diff --git a/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java b/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java
index 78674b4e4..411099592 100644
--- a/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java
+++ b/java/src/com/android/inputmethod/latin/LatinIME.java
@@ -1452,6 +1452,8 @@ public class LatinIME extends InputMethodService implements KeyboardActionListen
     }
 
     private boolean isCandidateStripVisible() {
+        if (mCandidateView == null)
+            return false;
         if (mCandidateView.isShowingAddToDictionaryHint() || TextEntryState.isCorrecting())
             return true;
         if (!isShowingSuggestionsStrip())