diff --git a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_exchange_footprints.cpp b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_exchange_footprints.cpp
index 822204d77e..558bc82f04 100644
--- a/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_exchange_footprints.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/dialogs/dialog_exchange_footprints.cpp
@@ -513,9 +513,10 @@ void PCB_EDIT_FRAME::ExchangeFootprint( FOOTPRINT* aExisting, FOOTPRINT* aNew,
         if( oldPad )
         {
             pad->SetLocalRatsnestVisible( oldPad->GetLocalRatsnestVisible() );
-            pad->SetNetCode( oldPad->GetNetCode() );
             pad->SetPinFunction( oldPad->GetPinFunction() );
         }
+
+        pad->SetNetCode( oldPad ? oldPad->GetNetCode() : NETINFO_LIST::UNCONNECTED );
     }
 
     // Copy reference