You must select live or paper trading mode prior to logging in. You cannot switch modes once you have logged in.
It is very easy to switch from live trading to paper (simulated) trading and back again whether you are using Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal or IBKR Desktop. Open the Login box, and:
- In Trader Workstation, choose Live Trading or Paper Trading above the username field.
- In IBKR Mobile, from the Login screen tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Log in to Paper Trading.
- In Client Portal, toggle between Live or Paper found in the upper right corner of the login window.
- In IBKR Desktop, choose Live Trading or Paper Trading above the username field.
The login box changes color to help ensure you are logging into the desired mode: white for Client Portal live trading, Dark Blue for TWS, IBKR Mobile and IBKR Desktop Live Trading and Red for simulated paper trading. You can only select a trading mode prior to logging in. If you want to switch modes, you need to log out and log back in with the selected trading mode.
Please Note
- The paper trading account simulates most aspects of the live account but does have some limitations in functionality.
Additional Information
- Paper trading account in the Client Portal Users' Guide.
- Is live data provided for paper trading accounts?
- What are the limitations of the paper trading account?
- Is it possible to have more than one paper trading account?
- If you are not yet a client, you can open a free trial account. See: How can I open a free trial account?