diff --git a/etc/cmake/options.cmake b/etc/cmake/options.cmake
index 4c1e95e9a..8dc577541 100644
--- a/etc/cmake/options.cmake
+++ b/etc/cmake/options.cmake
@@ -229,9 +229,14 @@ if(OT_LINK_RAW)
     target_compile_definitions(ot-config INTERFACE "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_LINK_RAW_ENABLE=1")
 endif()
 
-option(OT_LINK_METRICS "enable link metrics")
-if (OT_LINK_METRICS)
-    target_compile_definitions(ot-config INTERFACE "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE=1")
+option(OT_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR "enable link metrics initiator")
+if (OT_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR)
+    target_compile_definitions(ot-config INTERFACE "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE=1")
+endif()
+
+option(OT_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT "enable link metrics subject")
+if (OT_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT)
+    target_compile_definitions(ot-config INTERFACE "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE=1")
 endif()
 
 option(OT_LOG_LEVEL_DYNAMIC "enable dynamic log level control")
diff --git a/etc/gn/openthread.gni b/etc/gn/openthread.gni
index 6b817d440..1bd07dd39 100644
--- a/etc/gn/openthread.gni
+++ b/etc/gn/openthread.gni
@@ -153,8 +153,11 @@ if (openthread_enable_core_config_args) {
     # Enable legacy network support
     openthread_config_legacy_enable = false
 
-    # Enable link metrics
-    openthread_config_link_metrics_enable = false
+    # Enable link metrics initiator
+    openthread_config_link_metrics_initiator_enable = false
+
+    # Enable link metrics subject
+    openthread_config_link_metrics_subject_enable = false
 
     # Enable link raw service
     openthread_config_link_raw_enable = false
diff --git a/examples/common-switches.mk b/examples/common-switches.mk
index 3c7a181b9..eadcaaae5 100644
--- a/examples/common-switches.mk
+++ b/examples/common-switches.mk
@@ -224,8 +224,12 @@ ifeq ($(LINK_RAW),1)
 COMMONCFLAGS                   += -DOPENTHREAD_CONFIG_LINK_RAW_ENABLE=1
 endif
 
-ifeq ($(LINK_METRICS),1)
-COMMONCFLAGS                   += -DOPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE=1
+ifeq ($(LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR),1)
+COMMONCFLAGS                   += -DOPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE=1
+endif
+
+ifeq ($(LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT),1)
+COMMONCFLAGS                   += -DOPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE=1
 endif
 
 ifneq ($(LOG_OUTPUT),)
diff --git a/examples/platforms/simulation/radio.c b/examples/platforms/simulation/radio.c
index 2f0de2ff7..62712b4fb 100644
--- a/examples/platforms/simulation/radio.c
+++ b/examples/platforms/simulation/radio.c
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ void platformRadioInit(void)
         sChannelMaxTransmitPower[i] = OT_RADIO_POWER_INVALID;
     }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     otLinkMetricsInit(SIM_RECEIVE_SENSITIVITY);
 #endif
 }
@@ -871,7 +871,7 @@ void radioSendAck(void)
         uint8_t  linkMetricsDataLen = 0;
         uint8_t *dataPtr            = NULL;
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         uint8_t      linkMetricsData[OT_ENH_PROBING_IE_DATA_MAX_SIZE];
         otMacAddress macAddress;
 
@@ -935,7 +935,7 @@ void radioProcessFrame(otInstance *aInstance)
     otEXPECT_ACTION(otMacFrameDoesAddrMatch(&sReceiveFrame, sPanid, sShortAddress, &sExtAddress),
                     error = OT_ERROR_ABORT);
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     otEXPECT_ACTION(otMacFrameGetSrcAddr(&sReceiveFrame, &macAddress) == OT_ERROR_NONE, error = OT_ERROR_PARSE);
 #endif
 
@@ -1153,7 +1153,7 @@ static uint8_t generateAckIeData(uint8_t *aLinkMetricsIeData, uint8_t aLinkMetri
     }
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     if (aLinkMetricsIeData != NULL && aLinkMetricsIeDataLen > 0)
     {
         offset += otMacFrameGenerateEnhAckProbingIe(sAckIeData, aLinkMetricsIeData, aLinkMetricsIeDataLen);
@@ -1237,7 +1237,7 @@ exit:
     return error;
 }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 otError otPlatRadioConfigureEnhAckProbing(otInstance *         aInstance,
                                           otLinkMetrics        aLinkMetrics,
                                           const otShortAddress aShortAddress,
diff --git a/examples/platforms/utils/link_metrics.cpp b/examples/platforms/utils/link_metrics.cpp
index 883ed5936..88ed632d7 100644
--- a/examples/platforms/utils/link_metrics.cpp
+++ b/examples/platforms/utils/link_metrics.cpp
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 #include "common/pool.hpp"
 #include "thread/link_quality.hpp"
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 using namespace ot;
 
