diff --git a/src/main/java/eu/siacs/conversations/services/XmppConnectionService.java b/src/main/java/eu/siacs/conversations/services/XmppConnectionService.java
index 99183dffe..94af846ea 100644
--- a/src/main/java/eu/siacs/conversations/services/XmppConnectionService.java
+++ b/src/main/java/eu/siacs/conversations/services/XmppConnectionService.java
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ public class XmppConnectionService extends Service implements OnPhoneContactsLoa
 	}
 
 	public PgpEngine getPgpEngine() {
-		if (pgpServiceConnection.isBound()) {
+		if (pgpServiceConnection != null && pgpServiceConnection.isBound()) {
 			if (this.mPgpEngine == null) {
 				this.mPgpEngine = new PgpEngine(new OpenPgpApi(
 						getApplicationContext(),