diff --git a/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AssistUtils.java b/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AssistUtils.java
index 294007946c773..9171959537c87 100644
--- a/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AssistUtils.java
+++ b/core/java/com/android/internal/app/AssistUtils.java
@@ -156,9 +156,12 @@ public class AssistUtils {
         if (activeServiceSupportsAssistGesture()) {
             return getActiveServiceComponentName();
         }
-
-        Intent intent = ((SearchManager) mContext.getSystemService(Context.SEARCH_SERVICE))
-                .getAssistIntent(false);
+        final SearchManager searchManager =
+            (SearchManager) mContext.getSystemService(Context.SEARCH_SERVICE);
+        if (searchManager == null) {
+            return null;
+        }
+        final Intent intent = searchManager.getAssistIntent(false);
         PackageManager pm = mContext.getPackageManager();
         ResolveInfo info = pm.resolveActivityAsUser(intent, PackageManager.MATCH_DEFAULT_ONLY,
                 userId);