diff --git a/core/java/com/android/server/backup/SystemBackupAgent.java b/core/java/com/android/server/backup/SystemBackupAgent.java
index 3e4530944b9e0..9d296fa194005 100644
--- a/core/java/com/android/server/backup/SystemBackupAgent.java
+++ b/core/java/com/android/server/backup/SystemBackupAgent.java
@@ -183,6 +183,9 @@ public class SystemBackupAgent extends BackupAgentHelper {
 
     @Override
     public void onRestoreFinished() {
-        mWallpaperHelper.onRestoreFinished();
+        // helper will be null following 'adb restore' or other full-data operation
+        if (mWallpaperHelper != null) {
+            mWallpaperHelper.onRestoreFinished();
+        }
     }
 }