diff --git a/lib/menubar/init.lua b/lib/menubar/init.lua
index fc9d204ca..77eee8c6a 100644
--- a/lib/menubar/init.lua
+++ b/lib/menubar/init.lua
@@ -451,7 +451,9 @@ end
 
 --- Hide the menubar.
 function menubar.hide()
-    instance.wibox.visible = false
+    if instance then
+        instance.wibox.visible = false
+    end
 end
 
 --- Get a menubar wibox.