diff --git a/src/charm.py b/src/charm.py
index 43fecb5..8999c90 100755
--- a/src/charm.py
+++ b/src/charm.py
@@ -535,6 +535,7 @@ def _environment_variables(self) -> dict:
             "GRPC_TRACE": "all",
             "GRPC_VERBOSITY": "debug",
             "MANAGED_BY_CONFIG_POD": "true",
+            "GIN_MODE": "release",
         }
 
     def _nrf_service_is_running(self) -> bool:
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py b/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py
index 0a220cd..e4221ca 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py
+++ b/tests/unit/test_charm_configure.py
@@ -189,6 +189,7 @@ def test_given_config_pushed_when_configure_then_pebble_plan_is_applied(
                                 "GRPC_TRACE": "all",
                                 "GRPC_VERBOSITY": "debug",
                                 "MANAGED_BY_CONFIG_POD": "true",
+                                "GIN_MODE": "release",
                             },
                         }
                     },