diff --git a/loginutils/vlock.c b/loginutils/vlock.c
index a26999f89..18f4b9407 100644
--- a/loginutils/vlock.c
+++ b/loginutils/vlock.c
@@ -41,12 +41,14 @@
 #include "busybox.h"
 
 static struct passwd *pw;
-static struct spwd *spw;
 static struct vt_mode ovtm;
 static struct termios oterm;
 static int vfd;
 static int o_lock_all = 0;
 
+#ifdef CONFIG_FEATURE_SHADOWPASSWDS
+static struct spwd *spw;
+
 /* getspuid - get a shadow entry by uid */
 struct spwd *getspuid(uid_t uid)
 {
@@ -64,6 +66,7 @@ struct spwd *getspuid(uid_t uid)
 	endspent();
 	return (sp);
 }
+#endif
 
 static void release_vt(int signo)
 {