diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_base_edit_frame.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_base_edit_frame.cpp
index aac2243dee..43b85f6c60 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_base_edit_frame.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_base_edit_frame.cpp
@@ -305,7 +305,8 @@ void PCB_BASE_EDIT_FRAME::handleActivateEvent( wxActivateEvent& aEvent )
 
 void PCB_BASE_EDIT_FRAME::onDarkModeToggle( wxSysColourChangedEvent& aEvent )
 {
-    m_appearancePanel->OnDarkModeToggle();
+    if( m_appearancePanel )
+        m_appearancePanel->OnDarkModeToggle();
 
     EDA_3D_VIEWER_FRAME* viewer = Get3DViewerFrame();