@@ -260,4 +260,4 @@ uint8_t otLinkMetricsEnhAckGetDataLen(const otMacAddress *aMacAddress)
 exit:
     return len;
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
diff --git a/examples/platforms/utils/mac_frame.cpp b/examples/platforms/utils/mac_frame.cpp
index eab13986c..de238832c 100644
--- a/examples/platforms/utils/mac_frame.cpp
+++ b/examples/platforms/utils/mac_frame.cpp
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ uint8_t otMacFrameGenerateCslIeTemplate(uint8_t *aDest)
 }
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 uint8_t otMacFrameGenerateEnhAckProbingIe(uint8_t *aDest, const uint8_t *aIeData, uint8_t aIeDataLength)
 {
     uint8_t len = sizeof(Mac::VendorIeHeader) + aIeDataLength;
@@ -267,4 +267,4 @@ void otMacFrameSetEnhAckProbingIe(otRadioFrame *aFrame, const uint8_t *aData, ui
 
     reinterpret_cast<Mac::Frame *>(aFrame)->SetEnhAckProbingIe(aData, aDataLen);
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
diff --git a/include/openthread/instance.h b/include/openthread/instance.h
index b1f9dda93..bf7dfb60c 100644
--- a/include/openthread/instance.h
+++ b/include/openthread/instance.h
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ extern "C" {
  * @note This number versions both OpenThread platform and user APIs.
  *
  */
-#define OPENTHREAD_API_VERSION (126)
+#define OPENTHREAD_API_VERSION (127)
 
 /**
  * @addtogroup api-instance
diff --git a/include/openthread/link_metrics.h b/include/openthread/link_metrics.h
index 32299fdca..0b039b57a 100644
--- a/include/openthread/link_metrics.h
+++ b/include/openthread/link_metrics.h
@@ -199,6 +199,7 @@ otError otLinkMetricsConfigForwardTrackingSeries(otInstance *
 
 /**
  * This function sends an MLE Link Metrics Management Request to configure/clear an Enhanced-ACK Based Probing.
+ * This functionality requires OT_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR feature enabled.
  *
  * @param[in] aInstance          A pointer to an OpenThread instance.
  * @param[in] aDestination       A pointer to the destination address.
diff --git a/script/check-size b/script/check-size
index 775546b72..ded1c1a6d 100755
--- a/script/check-size
+++ b/script/check-size
@@ -155,7 +155,8 @@ size_nrf52840_version()
             "-DOT_DUA=ON"
             "-DOT_MLR=ON"
             "-DOT_CSL_RECEIVER=ON"
-            "-DOT_LINK_METRICS=ON"
+            "-DOT_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR=ON"
+            "-DOT_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT=ON"
         )
     fi
 
diff --git a/script/make-pretty b/script/make-pretty
index b1f444ff1..1aabc3e07 100755
--- a/script/make-pretty
+++ b/script/make-pretty
@@ -104,7 +104,8 @@ readonly OT_CLANG_TIDY_BUILD_OPTS=(
     '-DOT_JOINER=ON'
     '-DOT_LEGACY=ON'
     '-DOT_LINK_RAW=ON'
-    '-DOT_LINK_METRICS=ON'
+    '-DOT_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR=ON'
+    '-DOT_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT=ON'
     '-DOT_MAC_FILTER=ON'
     '-DOT_MTD_NETDIAG=ON'
     '-DOT_PING_SENDER=ON'
diff --git a/script/test b/script/test
index 57a2063cb..6f502d003 100755
--- a/script/test
+++ b/script/test
@@ -83,7 +83,8 @@ build_simulation()
 
     if [[ ${version} == "1.2" ]]; then
         options+=("-DOT_CSL_RECEIVER=ON")
-        options+=("-DOT_LINK_METRICS=ON")
+        options+=("-DOT_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR=ON")
+        options+=("-DOT_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT=ON")
     fi
 
     if [[ ${ot_extra_options[*]+x} ]]; then
diff --git a/src/cli/cli.cpp b/src/cli/cli.cpp
index ba4f0e73a..ec8dd16e5 100644
--- a/src/cli/cli.cpp
+++ b/src/cli/cli.cpp
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@
 #if OPENTHREAD_FTD && OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_BACKBONE_ROUTER_ENABLE
 #include <openthread/backbone_router_ftd.h>
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 #include <openthread/link_metrics.h>
 #endif
 #endif
@@ -2167,7 +2167,7 @@ otError Interpreter::ProcessLeaderWeight(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[])
 }
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_FTD
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 void Interpreter::HandleLinkMetricsReport(const otIp6Address *       aAddress,
                                           const otLinkMetricsValues *aMetricsValues,
                                           uint8_t                    aStatus,
@@ -2504,7 +2504,7 @@ otError Interpreter::ProcessLinkMetricsProbe(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[])
 exit:
     return error;
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 
 #if OPENTHREAD_FTD
 otError Interpreter::ProcessPskc(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[])
diff --git a/src/cli/cli.hpp b/src/cli/cli.hpp
index 9963103f4..270764f73 100644
--- a/src/cli/cli.hpp
+++ b/src/cli/cli.hpp
@@ -521,7 +521,7 @@ private:
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_REFERENCE_DEVICE_ENABLE
     otError ProcessMlIid(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[]);
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     otError ProcessLinkMetrics(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[]);
     otError ProcessLinkMetricsQuery(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[]);
     otError ProcessLinkMetricsMgmt(uint8_t aArgsLength, Arg aArgs[]);
@@ -695,7 +695,7 @@ private:
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SNTP_CLIENT_ENABLE
     void HandleSntpResponse(uint64_t aTime, otError aResult);
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     void PrintLinkMetricsValue(const otLinkMetricsValues *aMetricsValues);
 
     static void HandleLinkMetricsReport(const otIp6Address *       aAddress,
@@ -721,7 +721,7 @@ private:
                                           const otLinkMetricsValues *aMetricsValues);
 
