As the Volkswagen Group (VAG) increases its requirements for data protection in vehicles, the previous method of activating security access with a 5-digit login code no longer meets current technical standards. Starting in 2020, VAG has introduced the SFD (Security For Diagnostics) procedure across its brands to enhance Vehicle Diagnostic Protection. This SFD system was initially applied to new models released after 2020, including the VW Golf VIII, Audi A3 8Y, Skoda Octavia A8, and Seat Leon MK4.
Tools and Requirements for Unlocking the VAG SFD Gateway
Using the VXDIAG VCX SE for VW device and ODIS service software, it is possible to perform a manual unlock without a login account.
Supported software versions: Both ODIS S v11 and ODIS V23 work correctly.
VXDIAG.com will provide both online activation and offline activation options to meet the needs of different customers.
I. Online Activation (Standard Procedure)
Use Self-Diagnosis: In ODIS, start with "Self-diagnosis," then select the control unit (e.g., C002 Software Cluster Unit). Use the "Display measured values" function to determine if the control unit is SFD-protected.
Manual SFD Activation: Select "Manual SFD Activation." If no activation token has been generated, answer “No.”
Generate Activation Request Structure: The activation request structure generated by the control unit is required for the SFD backend to create an activation token. Copy this structure to the clipboard or save it as a file.
Access the SFD Application: Open the "SFD" application on the dealer portal.
Generate Activation Token: On the SFD backend token generation website, enter the previously generated activation request structure, along with the VIN and brand. Click "Request Token" to create the activation token.
Enter Activation Token: Return to ODIS. Once you have the activation token, answer "Yes" and enter the token, either from the clipboard or a file.
II. Offline Activation (Manual Method)
In a diagnostic start-up via “Self-diagnosis”, after selecting a control unit (i.e C002 Software Cluster unit) you can establish whether the control unit is SFD-protected using the “Display measured values” function
Manual SFD Activation: In ODIS, select "Manual SFD Activation."
If an activation token has not yet been generated, answer “No” to the following question:
Obtain Token: If there’s no valid token, you can purchase one from a third-party website, vaglogins.com, which generates one-time SFD unlock tokens. They operate on a “credits” system; 25 credits cost €25 (around $27), with 5 credits required for one SFD challenge-response for a module or 15 credits for unlimited offline challenges for a specific VIN over 60 minutes.
Log in and Purchase Token: Sign up on vaglogins.com and buy the required tokens.
Activate VIN: First, enter the VIN to activate it.
Paste Original SFD Code: Copy the original SFD IT backend code to the clipboard and paste it.
Request SFD Unlock Code: On vaglogins.com, enter the VIN, paste the original SFD code, select the brand and diagnostic address, and then request the SFD unlock code, here C002 for example
Copy SFD Calculation Code: Wait for the system to calculate the SFD code, then copy the SFD calculation code to the clipboard.
Paste Code and Activate: Paste the code into the ODIS software and press "Activate Control Unit" to unlock the SFD security gateway.
