diff --git a/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/__init__.py b/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/__init__.py
index 336e498a14..ac7d9c6ec1 100644
--- a/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/__init__.py
+++ b/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/__init__.py
@@ -72,4 +72,9 @@ class InterfacePluginDemo(InterfaceActionBase):
         '''
         config_widget.save_settings()
 
+        # Apply the changes
+        ac = self.actual_plugin_
+        if ac is not None:
+            ac.apply_settings()
+
 
diff --git a/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/ui.py b/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/ui.py
index 9b60a66ed4..5026269b60 100644
--- a/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/ui.py
+++ b/src/calibre/manual/plugin_examples/interface_demo/ui.py
@@ -17,7 +17,6 @@ if False:
 from calibre.gui2.actions import InterfaceAction
 from calibre_plugins.interface_demo.main import DemoDialog
 
-
 class InterfacePlugin(InterfaceAction):
 
     name = 'Interface Plugin Demo'
@@ -64,4 +63,9 @@ class InterfacePlugin(InterfaceAction):
         d = DemoDialog(self.gui, self.qaction.icon(), do_user_config)
         d.show()
 
+    def apply_settings(self):
+        from calibre_plugins.interface_demo.config import prefs
+        # In an actual non trivial plugin, you would probably need to
+        # do something based on the settings in prefs
+        prefs