     const char *LinkMetricsStatusToStr(uint8_t aStatus);
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 
     static void HandleDiscoveryRequest(const otThreadDiscoveryRequestInfo *aInfo, void *aContext)
     {
@@ -811,7 +811,7 @@ private:
 #if OPENTHREAD_FTD
         {"leaderweight", &Interpreter::ProcessLeaderWeight},
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
         {"linkmetrics", &Interpreter::ProcessLinkMetrics},
 #endif
         {"log", &Interpreter::ProcessLog},
diff --git a/src/core/BUILD.gn b/src/core/BUILD.gn
index 734842250..2a9f52f54 100644
--- a/src/core/BUILD.gn
+++ b/src/core/BUILD.gn
@@ -168,8 +168,12 @@ if (openthread_enable_core_config_args) {
       defines += [ "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_LEGACY_ENABLE=1" ]
     }
 
-    if (openthread_config_link_metrics_enable) {
-      defines += [ "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE=1" ]
+    if (openthread_config_link_metrics_initiator_enable) {
+      defines += [ "DOPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE=1" ]
+    }
+
+    if (openthread_config_link_metrics_subject_enable) {
+      defines += [ "DOPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE=1" ]
     }
 
     if (openthread_config_link_raw_enable) {
diff --git a/src/core/api/link_metrics_api.cpp b/src/core/api/link_metrics_api.cpp
index 5e82c02c2..c83160b78 100644
--- a/src/core/api/link_metrics_api.cpp
+++ b/src/core/api/link_metrics_api.cpp
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 
 #include "openthread-core-config.h"
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #include <openthread/link_metrics.h>
 
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ otError otLinkMetricsConfigForwardTrackingSeries(otInstance *
         static_cast<const Ip6::Address &>(*aDestination), aSeriesId, aSeriesFlags, aLinkMetricsFlags);
 }
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 otError otLinkMetricsConfigEnhAckProbing(otInstance *                               aInstance,
                                          const otIp6Address *                       aDestination,
                                          const otLinkMetricsEnhAckFlags             aEnhAckFlags,
@@ -104,5 +105,6 @@ otError otLinkMetricsSendLinkProbe(otInstance *        aInstance,
     return static_cast<Instance *>(aInstance)->Get<LinkMetrics>().SendLinkProbe(
         static_cast<const Ip6::Address &>(*aDestination), aSeriesId, aLength);
 }
+#endif
 
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
diff --git a/src/core/common/instance.hpp b/src/core/common/instance.hpp
index 3ffd8c855..f8661e6a4 100644
--- a/src/core/common/instance.hpp
+++ b/src/core/common/instance.hpp
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
 #include "backbone_router/bbr_local.hpp"
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 #include "thread/link_metrics.hpp"
 #endif
 
@@ -891,7 +891,7 @@ template <> inline DuaManager &Instance::Get(void)
 }
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 template <> inline LinkMetrics &Instance::Get(void)
 {
     return mThreadNetif.mLinkMetrics;
diff --git a/src/core/common/message.cpp b/src/core/common/message.cpp
index 8b8366fc7..60eab7ac8 100644
--- a/src/core/common/message.cpp
+++ b/src/core/common/message.cpp
@@ -703,7 +703,7 @@ void Message::SetLinkInfo(const ThreadLinkInfo &aLinkInfo)
     SetLinkSecurityEnabled(aLinkInfo.mLinkSecurity);
     SetPanId(aLinkInfo.mPanId);
     AddRss(aLinkInfo.mRss);
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     AddLqi(aLinkInfo.mLqi);
 #endif
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
diff --git a/src/core/common/message.hpp b/src/core/common/message.hpp
index c0e732fc6..8088b8fc9 100644
--- a/src/core/common/message.hpp
+++ b/src/core/common/message.hpp
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ struct MessageMetadata
     uint16_t    mLength;      ///< Number of bytes within the message.
     uint16_t    mOffset;      ///< A byte offset within the message.
     RssAverager mRssAverager; ///< The averager maintaining the received signal strength (RSS) average.
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     LqiAverager mLqiAverager; ///< The averager maintaining the Link quality indicator (LQI) average.
 #endif
 
@@ -1108,7 +1108,7 @@ public:
      */
     const RssAverager &GetRssAverager(void) const { return GetMetadata().mRssAverager; }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method updates the average LQI (Link Quality Indicator) associated with the message.
      *
diff --git a/src/core/config/mle.h b/src/core/config/mle.h
index 5bc576c26..068ca7646 100644
--- a/src/core/config/mle.h
+++ b/src/core/config/mle.h
@@ -261,13 +261,23 @@
 #endif
 
 /**
- * @def OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+ * @def OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
  *
- * Define as 1 to enable Link Metrics feature.
+ * Define as 1 to enable Link Metrics initiator feature.
  *
  */
-#ifndef OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
-#define OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE 0
+#ifndef OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
+#define OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE 0
+#endif
+
+/**
+ * @def OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
+ *
+ * Define as 1 to enable Link Metrics subject feature.
+ *
+ */
+#ifndef OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
+#define OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE 0
 #endif
 
