diff --git a/lib/net_uv.js b/lib/net_uv.js
index 09a549d2c3..bd79b2459c 100644
--- a/lib/net_uv.js
+++ b/lib/net_uv.js
@@ -167,7 +167,9 @@ Socket.prototype.pause = function() {
 
 
 Socket.prototype.resume = function() {
-  this._handle.readStart();
+  if (this._handle) {
+    this._handle.readStart();
+  }
 };