> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://smartcar.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Vehicles

> Learn how to connect vehicles to your Smartcar application using Smartcar Connect.

Smartcar Connect is the starting point for connecting vehicles to your application. It uses Smartcar's patented and secure [OAuth 2.0](https://oauth.net/2/) flow to let vehicle owners grant your app access to their car data and control features.

### Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have [configured](/docs/getting-started/configure-application) your Smartcar application in the [Smartcar Dashboard](https://dashboard.smartcar.com/configuration). You will need:

* Your application's `Client ID` and `Client Secret`
* A valid `redirect_uri` for your application, if you use the Authorization Code flow (`response_type=code`)
* The vehicle data you want to access (e.g., odometer, location, etc.)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Step 1: Launch Smartcar Connect">
    Direct your users to the Smartcar Connect URL. This can be done using the Smartcar SDK for your platform (web, iOS, or Android) or copying the URL from the [Smartcar Dashboard](https://dashboard.smartcar.com/configuration). The user will:

    * Select their vehicle brand
    * Log in with their connected services account
    * Review and approve the requested permissions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Step 2: Handle the Connect Response">
    After the user authorizes access, Smartcar will redirect them back to your application using the default `redirect_uri` you provided in your app configuration. The `user_id` query parameter will be needed for vehicle api requests. Read more about Connect redirect URL parameters [here](/docs/connect/handle-the-response).

    The authorization code applies to the Authorization Code flow (`response_type=code`). If you launched Connect with `response_type=none`, no code is returned. You can still set a `redirect_uri` to bring the user back to your application; if you don't, the flow ends on a Smartcar-hosted completion page. You can look up the new connection with the `user_id` returned in the redirect or the `external_id` you provided at the [/connections endpoint](/docs/api-reference/list-connections).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Vehicle owners may occasionally need to re-authenticate due to OEM platform migrations, credential changes, or permission updates. Build your integration to handle these scenarios gracefully. See [Handle Re-authentication](/docs/connect/re-auth/oem-migrations) for implementation guidance.
</Info>

## What’s Next

* [Build your first integration](/docs/getting-started/integration-overview).
* [See more about Smartcar Connect](/docs/connect/what-is-connect)
* [Explore available API endpoints](/docs/api-reference)
* [Learn about permissions and scopes](/docs/api-reference/permissions)