diff --git a/demo/build.gradle b/demo/build.gradle
index 2ab6363..d87b0f3 100644
--- a/demo/build.gradle
+++ b/demo/build.gradle
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ uploadArchives {
 
 sourceCompatibility = 1.8
 
+test.enabled = Boolean.valueOf(systemTestsEnabled)
+
 task fatCapsule(type: FatCapsule) {
     applicationClass 'ch.dissem.bitmessage.demo.Main'
 }
diff --git a/gradle.properties b/gradle.properties
index eb6ed30..bb8beb4 100644
--- a/gradle.properties
+++ b/gradle.properties
@@ -8,3 +8,4 @@ signing.password=
 ossrhUsername=
 ossrhPassword=
 
+systemTestsEnabled=false
\ No newline at end of file