diff --git a/src/material/checkbox/checkbox.ts b/src/material/checkbox/checkbox.ts
index c32946fd88d1..f6944473f14c 100644
--- a/src/material/checkbox/checkbox.ts
+++ b/src/material/checkbox/checkbox.ts
@@ -380,6 +380,9 @@ export abstract class _MatCheckboxBase<E>
         });
       }
 
+      // Normally the input should be focused already, but if the click comes from something
+      // like the touch target, then we might have to focus it ourselves.
+      this._inputElement.nativeElement.focus();
       this._checked = !this._checked;
       this._transitionCheckState(
         this._checked ? TransitionCheckState.Checked : TransitionCheckState.Unchecked,