diff --git a/modules/UI/side_pannels/chat/Chat.js b/modules/UI/side_pannels/chat/Chat.js
index f8fdcb5ac..d2556fa66 100644
--- a/modules/UI/side_pannels/chat/Chat.js
+++ b/modules/UI/side_pannels/chat/Chat.js
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ function updateVisualNotification() {
     const unreadMsgElement
         = unreadMsgSelector.length > 0 ? unreadMsgSelector[0] : undefined;
 
-    if (unreadMessages) {
+    if (unreadMessages && unreadMsgElement) {
         unreadMsgElement.innerHTML = unreadMessages.toString();
 
         APP.store.dispatch(dockToolbox(true));