Can IBKR Desktop replace TWS for PickMyTrade?

Quick answer

Follow the connection requirements for the PickMyTrade desktop app. A product named IBKR Desktop is not the same app as Trader Workstation. The socket API documentation describes TWS or IB Gateway as its connection host.

Educational software guidance. Trading involves risk. Read the financial and information disclaimers.

Step by step

1 Read the app name in the window you launched. Distinguish IBKR Desktop from Trader Workstation.
2 Open the PickMyTrade IB setup guide and check the supported desktop connection.
3 Install or open the documented TWS app if that workflow requires it.
4 Configure API access and match the port in the local desktop app.
5 Check the account returned by the connection before sending any alert.

A practical example

A new user may see two IBKR apps and assume either one can host the same local link. The names are easy to mix up. Read the title of the app window. If the setup guide says Trader Workstation, follow the TWS steps in that program. Opening a different broker app does not by itself create the socket that the desktop client expects.

Illustrative scenario, not a record of a trade placed during this review.

Screen reference

TWS About dialog showing build 10.51.1b and the macOS Java environment — This documentation session used TWS 10.51.1b. The account title was excluded from the capture. Captured in TWS paper mode on 3 October 2026. Open the image for full size.

TWS API Settings showing socket clients, read-only access, port and logging — Find the named control in API → Settings. The displayed values belong to a paper session and are examples, not universal recommendations. Captured in TWS paper mode on 3 October 2026. Open the image for full size.

How to confirm the result The app should report a connection to its supported TWS session, rather than simply showing that an IBKR app is open.

Mistake to avoid

Do not look for a TWS API checkbox in an other IBKR interface and assume it is missing because your account is broken.

Common questions

Are all IBKR apps interchangeable?

No. Their interfaces and app support differ.

Is the TradingView broker panel the same local socket?

No. Diagnose that login separately from the desktop API path.

How to enable the TWS API for PickMyTrade TWS error 502: cannot connect to the API TWS and IB Gateway ports: paper versus live TWS error 10197: competing market-data session

Financial and information disclaimers

Financial disclaimer

These guides explain software. They are for education, not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. No example is a suggestion to buy or sell a product or use a trading strategy. Trading can lose money, including all funds you put at risk. With margin, futures, short sales, or some options, losses can exceed your starting funds. Automation can fail, send duplicate orders, or act late. Stops do not guarantee a fill or a price. Review your orders and positions, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your own needs. Paper trades, examples, and past results do not predict live results or promise a profit.

Information disclaimer

This is general help based on the sources and check date shown on the page. Screens, settings, fees, data access, and product support can change or differ by app version, account, country, and broker. The content may contain errors or become out of date; accuracy, completeness, and continuous service are not guaranteed. Check current broker and app instructions before acting. Screenshots show where controls are; they do not prove that an order test passed. This guide does not replace broker terms or risk notices. References to IBKR and TradingView identify their products and do not imply their endorsement of this guide.