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Messages & Sound Manager

Lesson 6 of 6
Duration 3:59
Level Beginner
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In this video, we will review how to configure which messages are received within Trader Workstation and how to configure the sounds played when certain events are triggered. Depending on your preferences, you may want to enable or disable certain messages or sounds that are triggered while you are trading. Both messages and sounds can be managed within the TWS Global Configuration.

First, we will focus on Messages.

  • When you receive an information or confirmation message in TWS, we include a checkbox in the bottom left corner with the text “Don't display this message again.”
  • If you elect to hide a message, you can enable it again at any time within Global Configuration.
  • On the left-hand menu, select Messages.
  • On the right pane, the available list of messages that can be enabled or disabled will be displayed.
  • Use the check boxes on the far-right side to enable or disable certain messages.
  • A check mark indicates the message is enabled and a blank box indicates the message is disabled. You can enable all the messages to be received by clicking Enable All in the center of the page.
  • Once satisfied, select Apply.

For example, I currently have the Cash Quantity Order Confirmation and Cash Quantity Warnings enabled. As you can see, these messages pop-up when I place an order with a cash quantity instead of a share quantity. I can check the box for Don’t Display This Message Again before transmitting the order which will disable these messages from being received in the future. To confirm these are disabled, open the Global Configuration and the Cash Quantity messages no longer have check marks indicating that they are indeed disabled. I can re-enable by checking the box then selecting Apply and OK at the bottom.

Next, we will review the Sound Manager.

  • While you are trading, you may want to receive sound alerts to notify you when certain events are triggered such as orders being filled or cancelled.
  • To do so, select Sound Manager from the left-hand menu of the Global Configuration.
  • The list of available events is displayed in the middle and you can enable a sound with the check box to the left of the event.
  • The File Name column will display the type of sound currently configured for that event.
  • Click the triangle button to select from the default sounds available which are Voice, Bell, Double Bell, Alarm Clock, Siren or Chime.
  • Alternatively, you may upload your own sound file to be played when the event is triggered by clicking on the three ellipses and selecting the file you would like to upload.
  • To preview the sound, click on the Play button. I can also enter the number of times the sound should repeat.

For example, if I wanted to be notified that my closing order was filled with a custom horn sound, I would check the box on the left to enable the sound and then select the 3 ellipses to upload my sound file. I can preview the sound and elect to make it repeat if I would like.

As we have discussed, configuring which messages are enabled in TWS can help provide warnings for certain events or in some cases, it may be more beneficial for you to disable receiving certain messages to speed up the trading process. It can also be beneficial to create sound alerts within TWS to notify you when certain events are triggered.

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If you have a general question, it may already be covered in our FAQs. If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services.

18 thoughts on “Messages & Sound Manager”

  • Robert

    I want to receive a text message when my order is filled. How do I set this up?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Robert, thank you for reaching out. Please review this FAQ article on SMS notifications/alerts and how to configure them for your account: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=27271514.

  • Tom Marshall

    How do I stop TWS from constantly dinging? I disabled all sound, yet it continues to ding every second. Annoying.

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Tom, thank you for reaching out. To deactivate or delete an alert that you have set up, click on the Analytical Tools menu option in TWS and select Alerts. All your alerts will be listed on the window that populates. Left click on the active, blinking alert that you wish to turn off. https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=32642967

  • Jeremy Davis

    Same here. How in the world to fix this?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Jeremy, thank you for reaching out. To deactivate or delete an alert that you have set up, click on the Analytical Tools menu option in TWS and select Alerts. All your alerts will be listed on the window that populates. Left click on the active, blinking alert that you wish to turn off. https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=32642967

  • J Huang

    How can I get rid of Order Confirmation message with my hotkeys?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello, thank you for reaching out. When you receive an information or confirmation message in TWS, we include a checkbox in the bottom left corner with the text “Don’t display this message again.” We hope this helps!

  • SJ Teoh

    I used to have opening bell when market opens, how do I set it back up+

  • Mihai

    I want to receive an email message when my order is filled. How do I set this up?

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Mihai, thank you for reaching out. It is possible to configure trade alerts to be sent to your email in both TWS and IBKR Mobile trading platforms. Please view this FAQ with instructions to configure email trade confirmations: https://www.ibkr.com/faq?id=49259289

      We hope this helps!

  • David

    How do I setup a custom alert sound? The default ones are annoying

  • Anonymous

    constant chime,, wont stop

  • scott tredrea

    constant chime at open of TWS, cant find a way to turn off

    • Interactive Brokers

      Hello Scott, thank you for commenting. To mute the voice automation in TWS, select Global Configuration from the Edit menu option in Classic TWS or the File menu option in Mosaic. From there, select Sound Manager in the left pane. In the right pane, select Profile “Non-Voice” to disable voice messages. You can also disable sounds for specific events removing the check-mark next to them. Click Apply to save your changes and OK to close the window. We hope this helps!

  • Diederik

    same here, every second a chime at open of TWS. Did not have this problem in history.

  • Diederik

    Fixed ! Go to New Window > Alerts , delete the constant repeating there!

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Disclosure: Interactive Brokers

The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Interactive Brokers, its affiliates, or its employees.

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