diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/device.py b/src/calibre/gui2/device.py
index 83c71bb129..1dcadf7b65 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/device.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/device.py
@@ -934,6 +934,11 @@ class DeviceMixin(object): # {{{
 
         fmt = None
         if specific:
+            if (not self.device_connected or not self.device_manager or
+                    self.device_manager.device is None):
+                error_dialog(self, _('No device'),
+                        _('No device connected'), show=True)
+                return
             formats = []
             aval_out_formats = available_output_formats()
             format_count = {}