diff --git a/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java b/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java
index 9f4976ede..0382b3405 100644
--- a/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java
+++ b/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java
@@ -990,7 +990,7 @@ public class LatinIME extends InputMethodService implements KeyboardActionListen
         }
         if (!mSettings.getCurrent().isApplicationSpecifiedCompletionsOn()) return;
         if (applicationSpecifiedCompletions == null) {
-            clearSuggestionStrip();
+            setNeutralSuggestionStrip();
             if (ProductionFlag.USES_DEVELOPMENT_ONLY_DIAGNOSTICS) {
                 ResearchLogger.latinIME_onDisplayCompletions(null);
             }