diff --git a/src/core/config/srp_client.h b/src/core/config/srp_client.h
index 45a738598..29cf2e1eb 100644
--- a/src/core/config/srp_client.h
+++ b/src/core/config/srp_client.h
@@ -278,8 +278,12 @@
  * This config is applicable only when `OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_CLIENT_BUFFERS_ENABLE` is enabled.
  */
 #ifndef OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_CLIENT_BUFFERS_MAX_SERVICES
+#if OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_REFERENCE_DEVICE_ENABLE
+#define OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_CLIENT_BUFFERS_MAX_SERVICES 8
+#else
 #define OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_CLIENT_BUFFERS_MAX_SERVICES 2
 #endif
+#endif
 
 /**
  * @def OPENTHREAD_CONFIG_SRP_CLIENT_BUFFERS_MAX_HOST_ADDRESSES