diff --git a/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java b/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java
index bf4896d2cb..0bf82cf4f1 100644
--- a/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java
+++ b/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java
@@ -831,7 +831,8 @@ public abstract class AbsSwipeUpHandler<T extends StatefulActivity<S>,
      * @return Whether we can create the launcher controller or update its progress.
      */
     private boolean canCreateNewOrUpdateExistingLauncherTransitionController() {
-        return mGestureState.getEndTarget() != HOME && !mHasEndedLauncherTransition;
+        return mGestureState.getEndTarget() != HOME
+                && !mHasEndedLauncherTransition && mActivity != null;
     }
 
     @Override