---
title: HwActivate
framework: serialdriverkit
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Method
path: serialdriverkit/iouserserial/hwactivate
---

# HwActivate

Opens the communication channel to the device.

## Declaration

```occ
virtual kern_return_t HwActivate();
```

## Return Value

Return Value kIOReturnSuccess on success, or another value if an error occurs. See Error Codes.

## Discussion

Discussion Override this method and use your implementation to prepare the device’s hardware for serial communication. Always call the super version of the method at the beginning of your implementation.

## See Also

### Activating and Deactivating the Service

- [HwDeactivate](serialdriverkit/iouserserial/hwdeactivate.md)