diff --git a/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm b/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm
index c0386e8f45..dbc13ba1cd 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm
+++ b/code/modules/client/preferences_savefile.dm
@@ -541,6 +541,7 @@ SAVEFILE UPDATING/VERSIONING - 'Simplified', or rather, more coder-friendly ~Car
 	key_bindings = sanitize_islist(key_bindings, list())
 	modless_key_bindings = sanitize_islist(modless_key_bindings, list())
 	favorite_outfits = SANITIZE_LIST(favorite_outfits)
+	screentip_color = sanitize_hexcolor(screentip_color, 6, 1, initial(screentip_color))
 
 	verify_keybindings_valid()		// one of these days this will runtime and you'll be glad that i put it in a different proc so no one gets their saves wiped