 /**
diff --git a/src/core/config/openthread-core-config-check.h b/src/core/config/openthread-core-config-check.h
index 5e259a1bc..7d3e927b1 100644
--- a/src/core/config/openthread-core-config-check.h
+++ b/src/core/config/openthread-core-config-check.h
@@ -514,4 +514,9 @@
        "You can make OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_SERVER_UDP_PORT_MIN = OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_SERVER_UDP_PORT_MAX to specify a static UDP port. "
 #endif
 
+#ifdef OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#error "OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE was replaced by OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE" \
+       " and OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE"
+#endif
+
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CORE_CONFIG_CHECK_H_
diff --git a/src/core/mac/mac.cpp b/src/core/mac/mac.cpp
index 394175485..4f8fd24c8 100644
--- a/src/core/mac/mac.cpp
+++ b/src/core/mac/mac.cpp
@@ -1340,7 +1340,7 @@ void Mac::RecordFrameTransmitStatus(const TxFrame &aFrame,
     if ((aError == kErrorNone) && ackRequested && (aAckFrame != nullptr) && (neighbor != nullptr))
     {
         neighbor->GetLinkInfo().AddRss(aAckFrame->GetRssi());
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         neighbor->AggregateLinkMetrics(/* aSeriesId */ 0, aAckFrame->GetType(), aAckFrame->GetLqi(),
                                        aAckFrame->GetRssi());
         ProcessEnhAckProbing(*aAckFrame, *neighbor);
@@ -2026,7 +2026,7 @@ void Mac::HandleReceivedFrame(RxFrame *aFrame, Error aError)
     if (neighbor != nullptr)
     {
         neighbor->GetLinkInfo().AddRss(aFrame->GetRssi());
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         neighbor->AggregateLinkMetrics(/* aSeriesId */ 0, aFrame->GetType(), aFrame->GetLqi(), aFrame->GetRssi());
 #endif
 
@@ -2478,7 +2478,7 @@ exit:
 }
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_FTD && OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_CSL_TRANSMITTER_ENABLE
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 void Mac::ProcessEnhAckProbing(const RxFrame &aFrame, const Neighbor &aNeighbor)
 {
     enum
@@ -2501,7 +2501,7 @@ void Mac::ProcessEnhAckProbing(const RxFrame &aFrame, const Neighbor &aNeighbor)
 exit:
     return;
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 } // namespace Mac
 } // namespace ot
diff --git a/src/core/mac/mac.hpp b/src/core/mac/mac.hpp
index 00eedfa70..42a26e06e 100644
--- a/src/core/mac/mac.hpp
+++ b/src/core/mac/mac.hpp
@@ -820,7 +820,7 @@ private:
 #if OPENTHREAD_FTD && OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_CSL_TRANSMITTER_ENABLE
     void ProcessCsl(const RxFrame &aFrame, const Address &aSrcAddr);
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     void ProcessEnhAckProbing(const RxFrame &aFrame, const Neighbor &aNeighbor);
 #endif
     static const char *OperationToString(Operation aOperation);
diff --git a/src/core/mac/mac_frame.cpp b/src/core/mac/mac_frame.cpp
index c04c0d871..cd1be5b10 100644
--- a/src/core/mac/mac_frame.cpp
+++ b/src/core/mac/mac_frame.cpp
@@ -975,7 +975,7 @@ exit:
     return header;
 }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 const uint8_t *Frame::GetThreadIe(uint8_t aSubType) const
 {
     uint8_t        index        = FindHeaderIeIndex();
@@ -1007,7 +1007,7 @@ const uint8_t *Frame::GetThreadIe(uint8_t aSubType) const
 exit:
     return header;
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_HEADER_IE_SUPPORT
 
@@ -1027,7 +1027,7 @@ exit:
 }
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_CSL_RECEIVER_ENABLE
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 void Frame::SetEnhAckProbingIe(const uint8_t *aValue, uint8_t aLen)
 {
     uint8_t *cur = GetThreadIe(ThreadIe::kEnhAckProbingIe);
@@ -1036,7 +1036,7 @@ void Frame::SetEnhAckProbingIe(const uint8_t *aValue, uint8_t aLen)
 
     memcpy(cur + sizeof(HeaderIe) + sizeof(VendorIeHeader), aValue, aLen);
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
 const TimeIe *Frame::GetTimeIe(void) const
diff --git a/src/core/mac/mac_frame.hpp b/src/core/mac/mac_frame.hpp
index 43e2047e3..1ed578a83 100644
--- a/src/core/mac/mac_frame.hpp
+++ b/src/core/mac/mac_frame.hpp
@@ -144,7 +144,8 @@ private:
 
 } OT_TOOL_PACKED_END;
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || \
+    OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 /**
  * This class implements vendor specific Header IE generation and parsing.
  *
@@ -274,7 +275,7 @@ private:
 } OT_TOOL_PACKED_END;
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 class ThreadIe
 {
 public:
@@ -296,7 +297,8 @@ public:
 };
 #endif
 
