diff --git a/src/core/radio/radio_platform.cpp b/src/core/radio/radio_platform.cpp
index 3556d2629d3..6ce3c48a29b 100644
--- a/src/core/radio/radio_platform.cpp
+++ b/src/core/radio/radio_platform.cpp
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ OT_TOOL_WEAK uint64_t otPlatRadioGetNow(otInstance *aInstance)
 {
     OT_UNUSED_VARIABLE(aInstance);
 
-    return UINT64_MAX;
+    return otPlatTimeGet();
 }
 
 OT_TOOL_WEAK uint32_t otPlatRadioGetBusSpeed(otInstance *aInstance)