diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/spice/default.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/spice/default.nix
index bcbe60ffa6d..dd16d6ef94e 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/spice/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/spice/default.nix
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
   configureFlags = [
     "--with-sasl=no"
     "--disable-smartcard"
+    "--enable-client"
   ];
 
   postInstall = ''