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SFD (Vehicle Diagnostics Protection) protects control module functions on newer vehicles of the Volkswagen Group. Five things are needed before VCDS can release them. This page walks you through them in order.
First of all: the interface must be registered to you personally, and your ID document must match that registration.
A registration in someone else’s name or in a company name is not allowed - SFD releases may only be carried out by natural persons.
Step 1 - Interface registered to you personally
The VCDS interface (HEX-V2 or HEX-NET) must be registered with the manufacturer in the name of the actual user. If the registration does not match - for example because the interface is registered to another person or to a company - register it first. How that works is described in our VCDS registration guide: VCDS registration guide.
Step 2 - Current VCDS version and, if needed, a firmware update
- VCDS version 26.9.0 or newer is required. Which version is current is shown in our
VCDS feature overview. All VCDS downloads (installation packages) are in your customer account.
- After a VCDS update, a firmware update of the interface may be necessary - simply follow the steps shown in VCDS.
Step 3 - Complete the SFD registration with us
We prepare the release in your customer account. For that we need:
| What |
What for |
| The order / the interface the SFD subscription belongs to |
Assignment in your customer account |
| Your contact details (name, address, e-mail, phone) |
SFD service account and any questions |
| ID document - front side and, if applicable, back side (JPG, PNG, PDF) |
Proof of the natural person; the data must match the interface registration |
| Screenshot of the VCDS licence information (including the serial number) |
Cross-check against the interface registration |
| The VCDS interface serial number |
Release, and to make sure the right interface is released for SFD |
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Handy: you can upload photos straight from your phone - the registration page gives you a QR code for that. Uploaded images are shown right away.
Go to the SFD registration
Processing starts once we have the complete documents; you will receive a confirmation by e-mail.
Step 4 - Set the SFD password in the VCDS configuration program
- After the service account has been verified, set an SFD password in the VCDS configuration program (VCDS - Settings - Configuration - Registration tab).
- It must be at least 10 characters long.
- You will then receive an e-mail with a link that you have to confirm - only after that is the SFD function usable.
- This SFD password is requested at every new diagnostic session in which SFD is used.
Step 5 - Use the online SFD release in VCDS
- The diagnostic computer must have an internet connection while the release runs.
- The release happens automatically and temporarily through VCDS - no buying of individual tokens.
- All releases are logged; this is part of the SFD system and is required by law.
Frequent questions
Why do I have to upload an ID?
SFD releases may only be carried out by natural persons. The ID proves that the service account belongs to the person the interface is registered to. This is a requirement of the EU.
What happens in case of misuse?
Accesses are logged and can be traced. In case of misuse or justified suspicion, the data can be passed on to Volkswagen AG and/or investigating authorities. Details are in the terms of service.
My name does not match the interface registration - what now?
Then something is off: the name in your ID document, in the service account and in the interface registration must be identical. Correct the registration first before you use SFD.
Does the subscription cover several people or vehicles?
SFD tokens are tied to a person and are logged. Passing on access data or tokens to third parties is prohibited.
What if my subscription has expired?
Once it has expired you can renew the SFD subscription - see renew the SFD subscription.
See also: SFD subscription for VCDS - check the free year or renew · Ross-Tech SFD Terms of Service
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