diff --git a/src/dialogs.py b/src/dialogs.py
index 14ea1767d..99c351cc7 100644
--- a/src/dialogs.py
+++ b/src/dialogs.py
@@ -3124,7 +3124,7 @@ class SingleMessageWindow:
 
     def update_char_counter(self, widget):
         characters_no = self.message_tv_buffer.get_char_count()
-        self.count_chars_label.set_text(characters_no)
+        self.count_chars_label.set_text(str(characters_no))
 
     def send_single_message(self):
         if gajim.connections[self.account].connected <= 1: