diff --git a/components/mobileshellstate/qml/TopPanelControls.qml b/components/mobileshellstate/qml/TopPanelControls.qml
index b9de1d19..aa569a9e 100644
--- a/components/mobileshellstate/qml/TopPanelControls.qml
+++ b/components/mobileshellstate/qml/TopPanelControls.qml
@@ -23,5 +23,5 @@ QtObject {
     property bool inSwipe: false
     property real panelHeight: PlasmaCore.Units.gridUnit + PlasmaCore.Units.smallSpacing // set and updated in panel containment
     property bool actionDrawerVisible: false
-    property var notificationsWidget // updated in panel containment
+    property var notificationsWidget: null // updated in panel containment
 }