How to Link Topstep Account to NinjaTrader

If you're trading with Topstep and using NinjaTrader as your platform, you need to link the two together before you can start trading.

The process is straightforward, but there are a few steps you need to follow in the right order. Miss one, and you might run into connection issues or find that your account doesn't show up in NinjaTrader.

Here's how to link your Topstep account to NinjaTrader, step by step.

What You Need Before You Start

Before linking your accounts, make sure you have everything ready.

• An active Topstep account. This could be a funded account or an evaluation account. You'll need your login credentials from Topstep.
• NinjaTrader 8 installed. Download and install the latest version of NinjaTrader 8 from the NinjaTrader website. Make sure it's fully updated before you start the connection process.
• Your Topstep connection credentials. Topstep provides specific connection details for NinjaTrader. You'll find these in your Topstep dashboard after you've activated your account.
• A stable internet connection. The linking process requires communication between NinjaTrader and Topstep's servers, so make sure your connection is reliable.

Once you have these items, you're ready to begin.

Step 1: Log Into Your Topstep Dashboard

Start by logging into your Topstep account through their website.

Go to the Topstep dashboard and navigate to the section where your account details are displayed. This is usually under "My Account" or "Trading Combine" depending on your account type.

Look for connection instructions or platform setup information. Topstep typically provides a section specifically for connecting to trading platforms like NinjaTrader.

You should see your username, password, and connection details for NinjaTrader. Write these down or keep the page open—you'll need them in the next steps.

Step 2: Open NinjaTrader 8

Launch NinjaTrader 8 on your computer.

If this is your first time opening NinjaTrader, you might see a setup wizard. Go through the basic setup steps, but don't connect to any accounts yet.

Once NinjaTrader is fully loaded, you'll see the Control Center window. This is the main hub where you manage connections, charts, and other features.

From the Control Center, you're ready to add your Topstep connection.

Step 3: Add a New Connection

In the NinjaTrader Control Center, go to the Connections menu.

Click on "Connections" in the top menu bar, then select "Configure." This opens the Connections window where you can add and manage different data and brokerage connections.

Click the "Add" button to create a new connection.

A list of available connection providers will appear. Scroll through the list and look for "Topstep" or "TopstepTrader." Select it and click "Next."

If you don't see Topstep in the list, make sure you're using the latest version of NinjaTrader 8. Older versions might not have Topstep as an available provider.

Step 4: Enter Your Topstep Credentials

Now you'll need to enter the connection information from your Topstep dashboard.

You'll see fields for username and password. Enter the credentials exactly as they appear in your Topstep account. These are not your Topstep website login details—they're specific credentials for the trading platform connection.

Double-check that you're entering everything correctly. Even a small typo will prevent the connection from working.

Some accounts might have additional fields like account number or server address. Fill these in based on the information provided by Topstep.

Once everything is entered, click "OK" or "Connect."

Step 5: Connect to Your Topstep Account

Back in the Connections window, you should now see your Topstep connection listed.

Right-click on the Topstep connection and select "Connect." NinjaTrader will attempt to establish a connection with Topstep's servers.

If the connection is successful, you'll see a status indicator change to "Connected" or show a green light. This means NinjaTrader is now linked to your Topstep account and can send orders.

If the connection fails, you'll see an error message. Common issues include incorrect credentials, firewall settings blocking the connection, or server maintenance on Topstep's side.

Step 6: Verify Your Account Information

Once connected, verify that your account is showing up correctly.

Go to the "Accounts" tab in the Control Center. You should see your Topstep account listed with your account balance and buying power.

If you're on an evaluation account, you'll see the evaluation balance. If you're funded, you'll see your funded account balance.

Check that the account number matches what's displayed in your Topstep dashboard. This confirms you're connected to the right account.

Step 7: Set Up Market Data

NinjaTrader needs market data to display charts and execute trades.

Topstep usually provides market data as part of your account, but you might need to configure it in NinjaTrader.

Go back to the Connections menu and look for your market data provider. If Topstep provides data, it should connect automatically when you connect your trading account.

If you're using a separate data provider, you'll need to add and connect that as well. Follow the same process you used for adding the Topstep connection, but select your data provider instead.

Once your market data connection is active, you should be able to see live price quotes and charts.

Step 8: Open a Chart and Test

Before placing any trades, open a chart to make sure everything is working.

Right-click in the Control Center and select "New" then "Chart." Choose an instrument you plan to trade, like ES (E-mini S&P 500) or NQ (E-mini Nasdaq).

The chart should load with live price data. If you see a blank chart or no data, check your market data connection.

Once the chart is displaying properly, try placing a simulated order or use the chart trader tool to verify that order entry is working. You don't have to submit the order—just make sure the interface responds correctly.

Common Connection Issues and Fixes

Sometimes the connection doesn't work on the first try. Here are common problems and how to fix them.

• Invalid credentials error. Double-check the username and password from your Topstep dashboard. Make sure there are no extra spaces or typos. Remember, these are platform credentials, not your website login.
• Connection timeout. This usually means a firewall or antivirus program is blocking NinjaTrader. Check your firewall settings and add NinjaTrader as an allowed application.
• Account not showing up. If you're connected but don't see your account, try disconnecting and reconnecting. Sometimes the account data needs a refresh.
• Market data not loading. Make sure your market data connection is active and configured correctly. You might need to subscribe to specific exchanges or instruments through your data provider.
• "Account is not active" message. This happens if your Topstep account isn't fully activated yet. Check your Topstep dashboard to make sure your account status is active and ready to trade.

If you're still having trouble after trying these fixes, contact Topstep support. They can verify your account status and help troubleshoot connection issues.

Understanding Topstep Account Types

Topstep offers different account types, and the connection process is the same for all of them.

