diff --git a/src/blackcore/db/networkwatchdog.cpp b/src/blackcore/db/networkwatchdog.cpp
index 672d011ed..72f3a9016 100644
--- a/src/blackcore/db/networkwatchdog.cpp
+++ b/src/blackcore/db/networkwatchdog.cpp
@@ -370,6 +370,7 @@ namespace BlackCore
         CUrl CNetworkWatchdog::dbTestUrl()
         {
             // requires global setup to be read
+            if (!sApp || sApp->isShuttingDown()) { return CUrl(); }
             const CUrl testUrl(sApp->getGlobalSetup().getDbHomePageUrl());
             return testUrl;
         }