diff --git a/xwords4/android/app/src/main/java/org/eehouse/android/xw4/DBAlert.java b/xwords4/android/app/src/main/java/org/eehouse/android/xw4/DBAlert.java
index af9b9ba72..bdf5d0337 100644
--- a/xwords4/android/app/src/main/java/org/eehouse/android/xw4/DBAlert.java
+++ b/xwords4/android/app/src/main/java/org/eehouse/android/xw4/DBAlert.java
@@ -132,7 +132,8 @@ public class DBAlert extends XWDialogFragment {
                                 Log.d( TAG, "null activity..." );
                             }
                         } catch ( IllegalStateException ex ) {
-                            Assert.assertFalse( BuildConfig.DEBUG );
+                            // Assert.assertFalse( BuildConfig.DEBUG );
+                            Log.e( TAG, "got ISE; dropping alert" );
                         }
                     }
                 } );