diff --git a/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.cpp b/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.cpp
index a56114ba99..44edc6505d 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.cpp
+++ b/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.cpp
@@ -88,6 +88,11 @@ void AP_ExternalAHRS::init(void)
     }
 }
 
+bool AP_ExternalAHRS::enabled() const
+{
+    return DevType(devtype) != DevType::None;
+}
+
 // get serial port number for the uart, or -1 if not applicable
 int8_t AP_ExternalAHRS::get_port(void) const
 {
diff --git a/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.h b/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.h
index 544191c413..41664c37c2 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_ExternalAHRS/AP_ExternalAHRS.h
@@ -75,6 +75,7 @@ public:
     } state;
 
     // accessors for AP_AHRS
+    bool enabled() const;
     bool healthy(void) const;
     bool initialised(void) const;
     bool get_quaternion(Quaternion &quat);