How to Use OKX Python SDK for API Trading

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Integrating with cryptocurrency trading platforms programmatically has become essential for traders, developers, and algorithmic trading enthusiasts. The OKX Python SDK offers a powerful, efficient way to interact with the OKX exchange using both REST API and WebSocket API. Whether you're building a trading bot, analyzing market data in real time, or managing your portfolio automatically, this guide walks you through the complete setup and usage process.

Designed for Python versions 3.6 to 3.8, the OKX Python SDK supports modern asynchronous communication via WebSockets and provides robust tools for accessing public market data, private account information, and executing trades seamlessly.

Step 1: Download the SDK and Install Required Libraries

Before diving into trading automation, ensure your development environment is properly configured.

Download the Python SDK

Start by cloning or downloading the official okx-python-sdk-api-v5 repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/okx/python-sdk-api-v5.git

Alternatively, download the ZIP file directly from the GitHub page and extract it to your preferred directory.

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Install Dependencies

Navigate to your project folder and install the required Python packages using pip:

pip install requests
pip install websockets==6.0
Note: It's recommended to use websockets==6.0 for compatibility with the SDK. Newer versions may introduce breaking changes.

These libraries enable HTTP requests (via requests) and real-time bidirectional communication (via websockets), which are crucial for interacting with OKX’s REST and WebSocket APIs.

Step 2: Configure Your API Credentials

To securely access your account data and execute trades, you’ll need to generate an API key from your OKX account.

Generate Your API Key

If you don’t already have an API key:

  1. Log in to your OKX account.
  2. Navigate to API Management.
  3. Create a new API key with appropriate permissions (e.g., read-only for data access or trade-enabled for order execution).
  4. Save your API Key, Secret Key, and Passphrase securely — never share them.

Set Up Configuration Files

Open the following two example files included in the SDK:

Locate the credential fields and fill them in:

api_key = "your_api_key_here"
secret_key = "your_secret_key_here"
passphrase = "your_passphrase_here"

Ensure these values are kept confidential and avoid committing them to public repositories.

Step 3: Call the OKX APIs

Now that your environment is set up, you can begin interacting with the exchange.

Using REST API

The REST API allows you to send synchronous requests for account details, place orders, check balances, and more.

Run the Example Script

Execute the example.py file:

python example.py

Inside the script, locate the commented method calls corresponding to different endpoints — such as getting account balance or placing an order. Uncomment the relevant sections and pass in required parameters:

# Example: Get account balance
result = accountAPI.get_account_balance()
print(result)

You can toggle between live trading and demo trading by modifying the flag parameter:

REST API also supports HTTP/2, which improves performance for high-frequency requests. Check http2_example.py for implementation details.

Using WebSocket API

For real-time data streaming — such as live price updates, order book changes, or instant notifications on executed trades — use the WebSocket API.

Run the WebSocket Example

Launch the WebSocket client:

python websocket_example.py

Choose the appropriate connection URL based on your needs:

# Public channel (no authentication needed)
url = "wss://ws.okx.com:8443/ws/v5/public?brokerId=9999"

# Private channel (requires login)
url = "wss://ws.okx.com:8443/ws/v5/private?brokerId=9999"

Connect to channels like:

Use the provided async functions:

# Subscribe without login (public data)
loop.run_until_complete(subscribe_without_login(url, channels))

# Subscribe with login (private data)
loop.run_until_complete(subscribe(url, api_key, passphrase, secret_key, channels))

# Execute trades
loop.run_until_complete(trade(url, api_key, passphrase, secret_key, trade_param))

Toggle between live and demo modes by commenting/uncommenting the relevant URL lines in the script.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What Python versions are supported?

The OKX Python SDK is optimized for Python 3.6 to 3.8. While newer versions may work, compatibility is not guaranteed due to changes in dependency handling and syntax.

Q2: Why should I use websockets==6.0 specifically?

Version 6.0 of the websockets library ensures stable asynchronous communication with OKX’s WebSocket servers. Later versions may have breaking changes affecting authentication or message framing.

Q3: Is it safe to use my API keys in local scripts?

Yes — as long as you keep them offline and avoid sharing them publicly (e.g., on GitHub). Consider using environment variables or a .env file for added security.

Q4: How do I switch between demo and live trading?

Q5: What does error code 1006 mean?

Error code=1006 typically indicates an unexpected disconnection. This could be due to network issues, server-side timeouts, or authentication failures. Ensure stable internet connectivity and correct credentials.

Q6: Where can I find detailed API documentation?

Refer to the official OKX API Docs for comprehensive endpoint references, request/response formats, rate limits, and authentication protocols.

Best Practices for Secure and Efficient Integration

👉 Maximize your trading efficiency with advanced API integration tools.

By leveraging the OKX Python SDK, developers gain full control over their trading strategies — from real-time market monitoring to automated execution. With clear structure, reliable documentation, and support for both synchronous and asynchronous workflows, this toolkit empowers anyone looking to build smart, responsive trading systems.

Whether you're a beginner exploring algorithmic trading or a seasoned developer building institutional-grade bots, mastering the OKX API opens doors to faster decisions, better accuracy, and enhanced performance in today’s fast-moving crypto markets.