Steps to reproduce: 1. M-: (ido-mode 'buffer) 2. Note that C-x C-f is *not* bound to any ido stuff. 3. M-: (ido-mode 'both) 4. Note that C-x C-f *is* bound to ido stuff. 5. M-: (ido-mode 'buffer) 6. Note that C-x C-f is *still* bound to ido stuff. Here's one solution: