diff --git a/android/app/src/main/java/com/github/stenzek/duckstation/EmulationActivity.java b/android/app/src/main/java/com/github/stenzek/duckstation/EmulationActivity.java
index 413c9ecd6..b9867236b 100644
--- a/android/app/src/main/java/com/github/stenzek/duckstation/EmulationActivity.java
+++ b/android/app/src/main/java/com/github/stenzek/duckstation/EmulationActivity.java
@@ -184,9 +184,16 @@ public class EmulationActivity extends AppCompatActivity implements SurfaceHolde
     @Override
     protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
+
         mPreferences = PreferenceManager.getDefaultSharedPreferences(this);
         Log.i("EmulationActivity", "OnCreate");
 
+        // we might be coming from a third-party launcher if the host interface isn't setup
+        if (!AndroidHostInterface.hasInstance() && !AndroidHostInterface.createInstance(this)) {
+            finish();
+            return;
+        }
+
         enableFullscreenImmersive();
         setContentView(R.layout.activity_emulation);