> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.topstepx.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.topstepx.com/settings/risk-settings/trade-clock.md).

# Trade Clock

## **How the Trade Clock Works**

When enabled, the **Trade Clock** prevents traders from entering new orders related to their existing trade. However, traders will still have the ability to manage their open positions by adjusting or closing them. This feature is ideal for those who want to follow a structured trading plan and avoid impulsive decisions.

#### **Key Features:**

* **Prevents new order entries:** Traders cannot add new positions or orders
* **Manage open positions:** Traders can still modify and exit existing trades
* **Configurable time intervals:** Select from predefined or custom time durations

### **How to Enable the Trade Clock**

The Trade Clock can **only** be enabled when there is at least one **open position and/or working order** in the market. Follow these steps to activate it:

1. **Navigate to Risk Settings:**
   * Open the platform settings.
   * Go to the **"Risk Settings"** tab.
2. **Set a Trade Clock Timer:**
   * Select from available time options (e.g., **1 min, 2 min, 5 min, 10 min, or custom.**)
3. **Enable Trade Clock:**
   * Click on **“Enable Trade Clock.”**
   * A confirmation modal will appear, summarizing the lock period and restrictions.
4. **Confirm Activation:**
   * Click **“Enable Trade Clock”** to proceed.

<figure><img src="/files/ZKYnatqdqgjTtpUHfyxL" alt=""><figcaption><p>Trade Clock</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/vwPVIgkkKLM24OIl7TMe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Confirmation </p></figcaption></figure>

### Managing Trades While the Trade Clock is Active

Once the Trade Clock is enabled:

* Traders **cannot** add new positions or orders until the timer ends
* Traders **can:**
  * Add or modify stop-loss and take-profit orders
  * Flatten or exit their current positions
  * Cancel existing working orders

#### **Important Notes**

* The Trade Clock is **irreversible** once enabled, meaning it will remain active for the selected duration or until the active position and/or orders are closed/cancelled.
* A warning message will be displayed before activation, ensuring traders are aware of the restrictions.
* If there are no active trades or working orders, the Trade Clock cannot be enabled.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.topstepx.com/settings/risk-settings/trade-clock.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.