• Trading Combine accounts. These are evaluation accounts where you trade to prove you can follow rules and generate profits. Once connected to NinjaTrader, you trade these just like any other account, but you must follow Topstep's risk rules.
• Funded Trader accounts. After passing the Trading Combine, you get a funded account. The connection process is identical, but you'll receive new credentials for your funded account.
• Express accounts. Some traders use Topstep's Express program, which has different evaluation criteria. The NinjaTrader connection works the same way regardless of which program you're in.

When you transition from an evaluation account to a funded account, you'll need to disconnect your old account in NinjaTrader and connect the new one using the updated credentials Topstep provides.

Managing Multiple Topstep Accounts

If you have more than one Topstep account, you can connect all of them to NinjaTrader.

Just repeat the connection process for each account. Each one will show up separately in your Connections list and in the Accounts tab.

When placing trades, make sure you're selecting the correct account. It's easy to accidentally send an order from the wrong account if you have multiple ones connected.

Some traders use different workspaces in NinjaTrader for different accounts. This helps keep things organized and reduces the chance of mixing up accounts.

Trading Rules and Risk Management

Once your Topstep account is connected to NinjaTrader, you need to follow Topstep's trading rules.

These rules typically include daily loss limits, maximum drawdown limits, and position size restrictions. Breaking these rules can result in account violations or termination.

NinjaTrader doesn't automatically enforce Topstep's rules. You're responsible for monitoring your own compliance.

Set up alerts or use risk management tools to help you stay within the limits. Know your daily loss limit before you start trading, and track your P&L throughout the session.

Topstep monitors your trading in real time. Even if NinjaTrader lets you place an order that would violate a rule, Topstep's system might reject it or flag your account.

Disconnecting and Reconnecting

Sometimes you'll need to disconnect and reconnect your Topstep account.

Maybe you're switching between evaluation and funded accounts, or maybe you're troubleshooting a connection issue.

To disconnect, go to the Connections menu in the Control Center, right-click on your Topstep connection, and select "Disconnect."

To reconnect, right-click again and select "Connect." NinjaTrader will use the same credentials you entered earlier.

If you need to change your credentials, go back to "Connections," select "Configure," find your Topstep connection, and click "Edit." Update the credentials and save the changes.

Always disconnect properly before closing NinjaTrader. This ensures a clean shutdown and can prevent connection issues the next time you launch the platform.

Using NinjaTrader Features With Topstep

Once connected, you have access to all of NinjaTrader's trading features.

• Chart Trader. Place orders directly from your charts. This is one of the most popular features for active traders.
• DOM (Depth of Market). View the order book and place orders with one click. Useful for scalpers and traders who need fast execution.
• Strategy Builder. If you want to automate trades, you can build and backtest strategies in NinjaTrader. Just remember that Topstep has rules about automated trading, so check their guidelines before running any strategies live.
• Indicators and tools. NinjaTrader supports custom indicators. If you're using tools from Rize Capital, you can install and use them with your Topstep account just like you would with any other brokerage connection.
• Workspaces. Save your chart layouts, DOM windows, and other settings in custom workspaces. This makes it easy to switch between different trading setups.

All these features work the same way whether you're connected to Topstep or another broker. The only difference is the account you're trading through.

Monitoring Your Connection Status

Keep an eye on your connection status while trading.

NinjaTrader displays connection indicators in the Control Center and on your charts. If you see a red light or "Disconnected" status, you've lost the connection to Topstep.

This can happen due to internet issues, server maintenance, or other technical problems. If you're in an active trade when this happens, you won't be able to manage or exit the position until the connection is restored.

Always have a backup plan. Know how to access your Topstep account through their web platform or mobile app in case you need to close positions and NinjaTrader isn't responding.

Troubleshooting Slow or Unstable Connections

If your connection to Topstep is slow or keeps dropping, try these steps.

• Check your internet speed. Trading platforms need stable, fast connections. Run a speed test and make sure you're getting the bandwidth you're paying for.
• Close unnecessary programs. Other applications using your internet connection can slow down NinjaTrader. Close anything you don't need while trading.
• Use a wired connection. Wi-Fi can be unstable, especially if you're far from the router. A wired Ethernet connection is more reliable for trading.
• Restart NinjaTrader. Sometimes a simple restart clears up connection issues.
• Contact your ISP. If you're having persistent connection problems, your internet service provider might be throttling your connection or having technical issues.
• Check Topstep's status page. Server-side issues on Topstep's end can affect all users. Check their website or social media for any announcements about outages or maintenance.

Getting Help When You Need It

If you can't get your Topstep account connected to NinjaTrader, reach out for support.

• Topstep support. They can verify your account status, check your credentials, and help troubleshoot connection issues specific to their platform.
• NinjaTrader support. If the issue seems to be on NinjaTrader's side, their support team can help. They have detailed documentation and live support options.
• Community forums. Both Topstep and NinjaTrader have active user communities. Other traders might have experienced the same issue and can share solutions.

Don't waste hours trying to fix something on your own if a quick support ticket could solve it in minutes.

Final Thoughts

Linking your Topstep account to NinjaTrader is a simple process once you know the steps.

Log into your Topstep dashboard, get your platform credentials, add a new connection in NinjaTrader, enter your credentials, and connect. Verify your account shows up, set up your market data, and you're ready to trade.

If you run into issues, double-check your credentials, verify your firewall settings, and make sure both platforms are updated.

Once connected, you'll have access to NinjaTrader's full trading features while trading through your Topstep account. Just remember to follow Topstep's trading rules and monitor your risk carefully.

Whether you're working through a Trading Combine or trading a funded account, having your platform properly connected is the first step to successful trading.

For additional trading tools and resources to use with NinjaTrader, check out what's available at Rize Capital.