diff --git a/core/java/com/android/internal/policy/PhoneWindow.java b/core/java/com/android/internal/policy/PhoneWindow.java
index 7755b694af034..209dae2ef80e3 100644
--- a/core/java/com/android/internal/policy/PhoneWindow.java
+++ b/core/java/com/android/internal/policy/PhoneWindow.java
@@ -907,6 +907,12 @@ public class PhoneWindow extends Window implements MenuBuilder.Callback {
             }
         }
 
+        if (!st.hasPanelItems()) {
+            // Ensure that |st.decorView| has its actual content. Otherwise, an empty window can be
+            // created and cause ANR.
+            return;
+        }
+
         st.isHandled = false;
 
         WindowManager.LayoutParams lp = new WindowManager.LayoutParams(