+            assert active_backend == initial_backend
+        finally:
+            model.reset_attention_backend()
+            _AttentionBackendRegistry.set_active_backend(initial_backend)
+
     @torch.no_grad()
     @pytest.mark.parametrize("backend", _ALL_BACKEND_PARAMS)
     def test_set_attention_backend_matches_context_manager(self, backend):