Autel VAG SFD Security Gateway Unlock 1 Year Subscription for VW, Audi, Skoda & SEAT

Autel VAG SFD Security Gateway Unlock is a 1 year token subscription that enables compatible Autel diagnostic tools to access SFD-protected systems on supported Volkswagen Group vehicles.

Volkswagen Group introduced SFD, Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose, as an additional security layer that controls access to protected vehicle modules and records authorised changes. Without SFD authorization, functions such as coding, adaptations, matching, basic settings, active tests and certain service procedures may be restricted.

This is a digital software activation only. No physical product will be supplied.

Key Features

• 1 Year SFD Token Subscription: Provides 12 months of Autel VAG SFD Security Gateway authorization for a compatible Autel diagnostic tool.
• Unlock SFD-Protected Modules: Gain authorised access to protected vehicle systems that may otherwise block advanced diagnostic functions.
• Advanced Diagnostic Access: Enables supported coding, adaptations, matching, active tests, basic settings, guided functions and service procedures after SFD authorization.
• Online Authorization: SFD access is authenticated online through the compatible Autel diagnostic platform.
• Multiple VAG Brands: Supports applicable Volkswagen Group vehicles across Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, CUPRA, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Bentley and Lamborghini.
• Digital Activation: The subscription is activated electronically against the compatible Autel diagnostic device.

What is VAG SFD?

SFD, or Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose, is Volkswagen Group’s Vehicle Diagnostic Protection system.

It creates an additional authorization layer between the diagnostic tool, the vehicle and Volkswagen Group’s systems. The system helps protect vehicles against unauthorised changes while providing a record of who accessed protected functions and when modifications were made.

SFD can restrict functions such as:

• Coding
• Adaptations
• Parametrisation
• Matching procedures
• Basic settings
• Active tests
• Service functions
• Access to selected protected control modules

When Do You Need SFD Unlocking?

An SFD unlock is required when the vehicle’s protected control module prevents the diagnostic tool from performing an authorised function.

You may still be able to identify the vehicle or read certain diagnostic information, but functions such as clearing selected faults, coding, matching, basic settings, active tests and maintenance procedures can be blocked until the relevant module is unlocked.

Examples include:

• Maintenance and service resets
• Brake pad replacement procedures
• Airbag module coding
• Control module adaptations
• Component matching
• Basic settings
• Active tests
• Common special functions
• Guided functions
• Other protected coding and configuration procedures

Supported Vehicle Brands

• Volkswagen: Supported
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: Supported
• Audi: Supported
• Skoda: Supported
• SEAT: Supported
• CUPRA: Supported
• Bentley: Supported on applicable vehicles
• Lamborghini: Supported on applicable vehicles
• Bugatti: Included within the VAG authorization according to the supplied compatibility information
• Porsche: Not supported by this VAG SFD token

Vehicle and Platform Coverage

SFD protection is primarily found on newer Volkswagen Group vehicles, including vehicles manufactured from approximately 2020 using MQB Evo and MEB platforms.

Examples include:

• Volkswagen Golf 8: MQB Evo platform
• Volkswagen ID.3: MEB platform
• Volkswagen ID.4: MEB platform
• Volkswagen ID.5: MEB platform
• Volkswagen ID.7: MEB platform
• Volkswagen ID.Buzz: MEB platform
• Skoda Octavia IV: MQB Evo platform
• Skoda Enyaq: MEB platform
• SEAT Leon IV: MQB Evo platform
• CUPRA Formentor: Supported applicable vehicles
• CUPRA Born: Supported applicable vehicles
• Audi A3 8Y: Supported applicable vehicles
• Audi Q4 e-tron: Supported applicable vehicles

Important: SFD coverage is determined by the individual vehicle platform, model year and protected control module. A model year alone does not guarantee that every module on the vehicle requires or supports SFD authorization.

Additional Supported Vehicle Examples

• Audi A3 / S3 / RS3: 2020 onwards
• Audi A6 / S6 / RS6: 2018 onwards
• Audi A7 / S7 / RS7: 2018 onwards
• Audi A7L: 2022 onwards
• Audi Q4 e-tron: 2022 onwards
• Audi Q5 e-tron: 2022 onwards
• Audi Q8 / SQ8: 2019 onwards
• Audi e-tron: 2019 onwards
• Audi e-tron GT: 2021 onwards
• Volkswagen Caddy: 2020 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Volkswagen Multivan: 2021 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Volkswagen ID.Buzz: 2022 / 2023 onwards depending on market
• SEAT Leon: 2020 onwards, applicable vehicles
• CUPRA Formentor: 2021 onwards, applicable vehicles
• CUPRA Born: 2022 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Skoda Scala: 2019 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Skoda Kamiq: 2020 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Skoda Slavia: 2022 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Skoda Octavia: 2020 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Skoda Enyaq: 2021 onwards, applicable vehicles
• Bentley Bentayga: Applicable supported vehicles
• Bentley Flying Spur: Applicable supported vehicles
• Bentley Continental Series: Applicable supported vehicles
• Lamborghini Revuelto: 2024 onwards, applicable vehicles

Protected Control Modules

SFD protection can apply to a range of vehicle control systems, including:

• Engine Control Unit
• Electronic Brake System
• Central Electrical System
• Airbag System
• Instrument Cluster
• Data Bus Diagnostic Interface / Gateway
• Brake Booster
• Multifunction Module
• Information Electronics System
• Multimedia System
• Communication Unit and Emergency Call Module
• Other SFD-protected Volkswagen Group control units

How Long Does an SFD Unlock Last?

