diff --git a/src/core/radio/trel_link.cpp b/src/core/radio/trel_link.cpp
index 46de5306b..aa3980f6e 100644
--- a/src/core/radio/trel_link.cpp
+++ b/src/core/radio/trel_link.cpp
@@ -326,12 +326,10 @@ void Link::ProcessReceivedPacket(Packet &aPacket, const Ip6::SockAddr &aSockAddr
 
     if (type != Header::kTypeAck)
     {
-        // No need to check state or channel for a TREL ack packet.
-        // Note that TREL ack may be received much later than the tx
-        // and device can be on a different rx channel.
+        // We do not check the radio state for a TREL ACK packet, as it
+        // can be received much later than the transmission.
 
         VerifyOrExit((mState == kStateReceive) || (mState == kStateTransmit));
-        VerifyOrExit(aPacket.GetHeader().GetChannel() == mRxChannel);
     }
 
     if (mPanId != Mac::kPanIdBroadcast)
@@ -370,6 +368,14 @@ void Link::ProcessReceivedPacket(Packet &aPacket, const Ip6::SockAddr &aSockAddr
         SendAck(aPacket);
     }
 
+    // Drop the packet if there is a channel mismatch. We perform this
+    // check after all other validations to ensure we still `SendAck()`.
+    // TREL ACKs are used to monitor the TREL link status between peers
+    // and should be sent even if the packet is sent on a different
+    // channel (e.g., an MLE Announce message).
+
+    VerifyOrExit(aPacket.GetHeader().GetChannel() == mRxChannel);
+
     mRxFrame.mPsdu    = aPacket.GetPayload();
     mRxFrame.mLength  = aPacket.GetPayloadLength();
     mRxFrame.mChannel = aPacket.GetHeader().GetChannel();