diff --git a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c
index 3cc99f3f7ab5..980ae70ea424 100644
--- a/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/wireless/ath/carl9170/main.c
@@ -639,8 +639,8 @@ static int carl9170_op_add_interface(struct ieee80211_hw *hw,
 		if (err)
 			goto unlock;
 	} else {
-		err = carl9170_mod_virtual_mac(ar, vif_id, vif->addr);
 		rcu_read_unlock();
+		err = carl9170_mod_virtual_mac(ar, vif_id, vif->addr);
 
 		if (err)
 			goto unlock;