Quick Facts
Reasons for disconnection: The most common reasons for a TWS connection lost include network connectivity issues, IB server maintenance, firewall settings, and incorrect login credentials.
Message interpretation: The “Connection Lost” message in TWS can also be caused by a temporary disconnection from the IB server, which may be due to server maintenance or overload.
Auto-reconnect feature: Interactive Brokers offers an auto-reconnect feature in TWS to help automatically re-establish the connection in case of a disconnection.
Network requirements: IB’s TWS requires a stable internet connection of at least 256 Kbps for optimal performance, and wired connections are recommended over Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting steps: TWS users can troubleshoot connection issues by checking their network, IB server status, and firewall settings, and restarting the application if necessary.
IB’s self-help tools: Interactive Brokers provides users with various self-help tools and guides in the IB Knowledge Base (IBKB) to help resolve connection issues.
Customer support: IB clients can contact the firm’s customer support team via phone, email, or live chat for assistance in resolving connection issues.
TWS system requirements: Meeting the minimum system requirements for TWS, including operating system, RAM, and processor, is crucial to ensure the application runs smoothly and maintains a stable connection.
Firewall configuration: Properly configuring firewall settings to allow incoming and outgoing TWS connections is essential for maintaining a stable connection.
TWS update and maintenance: Regularly updating TWS and applying any software updates can help resolve connectivity issues and improve overall performance.
Interactive Brokers TWS Connection Lost: Troubleshooting and Solutions
As a trader using Interactive Brokers’ Trader Workstation (TWS), a connection lost error can be frustrating and cause significant losses. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of TWS connection lost errors and provide practical solutions to help you resolve the issue quickly.
Causes of TWS Connection Lost Errors
| Error Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3301 | Connection lost due to network issues |
| 3302 | Connection lost due to firewall issues |
| 3303 | Connection lost due to outdated TWS version |
The most common causes of TWS connection lost errors are:
- Network connectivity issues
- Firewall restrictions
- Outdated TWS version
- Incorrect login credentials
- Server maintenance
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
Before troubleshooting the TWS connection lost error, ensure your internet connection is stable. Try the following:
- Restart your router and modem
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect to your router
If your network connection is stable, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Disable Firewall Restrictions
Firewall restrictions can block TWS from connecting to the Interactive Brokers servers. To disable firewall restrictions:
- Go to your firewall settings (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall)
- Add TWS to the list of allowed applications
- Ensure that the following ports are open:
- 4000 (incoming and outgoing)
- 4001 (incoming and outgoing)
Step 3: Update TWS to the Latest Version
Using an outdated TWS version can cause connection lost errors. To update TWS:
- Go to the Interactive Brokers website
- Click on “Log In” and select “Trader Workstation”
- Click on “Download” and follow the installation instructions
Step 4: Verify Login Credentials
Incorrect login credentials can cause connection lost errors. To verify your login credentials:
- Ensure that your username and password are correct
- Try logging in to the TWS using the IBKR Mobile app
Step 5: Check for Server Maintenance
Interactive Brokers may perform server maintenance, which can cause connection lost errors. To check for server maintenance:
- Go to the Interactive Brokers website
- Click on “System Status”
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the above steps do not resolve the connection lost error, try the following advanced troubleshooting techniques:
- Reset TWS Configuration: Go to “Edit” > “Global Configuration” and click on “Reset Configuration”
- Clear Cache and Cookies: Go to “File” > “Settings” and click on “Clear Cache and Cookies”
- Check for Conflicting Applications: Ensure that no other applications are using ports 4000 and 4001
Frequently Asked Questions:
TWS Connection Lost FAQ
Having issues with your Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation (TWS) connection? Check out our frequently asked questions below for help troubleshooting and resolving the issue.
Q: What are the common causes of a TWS connection lost error?
- Network connectivity issues
- Firewall or antivirus software blocking TWS
- Incorrect login credentials
- TWS version is outdated
- Server maintenance or downtime
Q: How do I troubleshoot a TWS connection lost error?
Step 1: Check Your Network Connection
Ensure your internet connection is stable and working properly. Try restarting your router or modem to resolve any connectivity issues.
Step 2: Verify Your Login Credentials
Double-check that your username and password are correct. Ensure that your account is not locked out due to multiple incorrect login attempts.
Step 3: Check Your Firewall or Antivirus Software
Verify that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking TWS. Add TWS to your list of allowed programs or exceptions.
Step 4: Update Your TWS Version
Ensure that your TWS version is up-to-date. Check the Interactive Brokers website for the latest version of TWS.
Step 5: Check for Server Maintenance or Downtime
Visit the Interactive Brokers website to check for any scheduled maintenance or downtime. Follow Interactive Brokers on social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about any planned outages.
Q: What are the steps to reconnect to TWS after a connection lost error?
- Wait for 30 seconds: Allow the TWS to automatically reconnect.
- Close and reopen TWS: Try closing and reopening the TWS application.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer to resolve any software conflicts.
- Contact Interactive Brokers support: Reach out to Interactive Brokers support for further assistance.
Q: How do I prevent a TWS connection lost error from happening in the future?
- Regularly update your TWS version: Stay up-to-date with the latest version of TWS.
- Use a reliable internet connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and secure.
- Set up a backup connection: Consider setting up a secondary internet connection to minimize downtime.
- Monitor your account activity: Regularly check your account activity to detect any suspicious login attempts.
We hope this FAQ has helped you troubleshoot and resolve your TWS connection lost error. If you continue to experience issues, please don’t hesitate to contact Interactive Brokers support for further assistance.
