diff --git a/src/lib/spinel/radio_spinel_impl.hpp b/src/lib/spinel/radio_spinel_impl.hpp
index 02898e5a7..4d4fa06c5 100644
--- a/src/lib/spinel/radio_spinel_impl.hpp
+++ b/src/lib/spinel/radio_spinel_impl.hpp
@@ -1500,7 +1500,7 @@ template <typename InterfaceType> otError RadioSpinel<InterfaceType>::WaitRespon
             {
                 HandleRcpTimeout();
             }
-            ExitNow(mError = OT_ERROR_NONE);
+            ExitNow(mError = OT_ERROR_RESPONSE_TIMEOUT);
         }
     } while (mWaitingTid || !mIsReady);