diff --git a/src/core/diags/README.md b/src/core/diags/README.md
index 9ec39c2cfedb..27c7e4e47e1f 100644
--- a/src/core/diags/README.md
+++ b/src/core/diags/README.md
@@ -222,6 +222,26 @@ Return the state of the radio.
 sleep
 ```
 
+### diag radio enable
+
+Enable radio interface and put it in receive mode.
+
+```bash
+> diag radio enable
+Radio link started.
+sleep
+```
+
+### diag radio disable
+
+Disable radio interface.
+
+```bash
+> diag radio disable
+Radio link stopped.
+sleep
+```
+
 ### diag rawpowersetting
 
 Show the raw power setting for diagnostics module.
diff --git a/src/core/diags/factory_diags.cpp b/src/core/diags/factory_diags.cpp
index c879f8628873..a432dfef6492 100644
--- a/src/core/diags/factory_diags.cpp
+++ b/src/core/diags/factory_diags.cpp
@@ -577,6 +577,16 @@ Error Diags::ProcessRadio(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[])
             break;
         }
     }
+    else if (StringMatch(aArgs[0], "enable"))
+    {
+        SuccessOrExit(error = Get<Radio>().Enable());
+        Output("Radio link started.\r\n");
+    }
+    else if (StringMatch(aArgs[0], "disable"))
+    {
+        SuccessOrExit(error = Get<Radio>().Disable());
+        Output("Radio link stopped.\r\n");
+    }
 
 exit:
     AppendErrorResult(error);
diff --git a/src/core/diags/factory_diags.hpp b/src/core/diags/factory_diags.hpp
index a538edf93fea..7f90ab8ce8c5 100644
--- a/src/core/diags/factory_diags.hpp
+++ b/src/core/diags/factory_diags.hpp
@@ -184,6 +184,9 @@ class Diags : public InstanceLocator, private NonCopyable
     Error ProcessGpio(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);
     Error ProcessPower(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);
     Error ProcessRadio(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);
+#if !OPENTHREAD_RADIO
+    Error ProcessLinkRaw(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);
+#endif
     Error ProcessRepeat(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);
     Error ProcessPowerSettings(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);
     Error ProcessRawPowerSetting(uint8_t aArgsLength, char *aArgs[]);