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List of devices requiring account for initial setup
From Consumer Action Taskforce
You've just bought your shiny new gadget. As you've just unboxed it, you want to set it up. Unfortunately, you can't do anything with it as is. You have to pair it with some shady app on your smartphone and accept a lengthy EULA, just to test it.
Often this information is hidden deep inside manual, no mentions on the product page or box. Sometimes it's not even disclosed in manual. You have to watch some random unboxing videos on YouTube, to get to know that you need to create an account to use the device.
Why not?
Why would I want to avoid such devices?
- Sometimes when you buy such a device, you can receive an open-box unit which is paired to an account of the previous owner. Unlinking it is often impossible without an access to paired account, as even the manufacturer's support refuses to do it, citing "security reasons".[1]
- You have accept a lengthy EULA, often requiring Forced Arbitration.
The list
| Manufacturer | Model | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZVIZ | Probably all cameras | [2] | |
| DJI | Osmo Pocket 3 | Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks. | [3] |
| DJI | RS 3 Mini | Allows "5 trial uses" without activation. | [4] |
- ↑ https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/ezviz-c8c-camera-blocked-by-previous-owner.63418/#post-666651
- ↑ https://mfs.ezvizlife.com/H6c_QSG_EN(EU)(V1.0.0).pdf?ver=52475
- ↑ https://youtu. be/HIO6f9xiebY?t=110
- ↑ https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400007193&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en "Activating the Gimbal" section
