TWS disconnects after a Mac wakes from sleep

Quick answer

Sleep can interrupt the network connection used by TWS and its desktop client. Check the connection after waking and reconcile working orders before sending more alerts. A visible desktop window does not prove the session survived.

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

Step by step

1 Note whether the issue follows sleep, a lid close, or a Wi-Fi change.
2 After waking, check TWS connection status and then the PickMyTrade desktop connection.
3 If the session expired, complete the TWS login before reconnecting the app.
4 Review the computer’s sleep schedule for the hours you intend to run automation. Keep power and network access available.
5 Compare open orders and positions after reconnection. Investigate missing status updates before any retry.

A practical example

Suppose you shut a laptop lid at lunch. Alerts may still fire on TradingView’s servers, while the local apps lose their link. When you return, first check what reached PickMyTrade and what reached the broker. An order may have gone through just before sleep. Look for that order and any fill before you send it again. The useful test is a known state after wake, not just a screen that looks normal.

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

Screen reference

Start in Mosaic with File → Global Configuration. Then choose the panel named in the steps.

TWS Lock and Exit settings showing lock and restart controls — Compare the configured time and selected restart or logoff mode. Availability can differ by account entity. Captured in TWS paper mode on 3 October 2026. Open the image for full size.

How to confirm the result Both apps should show a current connection and a consistent broker position after the wake cycle.

Mistake to avoid

A keep-awake utility is not evidence that IBKR sign-in or a network connection is healthy. Monitor the actual app state.

Common questions

Does a VPS avoid every disconnect?

No. It can avoid laptop sleep but still needs restart, network, and login monitoring.

Should I resend an alert after waking?

Only after checking whether the original order reached the broker.

How to enable the TWS API for PickMyTrade TWS error 502: cannot connect to the API TWS and IB Gateway ports: paper versus live

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.