diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/libcec/default.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/libcec/default.nix
index 1d6fd44acb69..90ffcb01cf91 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/libcec/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/libcec/default.nix
@@ -29,7 +29,11 @@ stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
   buildInputs = [ udev libcec_platform ] ++
     lib.optional withLibraspberrypi libraspberrypi;
 
-  cmakeFlags = [ "-DBUILD_SHARED_LIBS=1" ];
+  cmakeFlags = [
+    "-DBUILD_SHARED_LIBS=1"
+  ] ++ lib.optionals stdenv.isLinux [
+    "-DHAVE_LINUX_API=1"
+  ];
 
   meta = with lib; {
     description = "Allows you (with the right hardware) to control your device with your TV remote control using existing HDMI cabling";