diff --git a/src/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/notifications/MessageNotifier.java b/src/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/notifications/MessageNotifier.java
index c66ef99e55..711f6e3ae4 100644
--- a/src/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/notifications/MessageNotifier.java
+++ b/src/org/thoughtcrime/securesms/notifications/MessageNotifier.java
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ public class MessageNotifier {
         return;
       }
 
-      Uri uri = recipients.getRingtone();
+      Uri uri = recipients != null ? recipients.getRingtone() : null;
 
       if (uri == null) {
         String ringtone = TextSecurePreferences.getNotificationRingtone(context);