Editing Software-gating

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As a softer version to [[activation]], and related to [[features on demand]], '''software-gating''' is a method to control access to ''features'' in consumer electronic hardware, but are not inherently anti-consumer as they provide useful for security features.       

This definition does not include closed-source, such as [[wikipedia:Proprietary_software|proprietary software]] or [[wikipedia:Proprietary_protocol|proprietary protocols]], as these can still provide the consumer with fully featured access without needing an account, app, or activation.

* [[Digital rights management]]

==Anti-consumer examples==
===Forced account for data lock-in===
[[Forced account|Requiring an account]] in order to be used, such as with some Google Pixels and specific Android devices, and iPhones needing an Apple account create an easy entry-point for [[data lock-in]], making it harder to switch vendors.{{Citation needed|date=31 Mar 2026}}

=== Forced app download ===
''Apps'' are a popular method for manufacturers to marketed features behind software locks. Examples of this are:

* Sony headphones requiring app to tweak its EQ

* HVAC app activation of furnace control boards.{{Citation needed|date=31 Mar 2026}}

=== Activation & licensing ===
When features are locked behind an activation process, it will require server connectivity. Some implications of this include:

* Cloud services that are essential to keep the features working can be put offline

* The digital services can change in quality or become more privacy invasive over time

== See also ==

* [[Digital rights management]]
* [[Walled garden]]
* [[Bootloader unlocking]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Software]]