diff --git a/ranger/config/commands.py b/ranger/config/commands.py
index 969be61f7..932baf730 100755
--- a/ranger/config/commands.py
+++ b/ranger/config/commands.py
@@ -1826,7 +1826,11 @@ def execute(self):
 
     def quick(self):
         if self.rest(1).startswith("add name "):
-            self.fm.thisdir.temporary_filter = re.compile(self.rest(3))
+            try:
+                regex = re.compile(self.rest(3))
+            except re.error:
+                regex = re.compile("")
+            self.fm.thisdir.temporary_filter = regex
             self.fm.thisdir.refilter()
 
         return False