diff --git a/relay/database.py b/relay/database.py
index f595d62..70b4e25 100644
--- a/relay/database.py
+++ b/relay/database.py
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ class Connection(tinysql.ConnectionMixin):
 
 		query = 'SELECT * FROM instances WHERE domain = :data OR actor = :data OR inbox = :data'
 		row = self.execute(query, dict(data=data), table='instances').one()
-		return row if row.joined else None
+		return row if row and row.joined else None
 
 
 	def get_instances(self):