diff --git a/code/game/machinery/status_display.dm b/code/game/machinery/status_display.dm
index 21ce15f8824..176041dc2a0 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/status_display.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/status_display.dm
@@ -562,6 +562,9 @@ MAPPING_DIRECTIONAL_HELPERS(/obj/machinery/status_display/ai, 32)
 	// Just use command handling built into status display.
 	// The option inputs thankfully sanitize command and picture for us.
 
+	if(!connected_display)
+		return
+
 	var/command_value = command_map[command.value]
 	var/datum/signal/status_signal = new(list("command" = command_value))
 	switch(command_value)