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE ||
+       // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 /**
  * This class implements IEEE 802.15.4 MAC frame generation and parsing.
@@ -1024,7 +1026,7 @@ public:
     void SetCslIe(uint16_t aCslPeriod, uint16_t aCslPhase);
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_CSL_RECEIVER_ENABLE
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method finds Enhanced ACK Probing (Vendor Specific) IE and set its value.
      *
@@ -1033,7 +1035,7 @@ public:
      *
      */
     void SetEnhAckProbingIe(const uint8_t *aValue, uint8_t aLen);
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_HEADER_IE_SUPPORT
 
diff --git a/src/core/radio/radio.hpp b/src/core/radio/radio.hpp
index ebe8bdfef..808380ec3 100644
--- a/src/core/radio/radio.hpp
+++ b/src/core/radio/radio.hpp
@@ -598,7 +598,7 @@ public:
      */
     uint32_t GetPreferredChannelMask(void);
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method enables/disables or updates Enhanced-ACK Based Probing in radio for a specific Initiator.
      *
@@ -626,7 +626,7 @@ public:
     {
         return otPlatRadioConfigureEnhAckProbing(GetInstancePtr(), aLinkMetrics, aShortAddress, &aExtAddress);
     }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
     /**
      * This method checks if a given channel is valid as a CSL channel.
diff --git a/src/core/thread/link_metrics.cpp b/src/core/thread/link_metrics.cpp
index 87826f02e..40df624fa 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/link_metrics.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/link_metrics.cpp
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
 
 #include "link_metrics.hpp"
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #include "common/code_utils.hpp"
 #include "common/instance.hpp"
@@ -139,6 +139,7 @@ exit:
     return error;
 }
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 Error LinkMetrics::SendMgmtRequestForwardTrackingSeries(const Ip6::Address &            aDestination,
                                                         uint8_t                         aSeriesId,
                                                         const otLinkMetricsSeriesFlags &aSeriesFlags,
@@ -243,7 +244,9 @@ exit:
     otLogDebgMle("SendLinkProbe, error:%s, Series ID:%u", ErrorToString(error), aSeriesId);
     return error;
 }
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 Error LinkMetrics::AppendLinkMetricsReport(Message &aMessage, const Message &aRequestMessage, Neighbor &aNeighbor)
 {
     Error               error = kErrorNone;
@@ -409,6 +412,7 @@ Error LinkMetrics::HandleLinkMetricsManagementRequest(const Message &    aMessag
 exit:
     return error;
 }
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 Error LinkMetrics::HandleLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::Address &aAddress)
 {
@@ -712,6 +716,7 @@ exit:
     return status;
 }
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 LinkMetrics::LinkMetricsStatus LinkMetrics::ConfigureEnhAckProbing(LinkMetricsEnhAckFlags aEnhAckFlags,
                                                                    const otLinkMetrics &  aLinkMetrics,
                                                                    Neighbor &             aNeighbor)
@@ -747,6 +752,7 @@ LinkMetrics::LinkMetricsStatus LinkMetrics::ConfigureEnhAckProbing(LinkMetricsEn
 exit:
     return status;
 }
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 Neighbor *LinkMetrics::GetNeighborFromLinkLocalAddr(const Ip6::Address &aDestination)
 {
@@ -880,4 +886,4 @@ exit:
 
 } // namespace ot
 
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
diff --git a/src/core/thread/link_metrics.hpp b/src/core/thread/link_metrics.hpp
index 84c47983c..aed182896 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/link_metrics.hpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/link_metrics.hpp
@@ -36,10 +36,11 @@
 
 #include "openthread-core-config.h"
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #if (OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_THREAD_VERSION < OT_THREAD_VERSION_1_2)
-#error "Thread 1.2 or higher version is required for OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE."
+#error \
+    "Thread 1.2 or higher version is required for OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE and OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE."
 #endif
 
 #include <openthread/link.h>
@@ -226,6 +227,7 @@ public:
                                                const otLinkMetricsSeriesFlags &aSeriesFlags,
                                                const otLinkMetrics *           aLinkMetricsFlags);
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method sends an MLE Link Metrics Management Request to configure/clear a Enhanced-ACK Based Probing.
      *
@@ -259,7 +261,9 @@ public:
      *
      */
     Error SendLinkProbe(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, uint8_t aSeriesId, uint8_t aLength);
+#endif
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method appends a Link Metrics Report to a message according to the Link Metrics query.
      *
@@ -273,7 +277,7 @@ public:
      *
      */
     Error AppendLinkMetricsReport(Message &aMessage, const Message &aRequestMessage, Neighbor &aNeighbor);
-
+#endif
     /**
      * This method handles the received Link Metrics Management Request contained in @p aMessage and return a status.
      *
@@ -346,7 +350,6 @@ public:
 
     void SetLinkMetricsEnhAckProbingCallback(otLinkMetricsEnhAckProbingIeReportCallback aCallback,
                                              void *                                     aCallbackContext);
-
     void ProcessEnhAckIeData(const uint8_t *aData, uint8_t aLen, const Neighbor &aNeighbor);
 
 private:
@@ -413,6 +416,6 @@ private:
 
 } // namespace ot
 
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #endif // LINK_METRICS_HPP
diff --git a/src/core/thread/link_metrics_tlvs.hpp b/src/core/thread/link_metrics_tlvs.hpp
index 1c910ccb1..fbac0b1bb 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/link_metrics_tlvs.hpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/link_metrics_tlvs.hpp
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@
 
 #include "openthread-core-config.h"
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #include <openthread/link_metrics.h>
 
@@ -620,6 +620,6 @@ private:
 
