This guide covers the complete setup process for connecting a TopStepX account to Tradecopia — including API access subscription, trading platform linking, API key generation, and adding the connection in Tradecopia.

How TopStepX connections work

TopStepX uses API key authentication — a different method from Tradovate, NinjaTrader, and Rithmic. Instead of a browser popup and OAuth login, you generate an API key inside the TopStepX platform and paste it directly into Tradecopia. There are no re-login prompts and no browser involvement.

Before you can generate an API key, two things must be in place:

An API access subscription purchased through the ProjectX dashboard
Your trading platform linked to your TopStepX account

The steps below walk through both prerequisites and the connection itself.

Step 1 — Subscribe to API access

API access is managed through the ProjectX platform — the infrastructure that powers TopStepX's API. You do not need a separate account. Use the same email address as your TopStepX account and your credentials will work.

Go to dashboard.projectx.com/dashboard
Create a profile if you have not done so already — use the same email address as your TopStepX account
Purchase or activate an API access subscription — $29/month, or $14.50/month with code topstep

You cannot generate API keys until this subscription is active.

Step 2 — Link your trading platform to TopStepX

Before generating an API key, link the trading platform you want to copy trades from to your TopStepX account.

Open the trading platform you want to link (for example, the TopStepX platform or TFDX)
Confirm you are logged in to the correct trading account
In your trading platform, go to Settings → API → Link Account
Authorise the connection when prompted

Each trading platform you use needs to be linked separately. If you trade on multiple platforms, repeat this step for each one.

Step 3 — Generate an API key

With the platform linked, generate an API key for Tradecopia to use.

In your trading platform settings, go to the API section
Create a new API key — name it something recognisable (for example, "Tradecopia")
When the key appears, copy it manually — highlight the key text and copy it
Store the key somewhere safe — you will not be able to view it again once you close this screen

Note: If you copy the key and it does not paste correctly in Tradecopia, try highlighting it again and copying with your mouse rather than a keyboard shortcut. Some platforms generate keys that contain characters that behave unexpectedly with certain clipboard methods.

Step 4 — Add the connection in Tradecopia

With your API key copied, add the connection in Tradecopia.

In Tradecopia, go to Connections and click + Add Connection
Select TopStepX from the broker list
Select your prop firm from the dropdown
Enter your TopStepX username (the username you use to log in to topstepx.com)
Paste the API key you copied in Step 3
Click Connect
Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish
Confirm the connection shows Connected and your accounts appear

If the connection fails

Common causes of a failed TopStepX connection:

Symptom	Likely cause	What to try
"Invalid API key" or connection refused	API key copied incorrectly or expired	Regenerate the API key in your trading platform and paste again
No accounts appear after connecting	Platform not linked to TopStepX	Complete Step 2 — platform must be linked before accounts are visible
API key not accepted	API access subscription not active	Confirm your ProjectX API subscription is active and paid
Connected but replication not working	Wrong prop firm selected	Delete and reconnect, selecting the correct prop firm

If the issue persists after checking the above, contact the Tradecopia support team with details of where the setup is failing.

How to add a broker connection to Tradecopia — quick-start overview for all four brokers
What to check when a broker connection fails in Tradecopia — general troubleshooting if the connection fails

How to connect your TopStepX account to Tradecopia