diff --git a/electrum/gui/qt/util.py b/electrum/gui/qt/util.py
index 32ae77c7b..5e9c31c92 100644
--- a/electrum/gui/qt/util.py
+++ b/electrum/gui/qt/util.py
@@ -332,9 +332,14 @@ class BlockingWaitingDialog(WindowModalDialog):
         self.message_label = QLabel(message)
         vbox = QVBoxLayout(self)
         vbox.addWidget(self.message_label)
+        # show popup
         self.show()
+        # refresh GUI; needed for popup to appear and for message_label to get drawn
         QCoreApplication.processEvents()
+        QCoreApplication.processEvents()
+        # block and run given task
         task()
+        # close popup
         self.accept()