diff --git a/packages/flutter_tools/lib/src/run.dart b/packages/flutter_tools/lib/src/run.dart
index 9b0a35e8073..9a7c36ac5b0 100644
--- a/packages/flutter_tools/lib/src/run.dart
+++ b/packages/flutter_tools/lib/src/run.dart
@@ -185,8 +185,10 @@ class RunAndStayResident extends ResidentRunner {
 
     printStatus('Application running.');
 
-    await vmService.vm.refreshViews();
-    printStatus('Connected to view \'${vmService.vm.mainView}\'.');
+    if (vmService != null) {
+      await vmService.vm.refreshViews();
+      printStatus('Connected to view \'${vmService.vm.mainView}\'.');
+    }
 
     if (vmService != null && traceStartup) {
       printStatus('Downloading startup trace info...');