diff --git a/src/android/org/linphone/ChatFragment.java b/src/android/org/linphone/ChatFragment.java
index 1df536951..3c74ea0f0 100644
--- a/src/android/org/linphone/ChatFragment.java
+++ b/src/android/org/linphone/ChatFragment.java
@@ -701,7 +701,7 @@ public class ChatFragment extends Fragment implements OnClickListener, LinphoneC
 	}
 
 	private void sendTextMessage() {
-		if (!LinphoneManager.isInstanciated() || LinphoneManager.getLc() == null)
+		if (!LinphoneManager.isInstanciated() || LinphoneManager.getLc() == null || searchContactField.getText().toString().length() < 1)
 			return;
 		LinphoneCore.LinphoneLimeState state = LinphoneManager.getLc().getLimeEncryption();