TWS disconnects overnight: restart or connection loss?

Quick answer

Compare the disconnect time with TWS Lock and Exit settings and broker maintenance. A scheduled logoff, an automatic restart, and a network failure need different fixes. Restore the connection before resuming an alert stream.

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

Step by step

1 Record the disconnect time and time zone from the app log.
2 Open Global Configuration → Lock and Exit. Read the set time and whether Auto logoff or Auto restart is selected.
3 Compare the event with that schedule and IBKR’s current system status.
4 If your setup supports Auto restart, schedule it for a suitable pause and plan for regular manual sign-in.
5 After reconnecting, compare TWS positions and working orders with PickMyTrade before allowing new entries.

A practical example

Your log shows that the app drops at 1:30 each night. The Lock and Exit page also shows 1:30 with Auto logoff selected. That is a useful match. It is different from a random Wi-Fi drop at noon. If you choose a new restart plan, watch one full cycle. Check that TWS comes back, the app finds the account, and the order list still makes sense. Do not judge the result only by the fact that a window reopened.

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 The next planned restart should be understood and monitored. Confirm orders and positions, not only the login screen.

Mistake to avoid

Auto restart does not remove every need to authenticate. Account region and broker requirements can change which controls are available.

Common questions

Can TWS stay logged in forever?

No such guarantee follows from Auto restart. Weekly fresh sign-in can still be needed.

Should I replay all missed alerts?

First check broker orders and positions. A blind replay may create duplicate trades.

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.