diff --git a/src/platforms/web/compiler/directives/model.js b/src/platforms/web/compiler/directives/model.js
index 3a531fac..2c867887 100644
--- a/src/platforms/web/compiler/directives/model.js
+++ b/src/platforms/web/compiler/directives/model.js
@@ -114,8 +114,7 @@ function genDefaultModel (
       type === 'file') {
     warn(
       `<${el.tag} v-model="${value}" type="file">:\n` +
-      'File inputs are read only. You should use @change instead:\n' +
-      `<${el.tag} @change="${value} = $event.target.files" type="file">`
+      `File inputs are read only. Use a v-on:change listener instead.`
     )
   }
   addProp(el, 'value', isNative ? `_s(${value})` : `(${value})`)
diff --git a/test/unit/features/directives/model-file.spec.js b/test/unit/features/directives/model-file.spec.js
index 2a6e5d2b..8c92ab72 100644
--- a/test/unit/features/directives/model-file.spec.js
+++ b/test/unit/features/directives/model-file.spec.js
@@ -8,6 +8,6 @@ describe('Directive v-model file', () => {
       },
       template: '<input v-model="file" type="file">'
     }).$mount()
-    expect('use @change instead').toHaveBeenWarned()
+    expect('Use a v-on:change listener instead').toHaveBeenWarned()
   })
 })