NOTE: If you have already agreed to the API License Agreement please start at Step 3 below.

Instructions

1. Click directly on the button below to access the API software download page
   
2. This will direct you to Interactive Brokers API License Agreement, please review it
3. Once you have clicked "I Agree", refer to the Mac / Unix section to download the API Software version of your preference
   

4. This will download twsapi_macunix.n.m.zip to your computer
   (where n and m are the major and minor version numbers respectively)
5. Open Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T on most distributions)
   (On Mac press Command+Space to launch Spotlight, then type terminal and press Return)
6. Navigate to the directory where the installer has been downloaded (normally it should be the Download folder within your home folder) and confirm the file is present

    $  cd ~/Downloads
    $  ls

7. Unzip the contents the installer into your home folder with the following command (if prompted, enter your password):
   $  sudo unzip twsapi_macunix.n.m.zip -d $HOME/
   
   
8. To access the sample and source files, navigate to the IBJts directory and confirm the subfolders samples and source are present
   $  cd ~/IBJts
   $  ls
   
   

Legacy Instructions - API Version ≤ 9.71

Note: IB only offers API Version 9.72+. In the event you already have an existing legacy version and need to install it, please refer to the directions below:

1. locate the file twsapi_macunix.n.m.jar on your computer
   (where n and m are the major and minor version numbers respectively.)
2. Open Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T on most distributions)
   (On Mac press Command+Space to launch Spotlight, then type terminal and press Return)
3. Navigate to the directory where the .jar file has been located (normally it should be the Download folder within your home folder) and confirm it is present
   $  cd ~/Downloads
   $  ls
4. Extract the contents of the .jar file into your home folder
   $  jar xf twsapi_macunix.n.m.jar -d $ HOME/
5. To access the sample and source files, navigate to the IBJts directory and confirm the subfolders samples and source are present
   $  cd ~/IBJts
   $  ls

Please follow the below steps to transfer your TWS layout settings from one user to another:

1. Log in to TWS with the user whose settings you would like to export

2. Navigate to the top menu File followed by Layout Settings > Save Decrypted Settings As...

3. Click Yes on the warning pop up

4. Open the Look In drop-down and select the folder (e.g. Desktop) where you want the decrypted settings file to be saved

5. Choose a name of your preference (e.g., migrate) and click Save. A pop-up will flash to inform you that the file has been written

6. Restart the TWS. Log in with the user which should import the layout settings

7. In the top left, click on File > Layout Settings > Layout/Settings Recovery

8. Select Custom and click OK

9. Open the Look In drop-down and select the location where you previously saved the decrypted settings file (step 5). Click Open

10. Click Open without reporting problem

11. Your TWS will automatically restart, loading the imported layout settings

References

See KB2323 for instructions on how to restore TWS settings from external storage

See KB2282 for instructions on how to transfer settings from one computer to another.

See KB3146 for instructions on how to overcome the "Download settings from server failed" error

How to upload your TWS settings to the server:

To transfer settings from one computer to another for the same username you will need to enable the option Use/store settings on server:

1. On the computer which currently has your settings, on the lower right of the login window, click on More Options >

2. Make sure the Use/store settings on server option is unchecked and login

 3. Once you are logged in, enable this function:

• If you are using the Classic layout, navigate to Edit >> Global Configuration >> Lock and Exit and check the box Use store settings on server
• If you are using the Mosaic layout navigate to File >> Global Configuration >> Lock and Exit and check the box Use store settings on server

4.  Select Apply and OK.

5. Click on File -> Save Settings.

6. To Exit the application navigate to File and Exit.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above operation will only save one copy of the TWS settings on the server. The serve does not store any backup copies.

How to download your TWS settings from the server:

On any computer (on which you want to use the same settings as above): Login with the Use/store settings on server option checked on the login window. This will download the settings, which you previously saved on our server.

Related articles

See KB3146 for instructions on how to overcome the "Downloading settings from server failed" error

See KB2323 for instructions on how to restore TWS settings from external storage

See KB2320 for instructions on transferring settings from one user to another

1. Your Money
Deposits & Withdrawals General Info. All transactions are administered through your secure Account Management
Deposits
First, you create a deposit notification through your Account Management > Funding > Fund Transfers > Transaction Type: “Deposit” How to create a deposit notification. The second step is to instruct your Bank to do the wire transfer with the bank details provided in your Deposit Notification.
Withdrawals
Create a withdrawal instruction via your secure Account Management > Funding > Fund Transfers > Transaction Type: "Withdrawals" How to create a withdrawal instruction
If you instruct a withdrawal over the Withdrawal limits, it will be considered an exceptional withdrawal and we will therefore need to match bank account holder and IB account. If destination bank account has been used for a deposit, withdrawal will be processed; otherwise, you must contact customer service and provide the documents needed.
Troubleshooting
Deposits: My bank sent the money but I do not see it credited into my IB account. Possible reasons:
a) A fund transfer takes 1-4 business days
b) A Deposit Notification is missing. You have to create it via your Account Management and send a ticket to Customer Service
c) Amending details are missing. Your name or IB account number is missing in the transfer details. You have to contact your bank and ask for the full amending details.
d) ACH initiated by IB is limited to 100k USD in a 7 business period. If you opened a Portfolio Margin account where the initial requirement is 110k, a wire deposit might be the better deposit option to reduce wait time for your first trade. If selecting ACH a wait time of almost 2 weeks or a temporary downgrade to RegT can be possible solutions.
Withdrawals: I have requested a withdrawal but I do not see the money credited to my bank account. Possible reasons:
a) A fund transfer takes 1-4 business days
b) Rejected. Over the max it can be withdrawn. Please check your account cash balance. Note that for regulatory requirements, when the funds are deposited, there is a 3 day holding period before they can be withdrawn.
c) Your bank returned the funds. Probably because receiving bank account and remitting bank account names do not match.

