diff --git a/tests/applications/characters/copy_paste.pm b/tests/applications/characters/copy_paste.pm
index e63d0af7..17279201 100644
--- a/tests/applications/characters/copy_paste.pm
+++ b/tests/applications/characters/copy_paste.pm
@@ -22,6 +22,12 @@ sub run {
     send_key("esc");
     # Open text editor.
     menu_launch_type("text editor");
+    # For some reason, text editor often starts *behind* characters,
+    # so we may need to hit alt-tab to find it
+    unless(check_screen("apps_run_texteditor", 15)) {
+        send_key("alt-tab");
+        assert_screen("apps_run_texteditor");
+    }
     wait_still_screen(3);
     # Paste the character.
     send_key("ctrl-v");