How to Connect Zerodha Kite API for Algorithmic Trading

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you will need: an active Zerodha trading account, a Kite Connect API subscription (₹2,000/month, waived if you trade 30+ times/month), and our algo trading software installed on your system.

Step 1: Generate Your Kite Connect API Keys

1. Log in to your Zerodha Kite account at kite.zerodha.com
2. Navigate to Developer Console at developers.kite.trade
3. Create a new application — set the redirect URL to your software callback URL
4. Note your API Key and API Secret — you will need both

Step 2: Install the IndiQuant Software

1. Download the software from your account after purchase
2. Extract the package to a folder of your choice (e.g., C:AlgoTrading)
3. Install Python 3.9+ if not already installed (python.org/downloads)
4. Run: pip install -r requirements.txt in the software folder

Step 3: Configure Your API Credentials

Open the config.ini file in the software folder and enter your credentials:

[ZERODHA]
api_key = your_api_key_here
api_secret = your_api_secret_here
user_id = your_zerodha_user_id

Step 4: Generate Access Token

The Kite Connect API uses a daily access token that must be regenerated each morning before trading. Our software automates this process:

1. Run python login.py to open the login URL
2. Complete the Zerodha login in your browser
3. The software automatically extracts and saves the access token
4. Set up Windows Task Scheduler or cron to run this automatically at 8:45 AM every trading day

Step 5: Test in Paper Trading Mode

Before running live, always test in paper trading mode. Set paper_trade = True in your config. The software will simulate orders without actually placing them, so you can verify the logic is working correctly.

Step 6: Go Live

Once satisfied with the paper trading results, set paper_trade = False and start with small position sizes. Monitor the first few live trades closely before scaling up.