diff --git a/drivers/counter/Kconfig.maxim_ds3231 b/drivers/counter/Kconfig.maxim_ds3231
index d58d8be9bb5..26b49df4bb9 100644
--- a/drivers/counter/Kconfig.maxim_ds3231
+++ b/drivers/counter/Kconfig.maxim_ds3231
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 config COUNTER_MAXIM_DS3231
 	bool "Maxim DS3231 RTC/TCXO"
-	select I2C
+	depends on I2C
 	select POLL
 	help
 	  Enable counter driver based on Maxim DS3231 I2C device.