diff --git a/sys/newlib_syscalls_default/syscalls.c b/sys/newlib_syscalls_default/syscalls.c
index 0e2fbe9e4f..b704ee2369 100644
--- a/sys/newlib_syscalls_default/syscalls.c
+++ b/sys/newlib_syscalls_default/syscalls.c
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ __attribute__((used)) void _fini(void)
  *
  * @param n     the exit code, 0 for all OK, >0 for not OK
  */
-void _exit(int n)
+__attribute__((used)) void _exit(int n)
 {
     LOG_INFO("#! exit %i: powering off\n", n);
     pm_off();