2. Configure your account to trade
Difference between Cash and Margin accounts: If you have chosen the FastTrack application, by default your account type is a cash account with US stock permission. If you would like to get leverage and trade on margin, here how to upgrade to a RegT Margin account
Trading Permissions
In order to be able to trade a particular asset class in a particular country, you need to get the trading permission for it via your Account Management. Please note that trading permissions are free. You might however be asked to sign risk
disclosures required by local regulatory authorities. How to Request Trading Permissions
Market Data
If you want to have market data in real-time for a particular product/exchange, you need to subscribe to a market data package charged by the exchange. How to subscribe to Market data
The Market data assistant will help you choose the right package. Please watch this Video explaining how it works.
Customers have the option to receive delayed market data for free by clicking the Free Delayed Data button from a non-subscribed ticker row.
Advisor Accounts
Have a look at the user guide getting started as advisors. Here you see how to create additional users to your advisor account and grant them access and much more.

3. How to trade
The Trader's University is the place to go when you want to learn how to use our Platforms. Here you will find our webinars, live and recorded in 10 languages and tours and documentation about our various Trading Platforms.
Trader Workstation (TWS)
Traders who require more sophisticated trading tools can use our market maker-designed Trader Workstation (TWS), which optimizes your trading speed and efficiency with an easy-to-use spreadsheet interface, support for more than 60 order types, task-specific trading tools for all trading styles, and real-time account balance and activity monitoring. Try the two models
TWS Mosaic: for intuitive usability, easy trading access, order management, watchlist, charts all in one window or
TWS Classic: the Advanced Order Management for traders who need more advanced tools and algos.
General Description and Information / Quick start guide / Usersguide
Interactive Tours: TWS Basics / TWS configuration / TWS Mosaic
How to place a trade:  Video Classic TWS / Video Mosaic
Trading tools: General Description and Information /  Users guide
Requirements: How to install Java for Windows / How to install Java for MAC / Port 4000 and 4001 needs to be open
Login TWS / Download TWS
WebTrader
Traders who prefer a clean and simple interface can use our HTML-based WebTrader, which makes it easy to view market data, submit orders, and monitor your account and executions. Use the latest WebTrader from every browser
Quick Start Guide / WebTrader User's Guide
Introduction: Video WebTrader
How to place a Trade: Video WebTrader
Login WebTrader
MobileTrader
Our mobile solutions allow you to trade your IB account on the go. The mobileTWS for iOS and the mobileTWS for BlackBerry are custom-designed for these popular models, while the generic MobileTrader supports most other Smart phones.
General Description and Information
Order Types Order Types available and Description / Videos / Tour / Users guide
Paper Trading General Description and Information / How to get a Paper Trading Account
Once your paper account is created, you can share the market data of your real account with your paper trading account: Account Management > Manage Account > Settings > Paper trading

 
4. Trade all over the World
IB accounts are multi-currency accounts. Your account can hold different currencies at the same time, this allows you to trade multiple products around the world from a single account.
Base Currency
Your base currency determines the currency of translation for your statements and the currency used for determining margin requirements. Base currency is determined when you open an account. Customers may change their base currency at any time through Account Management.
We do not automatically convert currencies into your Base currency
Currency conversions must be done manually by the customer. In this video you can learn how to do a currency conversion.
In order to open a position denominated in a currency that you do not have in your account, you have two possibilities:
A) Currency conversion.
B) IB Margin Loan. (Not available for Cash Accounts)
Please see this course explaining the mechanics of a foreign transaction.

5. Five points to enrich your IB experience
1. Contract Search
Here you will find all our products, symbols and specifications.
2. IB Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base is a repository of glossary terms, how-to articles, troubleshooting tips and guidelines designed to assist IB customers with the management of their IB accounts. Just enter in the search button what you are looking for and you will get the answer.
3. Account Management
As our trading platforms give you access to the markets, the Account Management grants you access to your IB account. Use Account Management to manage account-related tasks such as depositing or withdrawing funds, viewing your statements, modifying market data and news subscriptions, changing your trading permissions, and verifying or changing your personal information.
Log In Account Management / AM Quick Start Guide / AM Users Guide
4. Secure Login System
To provide you with the highest level of online security, Interactive Brokers has implemented a Secure Login System (SLS) through which access to your account is subject to two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication serves to confirm your identity at the point of login using two security factors: 1) Something you know (your username and password combination); and 2) Something you have (an IB issued security device which generates a random, single-use security code). As both knowledge of your username/password and physical possession of the security device are required to login to your account, participation in the Secure Login System virtually eliminates the possibility of anyone other than you accessing your account.
How to Activate your Security Device / How to Obtain a Security Code Card / How to return Security device
In case you forgot your password or lost your security code card, please call us for immediate assistance.
5. Statements and Reports
Easy to view and customize, our statements and reports cover all aspects of your Interactive Brokers account. How to view an Activity Statement