diff --git a/src/server/surface_interface.cpp b/src/server/surface_interface.cpp
--- a/src/server/surface_interface.cpp
+++ b/src/server/surface_interface.cpp
@@ -338,6 +338,11 @@
                 target->damage = windowRegion.intersected(target->damage);
                 if (emitChanged) {
                     emit q->damaged(target->damage);
+                    // workaround for https://bugreports.qt.io/browse/QTBUG-52092
+                    // if the surface is a sub-surface, but the main surface is not yet mapped, fake frame rendered
+                    if (subSurface && !subSurface->mainSurface()->buffer()) {
+                        q->frameRendered(0);
+                    }
                 }
             }
         } else if (!target->buffer && emitChanged) {