diff --git a/examples/nextjs-babel/src/i18n.ts b/examples/nextjs-babel/src/i18n.ts
index 062c3c5c5..d03cade46 100644
--- a/examples/nextjs-babel/src/i18n.ts
+++ b/examples/nextjs-babel/src/i18n.ts
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ export function useLinguiInit(messages: Messages) {
     // to avoid calling loadAndActivate for (worst case) each request, but right now that's what we do
     i18n.loadAndActivate({ locale, messages })
   }
-  if (isClient && i18n.locale === undefined) {
+  if (isClient && !i18n.locale) {
     // first client render
     i18n.loadAndActivate({ locale, messages })
   }