diff --git a/tests/base_test.py b/tests/base_test.py
index e14aa2efbf6..4ac5be1f76d 100644
--- a/tests/base_test.py
+++ b/tests/base_test.py
@@ -73,10 +73,12 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs) -> None:
     def setup_databases(self, **kwargs):
         ret = super().setup_databases(**kwargs)
 
-        app_settings()  # adds languages to system
-        prepare_terms_index(create=True)
-        prepare_concepts_index(create=True)
-        prepare_search_index(create=True)
+        # Some tests don't use the database.
+        if kwargs.get("aliases", None):
+            app_settings()  # adds languages to system
+            prepare_terms_index(create=True)
+            prepare_concepts_index(create=True)
+            prepare_search_index(create=True)
 
         return ret