diff --git a/iterm2_tools/ipython.py b/iterm2_tools/ipython.py
index <HASH>..<HASH> 100644
--- a/iterm2_tools/ipython.py
+++ b/iterm2_tools/ipython.py
@@ -9,9 +9,11 @@ To load, use
 
 To load every time IPython starts, add
 
-    c.TerminalIPythonApp.extensions = [
-        'iterm2_tools.ipython',
-    ]
+    try:
+        import iterm2_tools.ipython
+        c.TerminalIPythonApp.extensions.append('iterm2_tools.ipython')
+    except ImportError:
+        pass
 
 to your IPython configuration file.
Document better way to add IPython extension to configuration

This way, it won't print an error if the extension is not installed when
IPython starts.