diff --git a/doc/guix.texi b/doc/guix.texi
index 1acff10dc..637c9c3f4 100644
--- a/doc/guix.texi
+++ b/doc/guix.texi
@@ -14985,8 +14985,8 @@ networking interface.
 @item @code{package} (default: @code{bitlbee})
 The BitlBee package to use.
 
-@item @code{plugins} (default: @code{plugins})
-The BitlBee plugins package to use.
+@item @code{plugins} (default: @code{'()})
+List of plugin packages to use---e.g., @code{bitlbee-discord}.
 
 @item @code{extra-settings} (default: @code{""})
 Configuration snippet added as-is to the BitlBee configuration file.
diff --git a/gnu/services/messaging.scm b/gnu/services/messaging.scm
index c5ad96cc0..4b7e724a7 100644
--- a/gnu/services/messaging.scm
+++ b/gnu/services/messaging.scm
@@ -872,7 +872,6 @@ a gateway between IRC and chat networks.")))
 
 (define* (bitlbee-service #:key (bitlbee bitlbee) ;deprecated
                           (interface "127.0.0.1") (port 6667)
-                          (plugins '())
                           (extra-settings ""))
   "Return a service that runs @url{http://bitlbee.org,BitlBee}, a daemon that
 acts as a gateway between IRC and chat networks.
@@ -888,5 +887,4 @@ configuration file."
            (bitlbee-configuration
             (bitlbee bitlbee)
             (interface interface) (port port)
-            (plugins plugins)
             (extra-settings extra-settings))))