diff --git a/sway/input/cursor.c b/sway/input/cursor.c
index df62ef41b..fc0f11fd8 100644
--- a/sway/input/cursor.c
+++ b/sway/input/cursor.c
@@ -644,6 +644,11 @@ static void handle_tool_tip(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data) {
 	cursor_handle_activity_from_device(cursor, &event->tablet->base);
 
 	struct sway_tablet_tool *sway_tool = event->tool->data;
+	if (!sway_tool) {
+		sway_log(SWAY_DEBUG, "tool tip before proximity");
+		return;
+	}
+
 	struct wlr_tablet_v2_tablet *tablet_v2 = sway_tool->tablet->tablet_v2;
 	struct sway_seat *seat = cursor->seat;