diff --git a/src/Widgets/ScreenShield.vala b/src/Widgets/ScreenShield.vala
index 941e2637..7b1e73f5 100644
--- a/src/Widgets/ScreenShield.vala
+++ b/src/Widgets/ScreenShield.vala
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ namespace Gala {
             grab_key_focus ();
             modal_proxy = wm.push_modal (this);
 
-            if (animate) {
+            if (wm.enable_animations && animate) {
                 animate_and_lock (animation_time);
             } else {
                 _set_active (true);