diff --git a/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py b/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
index e3dcb076..49bf8e63 100644
--- a/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
+++ b/src/aare/gui/threads/daq_worker.py
@@ -713,7 +713,10 @@ class DAQWorker(QObject):
         try:
             response_data = self.handle_response(reply)
             payload = json.loads(response_data) if response_data else {}
-            message = str(payload.get("message") or default_message)
+	    if not isinstance(payload, dict):
+                message = str(payload)
+            else:
+                message = str(payload.get("message") or default_message)
             logger.info(message)
             self.status_message.emit(message, False)
             self.recovery_action_completed.emit(message)