 } // namespace ot
 
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 #endif // LINK_METRICS_TLVS_HPP_
diff --git a/src/core/thread/mesh_forwarder.cpp b/src/core/thread/mesh_forwarder.cpp
index 7711a0947..c5b7ca7f1 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/mesh_forwarder.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/mesh_forwarder.cpp
@@ -1300,7 +1300,7 @@ void MeshForwarder::HandleFragment(const uint8_t *       aFrame,
         message->WriteBytes(message->GetOffset(), aFrame, aFrameLength);
         message->MoveOffset(aFrameLength);
         message->AddRss(aLinkInfo.GetRss());
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         message->AddLqi(aLinkInfo.GetLqi());
 #endif
         message->SetTimeout(kReassemblyTimeout);
@@ -1629,7 +1629,7 @@ uint16_t MeshForwarder::CalcFrameVersion(const Neighbor *aNeighbor, bool aIePres
         version = Mac::Frame::kFcfFrameVersion2015;
     }
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     else if (aNeighbor != nullptr && aNeighbor->IsEnhAckProbingActive())
     {
         version = Mac::Frame::kFcfFrameVersion2015; ///< Set version to 2015 to fetch Link Metrics data in Enh-ACK.
diff --git a/src/core/thread/mle.cpp b/src/core/thread/mle.cpp
index 87aee8cea..296fa974d 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/mle.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/mle.cpp
@@ -2493,7 +2493,7 @@ exit:
     return error;
 }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 Error Mle::SendLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, LinkMetrics::LinkMetricsStatus aStatus)
 {
     Error    error = kErrorNone;
@@ -2517,7 +2517,9 @@ Error Mle::SendLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, L
 exit:
     return error;
 }
+#endif
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 Error Mle::SendLinkProbe(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, uint8_t aSeriesId, uint8_t *aBuf, uint8_t aLength)
 {
     Error    error = kErrorNone;
@@ -2538,7 +2540,7 @@ Error Mle::SendLinkProbe(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, uint8_t aSeriesId, ui
 exit:
     return error;
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif
 
 Error Mle::SendMessage(Message &aMessage, const Ip6::Address &aDestination)
 {
@@ -2866,15 +2868,19 @@ void Mle::HandleUdpReceive(Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageIn
 #endif
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_FTD
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     case kCommandLinkMetricsManagementRequest:
         HandleLinkMetricsManagementRequest(aMessage, aMessageInfo, neighbor);
         break;
+#endif
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     case kCommandLinkMetricsManagementResponse:
         HandleLinkMetricsManagementResponse(aMessage, aMessageInfo, neighbor);
         break;
+#endif
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     case kCommandLinkProbe:
         HandleLinkProbe(aMessage, aMessageInfo, neighbor);
         break;
@@ -2995,7 +3001,7 @@ exit:
 void Mle::HandleDataResponse(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo, const Neighbor *aNeighbor)
 {
     Error error;
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     uint16_t metricsReportValueOffset;
     uint16_t length;
 #endif
@@ -3004,7 +3010,7 @@ void Mle::HandleDataResponse(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aM
 
     VerifyOrExit(aNeighbor && aNeighbor->IsStateValid(), error = kErrorSecurity);
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     if (Tlv::FindTlvValueOffset(aMessage, Tlv::kLinkMetricsReport, metricsReportValueOffset, length) == kErrorNone)
     {
         Get<LinkMetrics>().HandleLinkMetricsReport(aMessage, metricsReportValueOffset, length,
@@ -3864,7 +3870,7 @@ exit:
     LogProcessError(kTypeAnnounce, error);
 }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 void Mle::HandleLinkMetricsManagementRequest(const Message &         aMessage,
                                              const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo,
                                              Neighbor *              aNeighbor)
@@ -3883,6 +3889,9 @@ exit:
     LogProcessError(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest, error);
 }
 
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
+
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 void Mle::HandleLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Message &         aMessage,
                                               const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo,
                                               Neighbor *              aNeighbor)
@@ -3898,7 +3907,9 @@ void Mle::HandleLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Message &         aMessage,
 exit:
     LogProcessError(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse, error);
 }
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 void Mle::HandleLinkProbe(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo, Neighbor *aNeighbor)
 {
     Error   error = kErrorNone;
@@ -3913,7 +3924,7 @@ void Mle::HandleLinkProbe(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMess
 exit:
     LogProcessError(kTypeLinkProbe, error);
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 void Mle::ProcessAnnounce(void)
 {
@@ -4213,7 +4224,7 @@ const char *Mle::MessageTypeToString(MessageType aType)
         "Time Sync", // (28) kTypeTimeSync
 #endif
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         "Link Metrics Management Request",  // (29) kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest
         "Link Metrics Management Response", // (30) kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse
         "Link Probe",                       // (31) kTypeLinkProbe
@@ -4251,20 +4262,20 @@ const char *Mle::MessageTypeToString(MessageType aType)
     static_assert(kTypeParentRequest == 27, "kTypeParentRequest value is incorrect");
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
     static_assert(kTypeTimeSync == 28, "kTypeTimeSync value is incorrect");
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     static_assert(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest == 29, "kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest value is incorrect)");
     static_assert(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse == 30, "kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse value is incorrect)");
     static_assert(kTypeLinkProbe == 31, "kTypeLinkProbe value is incorrect)");
 #endif
 #else // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     static_assert(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest == 28, "kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest value is incorrect)");
     static_assert(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse == 29, "kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse value is incorrect)");
     static_assert(kTypeLinkProbe == 30, "kTypeLinkProbe value is incorrect)");
 #endif
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
 #else  // OPENTHREAD_FTD
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     static_assert(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest == 16, "kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest value is incorrect)");
     static_assert(kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse == 17, "kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse value is incorrect)");
     static_assert(kTypeLinkProbe == 18, "kTypeLinkProbe value is incorrect)");
@@ -4397,7 +4408,7 @@ const char *Mle::ReattachStateToString(ReattachState aState)
 