Unlocking a control module does not permanently disable SFD protection.

According to the supplied vehicle coverage information, once a protected module has been successfully unlocked, the authorised session can normally remain active for up to approximately 90 minutes.

After the authorization period expires, the ECU can automatically lock again. If further protected operations are required, the module must be authorised again.

The 90 minute module access period is separate from the 1 year SFD subscription. Your subscription gives you access to the SFD authorization service for 1 year, while individual vehicle modules may require repeated unlocking during that subscription period.

Compatible Autel Diagnostic Tools

The VAG SFD subscription requires a compatible Autel diagnostic platform with supported OEM Authorization functionality.

Compatible devices can include selected models from the following Autel ranges:

• MaxiSys Ultra Series
• MaxiSys MS919 Series
• MaxiSys MS909 Series
• Selected MaxiSys MS908 Series
• Selected MaxiSys MS906 Series
• MaxiDAS DS900 Series
• Selected MaxiCheck MX900 Series
• Selected MaxiCheck MX808 Series
• Selected MaxiIM IM608 Series
• Selected MaxiIM IM508 Series

Please confirm compatibility using the exact Autel model before purchasing.

Autel Models That Cannot Activate This VAG SFD Token

The supplied compatibility information specifically states that the VAG SFD token cannot be activated on the following Autel devices:

• MaxiSys Elite / MS Elite
• Original MaxiSys
• Original MaxiSys Pro
• MaxiSys IM
• MaxiSys ADAS
• MaxiSys CV
• Autel BT608
• Autel MaxiIM KM100

If you are unsure whether your Autel device supports the VAG SFD Security Gateway service, confirm compatibility before purchasing the activation.

Important Software Subscription Requirement

Your Autel diagnostic tablet’s normal software subscription must be within its valid update period before purchasing and activating the VAG SFD token.

The VAG SFD subscription and your normal Autel diagnostic software update subscription are separate products.

Purchasing this SFD token:

• Does not renew your Autel diagnostic software subscription
• Does not extend your standard software update period
• Does not add diagnostic functions that your device does not already support
• Only provides the applicable VAG SFD Security Gateway authorization service

Please also ensure that the latest available Volkswagen vehicle software file is installed on the diagnostic tool before use.

OEM Authorization App

SFD authorization is managed through the supported Autel OEM Authorization functionality.

If your device has never had a supported Security Gateway authorization function activated, the OEM Authorization area may display no available subscription until the required service has been purchased and activated.

Two-Factor Authentication Required

Volkswagen requires two-factor authentication for SFD authorization.

Before using the service, install Google Authenticator on a suitable mobile device and bind it to the relevant Autel account.

You must also have access to the email address registered to your Autel ID.

Google Authenticator Setup

1. Install and open Google Authenticator on your mobile phone.
2. Select the option to add a new code.
3. Select the option to enter a setup key.
4. Enter your Autel account name.
5. Enter the 16-digit secret key supplied during the Autel authentication process.
6. Select the time-based key option.
7. Complete the account binding process.
8. Google Authenticator will generate a 6-digit dynamic authentication code.
9. On the Autel diagnostic device, select Authenticate and enter the latest 6-digit code.
10. Once authentication is successful, proceed with the SFD unlock.

Important: Ensure that the email address used for your Autel ID can receive emails before starting the authentication process.

How to Use VAG SFD Authorization

1. Make sure your compatible Autel diagnostic tool has valid and current vehicle software.
2. Connect the diagnostic tool to the supported Volkswagen Group vehicle.
3. Identify the vehicle and enter the required diagnostic system or control module.
4. Attempt the required coding, adaptation, matching, active test or service procedure.
5. If the module is SFD protected, select the available SFD / OEM Authorization unlock function.
6. Complete the required online authentication.
7. Enter the current Google Authenticator code when requested.
8. Wait for confirmation that the protected module has been successfully unlocked.
9. Perform the required supported diagnostic or service procedure.

How to Renew the SFD Subscription

If the Volkswagen Auto Group Security Gateway function has previously been purchased for the device, the subscription can be renewed through the supported OEM Authorization application.

Open OEM Authorization on the compatible Autel device and follow the available renewal process for the Volkswagen Group Security Gateway service.

Technical Specifications

• Product: Autel VAG SFD Security Gateway Unlock
• Product Type: Digital software authorization / token subscription
• Brand: Autel
• Subscription Duration: 1 Year
• Vehicle Group: Volkswagen Group / VAG
• Authorization Type: SFD, Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose
• Activation: Electronic activation
• Internet Connection: Required
• Two-Factor Authentication: Required
• Authentication App: Google Authenticator
• Autel ID Email Access: Required
• Valid Autel Software Subscription: Required
• Individual Module Unlock Duration: Normally up to approximately 90 minutes according to supported vehicle conditions
• Physical Product: None
• Porsche Coverage: Not included

Before You Purchase

• Confirm that your exact Autel diagnostic model supports VAG SFD authorization.
• Confirm that your Autel diagnostic software subscription is still valid.
• Update the device and install the latest available Volkswagen diagnostic software.
• Make sure the device is registered to your Autel account.
• Make sure you have access to the email address linked to your Autel ID.
• Install Google Authenticator for Volkswagen two-factor authentication.
• Confirm that the vehicle and required module are supported.
• Remember that Porsche is not included in this VAG SFD subscription.

What’s in the Box

• 1x Autel VAG SFD Security Gateway 1 Year Digital Token Subscription

Digital product: No diagnostic tablet, cable, adapter, token card or other physical hardware is included.