diff --git a/litex_boards/platforms/sipeed_tang_nano_4k.py b/litex_boards/platforms/sipeed_tang_nano_4k.py
index b05b76960..e2a8eacd1 100644
--- a/litex_boards/platforms/sipeed_tang_nano_4k.py
+++ b/litex_boards/platforms/sipeed_tang_nano_4k.py
@@ -91,7 +91,12 @@ def __init__(self, toolchain="gowin"):
         GowinPlatform.__init__(self, "GW1NSR-LV4CQN48PC6/I5", _io, _connectors, toolchain=toolchain, devicename="GW1NS-4")
         # Licensed GoWin IDE v. 1.9.7.06 Beta
         # GowinPlatform.__init__(self, "GW1NSR-LV4CQN48PC7/I6", _io, _connectors, toolchain=toolchain, devicename="GW1NSR-4C")
-        #self.toolchain.options["use_mode_as_gpio"] = 1
+
+        # this is just a software check that doesn't translate to hardware
+        # apicula does not implement this check, so beware of bricking your board
+        if toolchain=="gowin":
+            self.toolchain.options["use_mode_as_gpio"] = 1
+
         self.toolchain.options["use_mspi_as_gpio"] = 1
         self.toolchain.options["use_done_as_gpio"] = 1