IBKR TWS Configuration

This guide covers the detailed configuration of Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation (TWS) for optimal use with OptionTrigger.

💡

Applies to: TWS and IB Gateway users

Prerequisites

Interactive Brokers account (live or paper)
TWS or IB Gateway installed
OptionTrigger Desktop installed

Step 1: Download TWS

Visit IBKR Website

Go to interactivebrokers.com and navigate to Trading → TWS.

Download Installer

Download the appropriate version for your operating system.

Download TWS

Launch TWS

Open TWS and enter your credentials.

TWS Login

Step 3: Enable API Access

Open Global Configuration

Click File → Global Configuration or the gear icon.

Navigate to API Settings

Select API → Settings in the left panel.

API Settings

Enable Socket Clients

Check Enable ActiveX and Socket Clients.

Set Socket Port

Set Socket port to 7496.

Set Port

⚠️

Important: OptionTrigger defaults to port 7496. IBKR TWS paper may default to 7497, so change TWS to 7496 for this guide or ensure your backend configuration matches the actual TWS/Gateway port.

Recommended Settings

Setting	Value	Description
Socket port	7496	API connection port
Read-Only API	Unchecked	Allow trading
Download open orders	Checked	Sync orders
Send instrument-specific	Checked	Better data

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused

Verify TWS is running
Check API is enabled
Confirm port number matches

API Connection Drops

Disable auto-logoff in TWS
Check network stability
Restart TWS if needed

Next Steps

Guide	Description
Desktop Setup Guide	Complete setup
Quick Start Guide	Start trading

💡

Trading guides (2026):

Trade Options on TradingView — brokers, tools, workflows
Options Trading Automation Playbook — webhooks vs chart-native execution
IBKR + TradingView for Options — permissions, TWS, troubleshooting

✅

Tip: IB Gateway is lighter than TWS for long-running API sessions, but it still requires IBKR's normal login/authentication flow.