diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/device.py b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/device.py
index d95da00369..0f97553dcb 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/actions/device.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/actions/device.py
@@ -259,7 +259,10 @@ class ConnectShareAction(InterfaceAction):
             show_port = True
         else:
             all_ips = get_all_ip_addresses()
-            if len(all_ips) > 3:
+            if len(all_ips) == 0:
+                formatted_addresses = _('Still looking for IP addresses')
+                show_port = False
+            elif len(all_ips) > 3:
                 formatted_addresses = _('Many IP addresses. See Start/Stop dialog.')
                 show_port = False
             else: