diff --git a/web/src/message_scroll.js b/web/src/message_scroll.js
index 44884885e0..9e5dfdada9 100644
--- a/web/src/message_scroll.js
+++ b/web/src/message_scroll.js
@@ -133,8 +133,12 @@ export function initialize() {
     $(document).on(
         "scroll",
         _.throttle(() => {
+            if (message_lists.current === undefined) {
+                return;
+            }
+
             unread_ops.process_visible();
-            message_lists.current?.view.update_sticky_recipient_headers();
+            message_lists.current.view.update_sticky_recipient_headers();
             scroll_finish();
         }, 50),
     );