A radio frequency activation device enables the activation of a target using RF communication. The radio frequency activation device has a switch that is initially set to a state that disables or substantially interferes with the use of a target function. Responsive to the receiving the RF communication, the switch is set to another state where the function is available. The controlled activation may apply to the target as a whole, or may apply to a selected function, module, peripheral, or component of the target. The radio frequency activation device also has a target interface that allows the target to determine the state of the switch, and based on the state of the switch, either allows or disallows the affected function. The radio frequency activation device also has an antenna for the RF communication, as well as a demodulator/modulator circuit. When used to activate an electrical or electronic device, the radio frequency activation device has a low-power circuit portion that is used to set the state of the switch responsive to the RF communication, and also has a full power circuit portion that communicates with the target. In this way, the state of the switch may be set when the target is in a power-off condition, and the target is able to determine the state of the switch when the target is activated.