diff --git a/extensions/binding/org.eclipse.smarthome.binding.bluetooth/src/main/java/org/eclipse/smarthome/binding/bluetooth/ConnectedBluetoothHandler.java b/extensions/binding/org.eclipse.smarthome.binding.bluetooth/src/main/java/org/eclipse/smarthome/binding/bluetooth/ConnectedBluetoothHandler.java
index 445b8d5d8ae..82c68b79bdf 100644
--- a/extensions/binding/org.eclipse.smarthome.binding.bluetooth/src/main/java/org/eclipse/smarthome/binding/bluetooth/ConnectedBluetoothHandler.java
+++ b/extensions/binding/org.eclipse.smarthome.binding.bluetooth/src/main/java/org/eclipse/smarthome/binding/bluetooth/ConnectedBluetoothHandler.java
@@ -92,7 +92,8 @@ public void handleCommand(ChannelUID channelUID, Command command) {
         // Handle REFRESH
         if (command == RefreshType.REFRESH) {
             for (BluetoothCharacteristic characteristic : deviceCharacteristics) {
-                if (channelUID.getId().equals(characteristic.getGattCharacteristic().name())) {
+                if (characteristic.getGattCharacteristic() != null
+                        && channelUID.getId().equals(characteristic.getGattCharacteristic().name())) {
                     device.readCharacteristic(characteristic);
                     break;
                 }