> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pcnaid.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up access rules

> Create access rules that gate storefront, product, collection, customer-account, and checkout surfaces.

# Set up access rules

## What does this do for me?

An **access rule** gates checkout or storefront content using the entitlements and tags your approvals grant. Rules apply to storefront, product, collection, customer-account, and checkout surfaces.

## 1. Open Access rules

Open **Access rules** in the Customer Gate navigation.

## 2. Create an access rule

In the **Create access rule** card:

1. Enter a **Name**.
2. Choose a **Surface**: `checkout`, `storefront`, `product`, `collection`, or `customer_account`.
3. Optionally enter a **Resource** GID. Product rules require a Product GID and collection rules require a Collection GID. Leave it blank to gate the whole surface.
4. Enter the **Required entitlements** the customer must have.
5. Enter the **Required tags** the customer must have.
6. Enter a **Denied message** that tells customers how to apply or contact the store.
7. Select **Create access rule**.

## How each surface is enforced

* **Checkout** is enforced by the checkout validation function.
* **Storefront**, **product**, and **collection** use the **Customer Gate** theme block.
* **Customer account** uses the customer-account extension.

## 3. Manage existing rules

In the **Rules** table, each rule shows its **Name**, **Surface**, **Resource**, **Entitlements**, **Tags**, **Active** state, and actions. Select **Activate** or **Deactivate** to toggle the rule, or **Delete access rule** to remove it.

Deleting an access rule can't be undone and can allow customers to reach the surface it was gating.

## If a sync is pending

If you see the **Shopify access update pending** warning, Shopify may still be enforcing an earlier access rule. Reload the page as a shop owner or a staff member with customer write access while the plan is active; otherwise ask someone with that access to open **Access rules**.

## Next step

To show access messaging on your storefront, add the theme blocks. See [Add the theme blocks](https://docs.pcnaid.com/nodes/shopify/customer-gate/merchant/guides/add-theme-blocks.md).


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