How to Use OKX API with Python SDK: A Complete Integration Guide

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Integrating with the OKX API using the official Python SDK enables developers to build powerful trading bots, real-time market data dashboards, and automated portfolio management tools. Whether you're leveraging RESTful endpoints for one-time requests or WebSocket connections for live updates, this guide walks you through every step—from setup to execution—with clarity and precision.

Designed for developers familiar with Python (version 3.6+), this tutorial covers both RestAPI and WebSocketAPI integration methods. By the end, you’ll be able to securely authenticate, retrieve real-time data, monitor positions, and execute trades programmatically.

Step 1: Download the SDK and Install Required Libraries

Before diving into API calls, ensure your environment is properly configured.

Download the Python SDK

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

git clone https://github.com/gaood/bt_okx_api.git

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

⚠️ Note: Always verify the source integrity and review the codebase before deployment in production environments.

Install Dependencies

The SDK relies on two core libraries: requests for HTTP communication and websockets for real-time streaming. Install them using pip:

pip install requests
pip install websockets==6.0

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While newer versions of websockets may work, version 6.0 is recommended to avoid compatibility issues with the current SDK implementation.

Step 2: Configure Your API Credentials

To interact with private endpoints (such as account balance or order placement), you must generate an API key from your OKX account.

Generate Your API Key

  1. Log in to your OKX account.
  2. Navigate to API Management.
  3. Click Create API and complete the required verification steps.

  4. Copy the following three credentials:

    • API Key
    • Secret Key
    • Passphrase

Ensure that IP restrictions and permissions (e.g., read-only vs. trading access) are set according to your security needs.

Set Up Configuration Files

Open the following files in the SDK folder and insert your credentials:

Locate and update these lines:

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

Never commit these files to public repositories. Use .gitignore or environment variables in production.

Step 3: Make API Calls

Now that your environment is ready, it’s time to start interacting with the exchange.

Using RestAPI

The RestAPI allows you to send synchronous requests for historical data, place orders, or check account status.

Run the Example Script

Execute the provided example:

python example.py

Inside example.py, you'll find commented-out function calls like:

# account_api.get_account()
# trade_api.place_order(...)

Uncomment the relevant lines and pass required parameters to trigger specific actions.

Switch Between Live and Demo Trading

Use the flag parameter in example.py to toggle between environments:

This feature lets you validate logic without risking real funds.

Using WebSocketAPI

For real-time market updates—such as price changes, order book movements, or balance notifications—WebSocketAPI is essential.

Run the WebSocket Example

Launch the script:

python websocket_example.py

This script supports three main types of channels:

  1. Public Channels: Market data (no authentication needed)
  2. Private Channels: Account and order updates (requires login)
  3. Trading Functions: Place, cancel, or amend orders

Select the Correct Endpoint

Choose the appropriate WebSocket URL based on your use case:

# Public channel – no login required
url = "wss://ws.okx.com:8443/ws/v5/public?brokerId=9999"

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

Subscribe to Data Streams

Use asynchronous functions to subscribe:

# Subscribe to public data (e.g., BTC-USDT ticker)
loop.run_until_complete(subscribe_without_login(url, channels))

# Subscribe to private data (e.g., account balance)
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))

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💡 Tip: Always handle disconnections gracefully using reconnection logic in production systems.

Core Keywords for SEO Optimization

To enhance visibility and align with user search intent, this guide naturally integrates the following core keywords:

These terms support discoverability while maintaining technical accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What Python version do I need for the OKX Python SDK?

A: The SDK requires Python 3.6 or higher. Using an updated version ensures compatibility with modern async features used in WebSocket handling.

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

A: Version 6.0 has been tested extensively with this SDK. Newer versions might introduce breaking changes in async handling or connection lifecycle management.

Q: Can I test strategies before going live?

A: Yes! Use the flag = True setting in example.py to connect to OKX’s demo trading environment, allowing safe testing of trading logic.

Q: What does error code 1006 mean?

A: Code 1006 typically indicates an unexpected connection closure (e.g., network drop). Ensure stable internet connectivity and implement automatic reconnection logic.

Q: Is it safe to store API keys in Python files?

A: For development, yes—but never commit them to version control. In production, use environment variables or secure secret managers.

Q: Does RestAPI support HTTP/2?

A: Yes, the SDK includes experimental support via http2_example.py. HTTP/2 improves performance when making frequent requests.

Final Tips for Success

Whether you're building a simple price alert system or a full-scale algorithmic trading engine, mastering the OKX API opens doors to advanced financial applications.

👉 Maximize your trading potential with seamless API access now.