diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9104f8b3b..f647b6ed0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ Refer [here](https://github.com/actions/checkout/blob/v1/README.md) for previous
 
     # The branch, tag or SHA to checkout. When checking out the repository that
     # triggered a workflow, this defaults to the reference or SHA for that event.
-    # Otherwise, defaults to `master`.
+    # Otherwise, uses the default branch.
     ref: ''
 
     # Personal access token (PAT) used to fetch the repository. The PAT is configured
diff --git a/action.yml b/action.yml
index 58e11b7c0..71655da87 100644
--- a/action.yml
+++ b/action.yml
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ inputs:
     description: >
       The branch, tag or SHA to checkout. When checking out the repository that
       triggered a workflow, this defaults to the reference or SHA for that
-      event.  Otherwise, defaults to `master`.
+      event.  Otherwise, uses the default branch.
   token:
     description: >
       Personal access token (PAT) used to fetch the repository. The PAT is configured