diff --git a/plugins/modules/ec2_instance.py b/plugins/modules/ec2_instance.py
index bbaa092bd5c..595cac73157 100644
--- a/plugins/modules/ec2_instance.py
+++ b/plugins/modules/ec2_instance.py
@@ -1556,7 +1556,9 @@ def change_instance_state(filters, desired_state, ec2=None):
         await_instances(ids=list(changed) + list(unchanged), state=desired_state)
 
     change_failed = list(to_change - changed)
-    instances = find_instances(ec2, ids=list(i['InstanceId'] for i in instances))
+
+    if instances:
+        instances = find_instances(ec2, ids=list(i['InstanceId'] for i in instances))
     return changed, change_failed, instances, failure_reason