Export TWS logs for an IBKR support case

Quick answer

Use TWS’s supported log-export process to obtain readable diagnostics. Keep the event time and the client ID with the case. A file copied from the log directory may be encrypted and may not be the log support needs.

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

Step by step

1 Identify the date, time zone, client, and action that failed.
2 Check that the needed logging was enabled during that event.
3 Open Help → Troubleshooting → Diagnostics → API Logs. In the View Logs dialog, select the log day you need. If the list is empty, check whether logging was enabled before the event.
4 Use Export Today Logs for today, or Export Logs for selected days. These controls may be disabled when there is no log to export. Inspect the saved file before sharing it.
5 Send the needed file through the support channel, with a short description and credentials removed.

A practical example

A file ending in log may still be encrypted. If support needs readable API messages, follow the TWS export steps linked below. Tell them the date and the client ID used by the app. Also tell them what action to find. A short note such as one request failed just after reconnect is more useful than a file sent with no explanation.

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

Screen reference

TWS View Logs dialog with View Logs, Export Logs and Export Today Logs buttons — This session has no recorded API logs in the list, so export buttons are disabled. Enable API logging before the event you need to capture. No log was exported or uploaded for this screenshot. 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 recipient should have a readable log covering the exact event you described.

Mistake to avoid

The Export Reports settings panel is for trading reports; it is not automatically the same as API diagnostic log export.

Common questions

Which is better: a screenshot or a log?

A screenshot shows the symptom; a needed log often shows the sequence that caused it.

Should I upload every log file?

Start with the requested files and period rather than other account history.

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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.