Online activation

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Online activation, also known as cloud-based activation, is the requirement to connect to the Internet before activating a product or software that the end user paid for. Examples include:

• Some operating systems such as iOS and Windows 11 require registering an account with the device vendor to be set up before first use.
• Xiaomi requires registering an account to be able to unlock the bootloader.
• Some DJI drones and Insta360 cameras require to be linked to a smartphone before first use.

Disadvantages

In order to use a purchased product, users must share their personal data with the manufacturer.

Given that online services shut down all the time, activation services can be lost, leaving the user with an unuseable product.

Some places in the world have limited Internet access. This can cause difficulties when activating.

Providers can limit activations or arbitrarily revoke access. For example, Xiaomi only allows one bootloader unlock per person per 30 days and four phones per year, in addition to a week-long delay after purchase.