diff --git a/src/backends/meta-backend.c b/src/backends/meta-backend.c
index e6db720f2..3864e34a4 100644
--- a/src/backends/meta-backend.c
+++ b/src/backends/meta-backend.c
@@ -64,9 +64,12 @@
 #include "clutter/clutter-mutter.h"
 #include "meta/main.h"
 #include "meta/meta-backend.h"
-#include "backends/meta-profiler.h"
 #include "meta/util.h"
 
+#ifdef HAVE_PROFILER
+#include "backends/meta-profiler.h"
+#endif
+
 #ifdef HAVE_REMOTE_DESKTOP
 #include "backends/meta-dbus-session-watcher.h"
 #include "backends/meta-remote-access-controller-private.h"
@@ -127,7 +130,10 @@ struct _MetaBackendPrivate
   MetaScreenCast *screen_cast;
   MetaRemoteDesktop *remote_desktop;
 #endif
+
+#ifdef HAVE_PROFILER
   MetaProfiler *profiler;
+#endif
 
   ClutterBackend *clutter_backend;
   ClutterActor *stage;
@@ -194,7 +200,10 @@ meta_backend_finalize (GObject *object)
   g_hash_table_destroy (priv->device_monitors);
 
   g_clear_object (&priv->settings);
+
+#ifdef HAVE_PROFILER
   g_clear_object (&priv->profiler);
+#endif
 
   G_OBJECT_CLASS (meta_backend_parent_class)->finalize (object);
 }
@@ -844,7 +853,9 @@ meta_backend_initable_init (GInitable     *initable,
              system_bus_gotten_cb,
              backend);
 
+#ifdef HAVE_PROFILER
   priv->profiler = meta_profiler_new ();
+#endif
 
   return TRUE;
 }