Auto-Trading Disconnected? 7-Step API Key and Permission Checklist to Fix It

Condition is one thing only!!! Do not panic when auto-trading shows "disconnected.".

Check the broker app/web, the auto-trading software, and your PC/server in order to increase the chance of resolution.

Retail trader: "I copied the API key exactly, so why is it not connected?".

That can happen, and permission, expiry, or IP restrictions are more common causes than copy mistakes.

Where do you start, first confirm these items?

→ 1. Verify API key existence.

→ 2. Check key expiry date and whether it was reissued.

→ 3. Check key permissions (order/query/withdrawal, etc.).

Even if the key exists, lack of permissions can allow connection but limit functionality.

API key is the password that tells the broker "this program may act on this account.".

Did I enter the API key wrong, where are mistakes common?

Copy-paste errors occur from leading/trailing spaces and line breaks.

Paste exactly, preserving case and hyphens.

If there is a test query button after entering the key, press it first.

How to check permission settings?

Order permission and account query permission are separate.

Disable withdrawal (transfer) permission if it is not absolutely necessary.

After changing permissions, ensure the auto-trading system picks up the new key.

Could it be network or firewall?

Corporate networks and public Wi-Fi can fail due to blocked ports.

Check IP whitelist settings on your server.

Broker APIs sometimes require specific ports and protocols.

Where does token/auth flow break?

For OAuth/token flows, token expiry is a frequent cause.

Check whether refresh token handling logic exists.

Look at token reissue logs first.

How to read logs, where are hints?

The auto-trading program error log and the broker API response codes are essential.

Search error codes and messages or contact broker customer support.

So, what to do first

→ 1. Check key existence and expiry in the broker API console.

→ 2. Confirm withdrawal permission is disabled among permissions (query/order/withdrawal).

→ 3. Check program logs and response codes, and review IP whitelist.

If still unresolved: contact the broker with error code, timestamp, and your IP.

This is for reference only~!.

PickStock 💡.

※ This article is for information purposes and is not investment advice.

※ Investment decisions and responsibility rest with the investor.

※ Confirm the latest API and authentication standards with the broker's customer support or developer documentation.