diff --git a/esphome/components/lvgl/encoders.py b/esphome/components/lvgl/encoders.py
index 952572df43..259c344030 100644
--- a/esphome/components/lvgl/encoders.py
+++ b/esphome/components/lvgl/encoders.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ from .helpers import lvgl_components_required, requires_component
 from .lvcode import lv, lv_add, lv_assign, lv_expr, lv_Pvariable
 from .schemas import ENCODER_SCHEMA
 from .types import lv_group_t, lv_indev_type_t, lv_key_t
+from .widgets import get_widgets
 
 ENCODERS_CONFIG = cv.ensure_list(
     ENCODER_SCHEMA.extend(
@@ -76,5 +77,5 @@ async def encoders_to_code(var, config, default_group):
 async def initial_focus_to_code(config):
     for enc_conf in config[CONF_ENCODERS]:
         if default_focus := enc_conf.get(CONF_INITIAL_FOCUS):
-            obj = await cg.get_variable(default_focus)
-            lv.group_focus_obj(obj)
+            widget = await get_widgets(default_focus)
+            lv.group_focus_obj(widget[0].obj)
diff --git a/esphome/components/lvgl/schemas.py b/esphome/components/lvgl/schemas.py
index c05dfae8c7..051dbe5e0e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/lvgl/schemas.py
+++ b/esphome/components/lvgl/schemas.py
@@ -81,7 +81,9 @@ ENCODER_SCHEMA = cv.Schema(
             cv.declare_id(LVEncoderListener), requires_component("binary_sensor")
         ),
         cv.Optional(CONF_GROUP): cv.declare_id(lv_group_t),
-        cv.Optional(df.CONF_INITIAL_FOCUS): cv.use_id(lv_obj_t),
+        cv.Optional(df.CONF_INITIAL_FOCUS): cv.All(
+            LIST_ACTION_SCHEMA, cv.Length(min=1, max=1)
+        ),
         cv.Optional(df.CONF_LONG_PRESS_TIME, default="400ms"): PRESS_TIME,
         cv.Optional(df.CONF_LONG_PRESS_REPEAT_TIME, default="100ms"): PRESS_TIME,
     }
diff --git a/tests/components/lvgl/test.esp32-idf.yaml b/tests/components/lvgl/test.esp32-idf.yaml
index 05a1f243ed..eacace1d4b 100644
--- a/tests/components/lvgl/test.esp32-idf.yaml
+++ b/tests/components/lvgl/test.esp32-idf.yaml
@@ -71,5 +71,6 @@ lvgl:
     sensor: encoder
     enter_button: pushbutton
     group: general
+    initial_focus: lv_roller
 
 <<: !include common.yaml