diff --git a/drivers/rtc/rtc-cmos.c b/drivers/rtc/rtc-cmos.c
index cd3a2411bc2f5..1c98f845102ca 100644
--- a/drivers/rtc/rtc-cmos.c
+++ b/drivers/rtc/rtc-cmos.c
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ static inline int hpet_unregister_irq_handler(irq_handler_t handler)
 #endif
 
 /* Don't use HPET for RTC Alarm event if ACPI Fixed event is used */
-static int use_hpet_alarm(void)
+static inline int use_hpet_alarm(void)
 {
 	return is_hpet_enabled() && !use_acpi_alarm;
 }