diff --git a/drivers/regulator/core.c b/drivers/regulator/core.c
index 879f4a77e91d..18f13b9601b5 100644
--- a/drivers/regulator/core.c
+++ b/drivers/regulator/core.c
@@ -2047,6 +2047,10 @@ static int regulator_resolve_supply(struct regulator_dev *rdev)
 
 		if (have_full_constraints()) {
 			r = dummy_regulator_rdev;
+			if (!r) {
+				ret = -EPROBE_DEFER;
+				goto out;
+			}
 			get_device(&r->dev);
 		} else {
 			dev_err(dev, "Failed to resolve %s-supply for %s\n",
@@ -2064,6 +2068,10 @@ static int regulator_resolve_supply(struct regulator_dev *rdev)
 			goto out;
 		}
 		r = dummy_regulator_rdev;
+		if (!r) {
+			ret = -EPROBE_DEFER;
+			goto out;
+		}
 		get_device(&r->dev);
 	}
 
@@ -2172,8 +2180,10 @@ struct regulator *_regulator_get(struct device *dev, const char *id,
 			 * enabled, even if it isn't hooked up, and just
 			 * provide a dummy.
 			 */
-			dev_warn(dev, "supply %s not found, using dummy regulator\n", id);
 			rdev = dummy_regulator_rdev;
+			if (!rdev)
+				return ERR_PTR(-EPROBE_DEFER);
+			dev_warn(dev, "supply %s not found, using dummy regulator\n", id);
 			get_device(&rdev->dev);
 			break;