diff --git a/src/libs/clangbackendipc/connectionserver.h b/src/libs/clangbackendipc/connectionserver.h
index bebb9657c86..4d9593ec505 100644
--- a/src/libs/clangbackendipc/connectionserver.h
+++ b/src/libs/clangbackendipc/connectionserver.h
@@ -106,7 +106,8 @@ private:
 
     void sendAliveMessage()
     {
-        ipcClientProxy->alive();
+        if (ipcClientProxy)
+            ipcClientProxy->alive();
     }
 
     void handleSocketDisconnect()