diff --git a/src/cursor.c b/src/cursor.c
index fba83f6b..5c8b2583 100644
--- a/src/cursor.c
+++ b/src/cursor.c
@@ -378,6 +378,11 @@ start_drag(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data)
 	seat->pressed.view = NULL;
 	seat->pressed.surface = NULL;
 	seat->drag_icon = wlr_drag->icon;
+	if (!seat->drag_icon) {
+		wlr_log(WLR_ERROR,
+			"Started drag but application did not set a drag icon");
+		return;
+	}
 	wl_signal_add(&seat->drag_icon->events.destroy, &seat->destroy_drag);
 }