diff --git a/guix/git.scm b/guix/git.scm
index 9c6f326c36..a180d12acc 100644
--- a/guix/git.scm
+++ b/guix/git.scm
@@ -291,7 +291,8 @@ dynamic extent of EXP."
                 (format log-port (G_ "updating submodule '~a'...~%")
                         name)
                 (submodule-update submodule
-                                  #:fetch-options fetch-options)
+                                  #:fetch-options
+                                  (make-default-fetch-options))
 
                 ;; Recurse in SUBMODULE.
                 (let ((directory (string-append