 // LCOV_EXCL_STOP
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 Error Mle::SendLinkMetricsManagementRequest(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, const uint8_t *aSubTlvs, uint8_t aLength)
 {
     Error    error = kErrorNone;
diff --git a/src/core/thread/mle.hpp b/src/core/thread/mle.hpp
index 46ebd9971..6e1f41fa8 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/mle.hpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/mle.hpp
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ class Mle : public InstanceLocator, private NonCopyable
 {
     friend class DiscoverScanner;
     friend class ot::Notifier;
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     friend class ot::LinkMetrics;
 #endif
 
@@ -872,7 +872,7 @@ protected:
         kTypeTimeSync,
 #endif
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         kTypeLinkMetricsManagementRequest,
         kTypeLinkMetricsManagementResponse,
         kTypeLinkProbe,
@@ -1546,7 +1546,7 @@ protected:
     static const char *ReattachStateToString(ReattachState aState);
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method sends a Link Metrics Management Request message.
      *
@@ -1762,13 +1762,17 @@ private:
     void HandleDataResponse(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo, const Neighbor *aNeighbor);
     void HandleParentResponse(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo, uint32_t aKeySequence);
     void HandleAnnounce(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo);
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     void HandleLinkMetricsManagementRequest(const Message &         aMessage,
                                             const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo,
                                             Neighbor *              aNeighbor);
+#endif
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     void HandleLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Message &         aMessage,
                                              const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo,
                                              Neighbor *              aNeighbor);
+#endif
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     void HandleLinkProbe(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo, Neighbor *aNeighbor);
 #endif
     Error HandleLeaderData(const Message &aMessage, const Ip6::MessageInfo &aMessageInfo);
@@ -1781,7 +1785,7 @@ private:
     Error    SendOrphanAnnounce(void);
     bool     PrepareAnnounceState(void);
     void     SendAnnounce(uint8_t aChannel, bool aOrphanAnnounce, const Ip6::Address &aDestination);
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     Error SendLinkMetricsManagementResponse(const Ip6::Address &aDestination, LinkMetrics::LinkMetricsStatus aStatus);
 #endif
     uint32_t Reattach(void);
diff --git a/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp b/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp
index 1e678ea9f..ce80693f6 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/mle_router.cpp
@@ -3251,7 +3251,7 @@ void MleRouter::SendDataResponse(const Ip6::Address &aDestination,
             SuccessOrExit(error = AppendPendingDataset(*message));
             break;
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
         case Tlv::kLinkMetricsReport:
             OT_ASSERT(aRequestMessage != nullptr);
             neighbor = mNeighborTable.FindNeighbor(aDestination);
@@ -3367,7 +3367,7 @@ void MleRouter::RemoveNeighbor(Neighbor &aNeighbor)
 
     aNeighbor.GetLinkInfo().Clear();
     aNeighbor.SetState(Neighbor::kStateInvalid);
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     aNeighbor.RemoveAllForwardTrackingSeriesInfo();
 #endif
 
diff --git a/src/core/thread/thread_netif.cpp b/src/core/thread/thread_netif.cpp
index 3c522fbd7..5a07e88d6 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/thread_netif.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/thread_netif.cpp
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ ThreadNetif::ThreadNetif(Instance &aInstance)
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
     , mTimeSync(aInstance)
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     , mLinkMetrics(aInstance)
 #endif
 {
diff --git a/src/core/thread/thread_netif.hpp b/src/core/thread/thread_netif.hpp
index 0a39c9955..017868ad3 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/thread_netif.hpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/thread_netif.hpp
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ private:
 #if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_TIME_SYNC_ENABLE
     TimeSync mTimeSync;
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     LinkMetrics mLinkMetrics;
 #endif
 };
diff --git a/src/core/thread/topology.cpp b/src/core/thread/topology.cpp
index 81c6edbc6..249b9d88a 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/topology.cpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/topology.cpp
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ void Neighbor::GenerateChallenge(void)
         Random::Crypto::FillBuffer(mValidPending.mPending.mChallenge, sizeof(mValidPending.mPending.mChallenge)));
 }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 void Neighbor::AggregateLinkMetrics(uint8_t aSeriesId, uint8_t aFrameType, uint8_t aLqi, int8_t aRss)
 {
     for (LinkMetricsSeriesInfo *entry = mLinkMetricsSeriesInfoList.GetHead(); entry != nullptr;
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ void Neighbor::RemoveAllForwardTrackingSeriesInfo(void)
         Get<LinkMetrics>().mLinkMetricsSeriesInfoPool.Free(*seriesInfo);
     }
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
 const char *Neighbor::StateToString(State aState)
 {
diff --git a/src/core/thread/topology.hpp b/src/core/thread/topology.hpp
index 1b24ae10d..bd0ffa29e 100644
--- a/src/core/thread/topology.hpp
+++ b/src/core/thread/topology.hpp
@@ -664,7 +664,7 @@ public:
     void SetTimeSyncEnabled(bool aEnabled) { mTimeSyncEnabled = aEnabled; }
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     /**
      * This method aggregates the Link Metrics data into all the series that is running for this neighbor.
      *
@@ -744,7 +744,7 @@ public:
         return (mEnhAckProbingMetrics.mLqi != 0) || (mEnhAckProbingMetrics.mLinkMargin != 0) ||
                (mEnhAckProbingMetrics.mRssi != 0);
     }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 
     /**
      * This method converts a given `State` to a human-readable string.
@@ -800,7 +800,7 @@ private:
 #endif
     uint8_t         mVersion;  ///< The MLE version
     LinkQualityInfo mLinkInfo; ///< Link quality info (contains average RSS, link margin and link quality)
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE || OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
     LinkedList<LinkMetricsSeriesInfo> mLinkMetricsSeriesInfoList; ///< A list of Link Metrics Forward Tracking Series
                                                                   ///< that is being tracked for this neighbor. Note
                                                                   ///< that this device is the Subject and this
diff --git a/src/ncp/ncp_base.cpp b/src/ncp/ncp_base.cpp
index e89476481..2586973a8 100644
--- a/src/ncp/ncp_base.cpp
+++ b/src/ncp/ncp_base.cpp
@@ -1934,7 +1934,7 @@ template <> otError NcpBase::HandlePropertyGet<SPINEL_PROP_CAPS>(void)
     SuccessOrExit(error = mEncoder.WriteUintPacked(SPINEL_CAP_SRP_CLIENT));
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     SuccessOrExit(error = mEncoder.WriteUintPacked(SPINEL_CAP_THREAD_LINK_METRICS));
 #endif
 
