diff --git a/drivers/wireless/bluetooth/bt_bridge.c b/drivers/wireless/bluetooth/bt_bridge.c
index eb0df53bfb9..9ef41c06b44 100644
--- a/drivers/wireless/bluetooth/bt_bridge.c
+++ b/drivers/wireless/bluetooth/bt_bridge.c
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ struct bt_bridge_s
 #ifdef CONFIG_BLUETOOTH_BRIDGE_BTSNOOP
   FAR struct snoop_s       *snoop;
 #endif /* CONFIG_BLUETOOTH_BRIDGE_BTSNOOP */
-  uint8_t                   refs;
+  atomic_uint               refs;
 };
 
 /****************************************************************************