diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/i40e/i40e_ethtool.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/i40e/i40e_ethtool.c
index d9e26f9713a5..2c9e4eeb7270 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/i40e/i40e_ethtool.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/i40e/i40e_ethtool.c
@@ -980,7 +980,7 @@ static void i40e_get_settings_link_up(struct i40e_hw *hw,
 	default:
 		/* if we got here and link is up something bad is afoot */
 		netdev_info(netdev,
-			    "WARNING: Link is up but PHY type 0x%x is not recognized.\n",
+			    "WARNING: Link is up but PHY type 0x%x is not recognized, or incorrect cable is in use\n",
 			    hw_link_info->phy_type);
 	}