diff --git a/src/ncp/ncp_base.hpp b/src/ncp/ncp_base.hpp
index a29678472..fc024c70c 100644
--- a/src/ncp/ncp_base.hpp
+++ b/src/ncp/ncp_base.hpp
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ protected:
     void        HandleJoinerCallback(otError aError);
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     static void HandleLinkMetricsReport_Jump(const otIp6Address *       aSource,
                                              const otLinkMetricsValues *aMetricsValues,
                                              uint8_t                    aStatus,
@@ -388,7 +388,7 @@ protected:
     otError EncodeChildInfo(const otChildInfo &aChildInfo);
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
     otError DecodeLinkMetrics(otLinkMetrics *aMetrics, bool aAllowPduCount);
 
     otError EncodeLinkMetricsValues(const otLinkMetricsValues *aMetricsValues);
diff --git a/src/ncp/ncp_base_dispatcher.cpp b/src/ncp/ncp_base_dispatcher.cpp
index 7ea3b0e26..e778a4c23 100644
--- a/src/ncp/ncp_base_dispatcher.cpp
+++ b/src/ncp/ncp_base_dispatcher.cpp
@@ -556,7 +556,7 @@ NcpBase::PropertyHandler NcpBase::FindSetPropertyHandler(spinel_prop_key_t aKey)
 #if OPENTHREAD_FTD && (OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_THREAD_VERSION >= OT_THREAD_VERSION_1_2)
         OT_NCP_SET_HANDLER_ENTRY(SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_DOMAIN_NAME),
 #endif
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
         OT_NCP_SET_HANDLER_ENTRY(SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_LINK_METRICS_QUERY),
         OT_NCP_SET_HANDLER_ENTRY(SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_LINK_METRICS_PROBE),
         OT_NCP_SET_HANDLER_ENTRY(SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_LINK_METRICS_MGMT_ENH_ACK),
diff --git a/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp b/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp
index b1aa2a8d3..6524c27d7 100644
--- a/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp
+++ b/src/ncp/ncp_base_mtd.cpp
@@ -211,7 +211,7 @@ exit:
     return error;
 }
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 otError NcpBase::DecodeLinkMetrics(otLinkMetrics *aMetrics, bool aAllowPduCount)
 {
     otError error   = OT_ERROR_NONE;
@@ -3136,7 +3136,7 @@ exit:
 }
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MAC_FILTER_ENABLE
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 template <> otError NcpBase::HandlePropertySet<SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_LINK_METRICS_QUERY>(void)
 {
     otError             error = OT_ERROR_NONE;
@@ -3233,7 +3233,7 @@ template <> otError NcpBase::HandlePropertySet<SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_LINK_METRICS_M
 exit:
     return error;
 }
-#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 
 template <> otError NcpBase::HandlePropertyGet<SPINEL_PROP_THREAD_MODE>(void)
 {
@@ -4337,7 +4337,7 @@ void NcpBase::HandleJoinerCallback(otError aError)
 }
 #endif
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_INITIATOR_ENABLE
 void NcpBase::HandleLinkMetricsReport_Jump(const otIp6Address *       aSource,
                                            const otLinkMetricsValues *aMetricsValues,
                                            uint8_t                    aStatus,
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_platform.cpp b/tests/unit/test_platform.cpp
index 5ee95b134..4e4ac209a 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_platform.cpp
+++ b/tests/unit/test_platform.cpp
@@ -684,7 +684,7 @@ otError otPlatTrelUdp6SetTestMode(otInstance *aInstance, bool aEnable)
 
 #endif // OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_RADIO_LINK_TREL_ENABLE
 
-#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_ENABLE
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_MLE_LINK_METRICS_SUBJECT_ENABLE
 otError otPlatRadioConfigureEnhAckProbing(otInstance *         aInstance,
                                           otLinkMetrics        aLinkMetrics,
                                           const otShortAddress aShortAddress,