diff --git a/array_api_tests/dtype_helpers.py b/array_api_tests/dtype_helpers.py
index 9fe2c7b1..bffefa8b 100644
--- a/array_api_tests/dtype_helpers.py
+++ b/array_api_tests/dtype_helpers.py
@@ -203,7 +203,11 @@ def is_device_dlpack_compatible(device):
     """If device is dlpack compatible, return True, else False"""
     # XXX: there seems to be no better way than try-catch for __dlpack_device__()
 
-    x = xp.empty(2, device=device)
+    try:
+        x = xp.empty(2, device=device)
+    except:
+        # also covers libraries that does not support device parameter
+        x = xp.empty(2)
     try:
         x.__dlpack_device__()
     except: