diff --git a/input/connect/joypad_connection.c b/input/connect/joypad_connection.c
index 114910a7ff..f45f3a1bca 100644
--- a/input/connect/joypad_connection.c
+++ b/input/connect/joypad_connection.c
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 #include <string.h>
 #include "joypad_connection.h"
 
-static int pad_connection_find_vacant_pad(joypad_connection_t *joyconn)
+int pad_connection_find_vacant_pad(joypad_connection_t *joyconn)
 {
    unsigned i;
 
diff --git a/input/connect/joypad_connection.h b/input/connect/joypad_connection.h
index bcc634c744..2538890342 100644
--- a/input/connect/joypad_connection.h
+++ b/input/connect/joypad_connection.h
@@ -73,6 +73,8 @@ int16_t pad_connection_get_axis(joypad_connection_t *joyconn,
 bool pad_connection_has_interface(joypad_connection_t *joyconn,
    unsigned idx);
 
+int pad_connection_find_vacant_pad(joypad_connection_t *joyconn);
+
 bool pad_connection_rumble(joypad_connection_t *s,
    unsigned pad, enum retro_rumble_effect effect, uint16_t strength);