diff --git a/Source/pages/checkin.php b/Source/pages/checkin.php
index 2ca0c6b..a17e846 100755
--- a/Source/pages/checkin.php
+++ b/Source/pages/checkin.php
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@
 	}
 }
 
-if ( gpc_get_string( 'api_key' ) == plugin_config_get( 'api_key' ) ) {
+if ( gpc_get_string( 'api_key' ) == plugin_config_get( 'api_key' ) && trim(plugin_config_get( 'api_key' )) != '') {
 	$t_valid = true;
 }