diff --git a/services/java/com/android/server/WifiService.java b/services/java/com/android/server/WifiService.java
index 63bef54b8d853..cc1b6977c8061 100644
--- a/services/java/com/android/server/WifiService.java
+++ b/services/java/com/android/server/WifiService.java
@@ -295,7 +295,11 @@ public class WifiService extends IWifiManager.Stub {
         if (mWifiHandler == null) return false;
 
         synchronized (mWifiHandler) {
+            // caller may not have WAKE_LOCK permission - it's not required here
+            long ident = Binder.clearCallingIdentity();
             sWakeLock.acquire();
+            Binder.restoreCallingIdentity(ident);
+
             mLastEnableUid = Binder.getCallingUid();
             // set a flag if the user is enabling Wifi while in airplane mode
             mAirplaneModeOverwridden = (enable && isAirplaneModeOn() && isAirplaneToggleable());