What Is Zerodha Kite Connect?
Zerodha is India's largest discount brokerage, serving over 1.5 crore active clients. If you trade Indian equities, there is a strong chance you already have a Zerodha account. Kite Connect is Zerodha's official API platform — it allows third-party applications like Sleeping Trade India to place trades in your demat account programmatically.
The Kite Connect API costs Rs 2,000 per month, paid directly to Zerodha. This is not a fee we collect — it goes straight to your broker for API access. The API provides trade-only access, meaning it can place buy and sell orders but cannot transfer funds, withdraw money, or access your banking details. Your capital remains fully in your control at all times.
Setting up the connection takes about five minutes. Here is exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Open a Zerodha Account
If you do not already have a Zerodha account, opening one is straightforward:
- Visit zerodha.com and click "Sign up."
- Enter your mobile number and email address.
- Complete the KYC process — you will need your PAN card, Aadhaar card, and bank account details. The entire process is digital and can be done from your phone.
- Zerodha typically activates your account within 24 to 48 hours of completing KYC.
- There are zero account opening charges. Zerodha does not charge annual maintenance fees for equity demat accounts either.
Once your account is active, you will receive your Zerodha client ID and can log in to the Kite web platform or mobile app.
Step 2: Subscribe to Kite Connect API
With your Zerodha account active, the next step is enabling API access:
- Visit kite.trade — this is Zerodha's developer portal for API services.
- Log in using your Zerodha client ID and password.
- Navigate to the "Apps" section and subscribe to Kite Connect. The subscription costs Rs 2,000 per month, billed directly to your Zerodha account.
- Once subscribed, click "Create new app" to set up an application. Give it any name you like — for example, "Sleeping Trade" or "My Trading Bot."
- Set the redirect URL to the one provided in your Sleeping Trade India dashboard (you will get this in the next step).
Step 3: Generate API Credentials
After creating your app on Kite Connect, you will see two critical pieces of information:
- API Key: A unique identifier for your app. Think of it as a username.
- API Secret: A private key that authenticates your app. Think of it as a password.
Copy both of these and keep them safe. An important security note: these credentials can only be used to place trades and view portfolio data. They cannot be used to withdraw funds, transfer money, or modify your bank details. Even in the unlikely event that someone obtained your API credentials, they could not move money out of your account. All withdrawals require separate authentication through Zerodha's own platform.
Step 4: Connect to Sleeping Trade
Now you are ready to link everything together:
- Sign up at sleepingtrade.in if you have not already. Waitlist is open; onboarding will begin at launch.
- Choose the plan that fits your capital. All plans have a 6-month minimum commitment with transparent upfront terms.
- In your Sleeping Trade dashboard, navigate to "Broker Connection" or "API Settings."
- Paste your Zerodha API Key and API Secret into the designated fields.
- Click "Authorize Connection." You will be redirected to Zerodha's login page to confirm the link. Log in and approve the connection.
That is it. The entire process — from creating the Kite Connect app to authorizing the connection — takes approximately five minutes.
Step 5: What Happens Next
Once the connection is live, here is what to expect:
- The AI begins scanning immediately. Our system analyses NIFTY 50 stocks in real time, evaluating technical indicators, volume patterns, and market conditions across all 50 constituents.
- First trade typically within the first trading session. During market hours (9:15 AM to 3:30 PM IST, Monday to Friday), the system will identify and execute its first trade based on current market conditions.
- All trades are visible in your Zerodha Kite app. Every order the AI places appears in your order book and trade book exactly as if you had placed it manually. There is complete transparency.
- You do not need to keep any app open. The AI runs on our servers and communicates with Zerodha through the API. Your phone can be off, your laptop can be shut. The system operates independently.
- Check weekly for results. We recommend reviewing your portfolio once a week. The Sleeping Trade dashboard provides a summary of all trades, net profit and loss, and performance metrics. Avoid checking daily — individual trade results can fluctuate, and weekly or monthly reviews give a much more accurate picture of system performance.
Free API Alternatives
Zerodha's Kite Connect is the most popular API, but the Rs 2,000 monthly cost can be a consideration. Several other SEBI-registered brokers offer free API access:
- Upstox: Free API with strong documentation and reliable uptime.
- Angel One: Free SmartAPI with broad feature coverage.
- 5Paisa: Free developer API — a solid option for cost-conscious users.
- Fyers: Free API with a strong developer community.
Sleeping Trade supports all five brokers — Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, 5Paisa, and Fyers. Starter plan covers one broker, Pro up to two, Elite and Premium Personal all five. If you are starting fresh and want to minimise costs, Upstox, Angel One, 5Paisa, or Fyers are all free at the API layer.