diff --git a/src/cli/subcommand/install.rs b/src/cli/subcommand/install.rs
index 73cdfe2..aec2d81 100644
--- a/src/cli/subcommand/install.rs
+++ b/src/cli/subcommand/install.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 use std::{
+    io::{stdout, Write},
     os::unix::prelude::PermissionsExt,
     path::{Path, PathBuf},
     process::ExitCode,
@@ -80,6 +81,22 @@ impl CommandExecute for Install {
             explain,
         } = self;
 
+        // Get our terminal object, explaining what to do if it's not there.
+        let term =
+            term::terminfo::TerminfoTerminal::new(stdout());
+        if term.is_none() && !no_confirm  {
+            eprintln!(
+                "{}",
+                format!("\
+                    \n\
+                    Couldn't figure out which terminal you're using -- check the value of the $TERM variable.\n\n\
+                    If you're using an interactive terminal, it's probably safe to set TERM to \"xterm\",\n\
+                    by e.g. running 'export TERM=xterm'.\n\
+                ").red()
+            );
+            interaction::clean_exit_with_message("Couldn't get the terminal! Aborting.").await;
+        }
+
         ensure_root()?;
 
         let existing_receipt: Option<InstallPlan> = match Path::new(RECEIPT_LOCATION).exists() {