diff --git a/net/batman-adv/gateway_client.c b/net/batman-adv/gateway_client.c
index 9cb098f..7bf84c1 100644
--- a/net/batman-adv/gateway_client.c
+++ b/net/batman-adv/gateway_client.c
@@ -663,7 +663,7 @@
 
 out:
 	if (primary_if)
-		batadv_hardif_free_ref(primary_if);
+		batadv_hardif_put(primary_if);
 	return 0;
 }