How to link Topstep to NinjaTrader
Topstep and NinjaTrader connect through your Topstep account credentials and NinjaTrader's connection settings. You log into NinjaTrader, navigate to the Connections tab, select Topstep as your broker, enter your Topstep username and password, and authorize the connection. The process takes about five minutes and lets you trade directly from NinjaTrader's platform using your Topstep account balance and buying power.
The connection is one-way: NinjaTrader sends your orders to Topstep's servers, which execute them. Your account data, positions, and balance sync in real time once the connection is live. If the connection drops, NinjaTrader will show a disconnected status and stop accepting new orders until you reconnect.
Key Takeaways
- You need an active Topstep account and NinjaTrader 8 (the current version) installed on your computer to establish the connection.
- The connection happens in NinjaTrader's Connections tab under the Brokers section, where you select Topstep and enter your login credentials.
- Once connected, your account balance, buying power, and open positions update in real time within NinjaTrader.
- A disconnected broker status means your orders will not route to Topstep until you reconnect, so check the status before placing trades.
What you need before you start
You must have NinjaTrader 8 installed on your computer. NinjaTrader 7 does not support Topstep connections. Download the current version from NinjaTrader's website if you do not have it yet.
Your Topstep account must be active and funded. If your account is in a paused or closed state, NinjaTrader will not be able to connect. You also need your exact Topstep username and password — not your email address, but the username you created when you signed up.
Make sure you have internet access and that your firewall is not blocking NinjaTrader. Some corporate or school networks restrict outbound connections to trading platforms, which will prevent the link from working even if your credentials are correct.
Step-by-step connection process
Step 1: Open NinjaTrader and go to the Connections tab. Launch NinjaTrader 8. At the top of the window, click the "Connections" tab. You will see a list of available brokers.
Step 2: Find and select Topstep. Scroll through the broker list until you see "Topstep" or "Topstep Trader". Click on it. A login panel will appear on the right side of the screen.
Step 3: Enter your credentials. Type your Topstep username in the first field and your password in the second field. Double-check both entries — passwords are case-sensitive.
Step 4: Click Connect. Press the "Connect" button. NinjaTrader will send your credentials to Topstep's servers to verify them. This usually takes 5 to 15 seconds.
Step 5: Confirm the connection status. Once connected, the status next to Topstep will change from "Disconnected" to "Connected" and will show green. Your account balance and buying power will appear in the Account section of NinjaTrader.
What happens after you connect
Once the connection is live, NinjaTrader becomes a front end for your Topstep account. Every order you place in NinjaTrader routes directly to Topstep. Your account balance, open positions, and buying power sync in real time — if you close a trade, the balance updates immediately in NinjaTrader.
You can place market orders, limit orders, and stop orders through NinjaTrader's interface. Topstep's rules still apply: day trading buying power limits, pattern day trader rules, and any restrictions on your specific account type all remain in effect. NinjaTrader does not override these — it just sends your orders to Topstep for execution.
If you want to check your account details, statements, or deposit funds, you still log into Topstep's website directly. NinjaTrader shows only your live trading data, not your account settings or funding options.
Troubleshooting a failed connection
If NinjaTrader shows "Disconnected" or displays an error message, the most common cause is an incorrect username or password. Topstep usernames are not the same as email addresses — if you signed up with your email but created a separate username, use the username. Reset your password on Topstep's website if you are unsure, then try connecting again.
If your credentials are correct but the connection still fails, check that your internet connection is stable and that your firewall is not blocking NinjaTrader. Some antivirus software also blocks trading platform connections by default. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus to test, or add NinjaTrader to the allowed list in your security software settings.
If the connection drops during trading, NinjaTrader will show a "Disconnected" status and will not accept new orders. Click "Connect" again in the Connections tab to restore the link. Your open positions remain open on Topstep's servers even if NinjaTrader is disconnected — you can still close them through Topstep's website if needed.
Security and account safety
NinjaTrader stores your Topstep credentials locally on your computer, not on NinjaTrader's servers. This means your login information stays on your machine. However, you should still treat your Topstep password as sensitive — do not share it, and do not log in from a shared or public computer.
If you stop using NinjaTrader or want to disconnect, go back to the Connections tab, click Topstep, and select "Disconnect". This breaks the link between NinjaTrader and your Topstep account. Your account itself remains active and funded — disconnecting only stops NinjaTrader from routing orders.
If you suspect someone else has accessed your account, change your Topstep password immediately through Topstep's website. This will also disconnect NinjaTrader, and you will need to reconnect with your new password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use NinjaTrader on a Mac or Linux computer?
NinjaTrader 8 runs only on Windows. If you use a Mac or Linux machine, you can run Windows through virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VirtualBox, but this adds complexity and may affect performance. Most traders using NinjaTrader run it on a Windows PC or laptop.
What if I have multiple Topstep accounts?
NinjaTrader can connect to only one Topstep account at a time. If you have more than one account, you can disconnect from one and reconnect to another by entering different credentials in the Connections tab. You cannot trade from both accounts simultaneously in the same NinjaTrader window.
Does NinjaTrader charge a fee to connect to Topstep?
NinjaTrader does not charge a separate fee for the Topstep connection. Topstep's own fees and commissions still apply to your trades. Check your Topstep account agreement for details on trading costs.
Will my orders execute faster through NinjaTrader than through Topstep's website?
Order speed depends on your internet connection and Topstep's servers, not on whether you use NinjaTrader or Topstep's website. Both routes send orders to the same execution system. NinjaTrader may feel faster because the interface is designed for active traders, but the actual execution time is the same.
What happens to my open trades if NinjaTrader crashes?
Your open positions stay open on Topstep's servers. A NinjaTrader crash does not close your trades. You can log into Topstep's website and close them manually, or reconnect NinjaTrader and close them through the platform. Your account balance and positions are safe regardless of what happens to NinjaTrader.