diff --git a/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/textbase.py b/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/textbase.py
index 5a5954f85..848bc83f6 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/textbase.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/mainwindow/statusbar/textbase.py
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class TextBase(QLabel):
         Args:
             width: The maximal width the text should take.
         """
-        if self.text is not None:
+        if self.text():
             self._elided_text = self.fontMetrics().elidedText(
                 self.text(), self._elidemode, width, Qt.TextShowMnemonic)