diff --git a/kcms/nightcolor/package/contents/ui/main.qml b/kcms/nightcolor/package/contents/ui/main.qml
index 648d3f0a8..ea1af104e 100644
--- a/kcms/nightcolor/package/contents/ui/main.qml
+++ b/kcms/nightcolor/package/contents/ui/main.qml
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@ KCM.SimpleKCM {
             Layout.alignment: Qt.AlignHCenter
 
             Kirigami.LoadingPlaceholder {
-                visible: kcm.nightColorSettings.mode === NightColorMode.Automatic && (!locator || !root.doneLocating)
+                visible: kcm.nightColorSettings.active && kcm.nightColorSettings.mode === NightColorMode.Automatic && (!locator || !root.doneLocating)
                 text: i18nc("@info:placeholder", "Locating…")
                 anchors.centerIn: parent
             }