diff --git a/meson.build b/meson.build
index 11d81917..aa9f0a13 100644
--- a/meson.build
+++ b/meson.build
@@ -108,6 +108,7 @@ if not get_option('source-only')
     sdl_options += 'use_video=enabled'
     sdl_options += 'use_atomic=enabled'
     sdl_options += 'use_threads=enabled'
+    sdl_options += 'use_timers=enabled'
     # investigate if this is truly needed
     # Do not remove before https://github.com/libsdl-org/SDL/issues/5413 is released
     sdl_options += 'use_events=enabled'
@@ -117,7 +118,6 @@ if not get_option('source-only')
     sdl_options += 'use_video_wayland=auto'
 
     # we don't need these
-    sdl_options += 'use_timers=disabled'
     sdl_options += 'use_sensor=disabled'
     sdl_options += 'use_haptic=disabled'
     sdl_options += 'use_audio=disabled'