diff --git a/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java b/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java
index 3a6566a977..63f1336cca 100644
--- a/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java
+++ b/quickstep/src/com/android/quickstep/AbsSwipeUpHandler.java
@@ -830,7 +830,8 @@ 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