diff --git a/model/user.go b/model/user.go
index e0e6fc25f..04be99a44 100755
--- a/model/user.go
+++ b/model/user.go
@@ -224,7 +224,10 @@ type DefaultModeSetting struct {
 	Beta bool `json:"beta"`
 }
 
-func (u User) GetDefaultMode() (DefaultModeSetting, error) {
+func (u *User) GetDefaultMode() (DefaultModeSetting, error) {
+	if u == nil {
+		return DefaultModeSetting{Beta: false}, nil
+	}
 	for _, setting := range u.Settings {
 		if setting.Type == DefaultMode {
 			var m DefaultModeSetting