SFD Public Beta!

[Uwe]

UPDATE: Free SFD Beta Sign-Ups end at the end of May. See HERE.

We've been running a private Beta for distributors and a few privately invited forum members for several weeks now, and we think it's time to widen the scope. So we're now making on-line SFD functionality available in Beta form to all Verified Users here.

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Prerequiste:

• You must be a Verified User in this forum. If you're not, then please Get Verified first!

Instructions:
https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/tour/sfd-online.php

• Please take the time to read them carefully and refer back to them as needed. We will not be amused if you ask questions that are already answered on that page.
• All support for on-line SFD functionality while in Beta will be right here, in this section of the forum. Do not call, e-mail, or PM us with questions.
• These instructions have been updated a bit today (2026-05-03). Additional text for firmware updates in Step 2) and included "connect your interface to a car" in step A).

Software (Beta 26.7.1):
https://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/download/beta/current.php

• Please check for updates frequently!
• As of 2025-05-08 users of interface serial numbers starting with H10-, H11-, H12-, HN1-, and HN2- do not need to switch to the Beta channel for firmware updates. SFD-compatible firmware is now on the Release channel, so just update your firmware normally. However, we do need to see that your interface firmware is up-to-date before your SFD Service order can be accepted.
• Users of interface serial numbers starting with H17- and H18- still require an additional update for SFD compatibility. As of 2026-05-18, this update is now available on the Beta channel. A switch to Alpha by Ross-Tech is no longer required. Please connect your interface to a car when doing this update to ensure sufficient power.

Feedback:

• Obviously the purpose of this Beta is to get feedback, so please provide as much as possible.
• Please post questions about the SFD process here in this thread.
• Please start a new thread for every car you test on, and include scans, maps, and screen-shots as appropriate.

-Uwe-

 

[Boki Ar]

First customer and successful registration.

Maybe for someone it means help in the process, you need a little patience during the process.

 

[stefdds]

Good idea Boki, I'll post my long hand notes later today.

 

[davisev5225]

This doesn't affect me (currently?), but a question for the team anyway: does this allow making "unauthorized" changes to coding/adaptions, such as enabling features like pre-SFD systems, or are you forced to authorize with VAG servers for every change? I ask because if I understand SFD2 correctly, all coding/adaption changes have to be calculated and authorized with the server, not just the module unlock itself, and there's rumors online that the servers will reject any changes outside of what VAG deems is the "appropriate" configuration for your VIN.

 

[Uwe]

Does this allow making "unauthorized" changes to coding/adaptions, such as enabling features like pre-SFD systems, or are you forced to authorize with VAG servers for every change? I ask because if I understand SFD2 correctly, all coding/adaption changes have to be calculated and authorized with the server, not just the module unlock itself, and there's rumors online that the servers will reject any changes outside of what VAG deems is the "appropriate" configuration for your VIN.

It depends. On control modules that have SFD2 (you can see that in an Auto-Scan), some things (typically "configuration changes") will be blocked by SFD2, and there's currently no way around that. We're under the impression that SFD2 access is coming to aftermarket scan tool makers like us, but none have it yet, and we're not aware of a time-frame for it.

On SFD2 cars, SFD unlocking like we have here will get you access to functionality that's required for normal servicing; things like SRI Resets and opening the rear brakes, which IMO should never have been blocked in the first place.

On cars that only have SFD and not SFD2 (generally 2020-2023), SFD unlocking gets you full access again.

-Uwe-

 

[Uwe]

All support for on-line SFD functionality while in Beta will be right here, in this section of the forum. Do not call, e-mail, or PM us with questions.

The alternative is:



-Uwe-

 

[Jef]

... so um... download the beta version, update your HEX device with the Beta firmware, and then make sure you can scan a car BEFORE you sign up for the SFD service. Failure to do so can put you in SFD jail for 92 days.

 

[Boki Ar]

If our user has two or more interfaces, how do we work?

One account, interface of his choice?

 

[Uwe]

One account, interface of his choice?

Yes, that sounds like the right way for now.

-Uwe-

 

[Kvetosm]

Yesterday's activation was successful.

 

[Boki Ar]

... Download the beta version, update your HEX device with the Beta firmware, and then make sure you can scan a car BEFORE you sign up for the SFD service. Failure to do so can put you in SFD jail for 92 days.

Important information!

 

[autocomsoft]

Failure to do so can put you in SFD jail for 92 days.

What could happen?

 

[Boki Ar]

I was thinking of asking the same thing, I would add in what way.

 

[Uwe]

What could happen?

Automatic security mechanisms come into play an lock you out of your account.

-Uwe-

 

[autocomsoft]

Automatic security mechanisms come into play an lock you out of your account.

When the user signs up for the SFD service without the beta firmware, or when they do not scan the car first, or both?

 

[Uwe]

When the user signs up for the SFD service without the beta firmware, or when they do not scan the car first, or both?

It is not a problem during sign-up. I think it's when they try to start an SFD session; password will not go through, and if they try too many times, their account ends up locked.

-Uwe-

 

[Paskal]

Today's activation was successful.

 

[Boki Ar]

 

[Jacek]

Does a 92-day blocked account look like this?
Do I need to have a car interface before opening the "Start SFD Session" application? This information is unclear.

Please provide step-by-step instructions detailing the steps.

To avoid mistakes I probably made, I hope it will be easier for others.

 

[TTT]

Pretty much clear, isn't it, from post #1 links? There are step-by-step instructions provided.

The Regular Process.   This consists of two parts:

A) Start an SFD Session:
With your interface connected via USB and your PC connected to the Internet, start VCDS, click [Applications] and click on [Start SFD Session].