Using Multiple Sessions and Accounts

Updated: May 11, 20252 min read

OptionsApp offers flexible options to run multiple accounts and instances in parallel, whether on a single device or distributed across multiple systems. This article explains the different setups in detail and provides recommendations for configuration.

Note: When trading with a Paper Trading account, live market data is required.

Using multiple accounts simultaneously

You can manage multiple accounts simultaneously with OptionsApp, including:

Live Account (Real Money)
Paper Account (Demo Account)
Multiple Sub-accounts

This works through the parallel use of multiple Sessions. In each Session, a separate connection to TWS (Trader Workstation) is established, individually configured for each account.

Requirements

Two or more TWS instances running in parallel (each for a different account)
Two or more OptionsApp instances started (one per Session)
Different ports for each Session, for example:

Live Account: Port 7496
Paper Account: Port 7497
Sub-account 1: Port 7498
Sub-account 2: Port 7499
A second IBKR user is required if you want to start two TWS instances simultaneously. Each user must have live market data. One user logs into the first account, the other user logs into the second, regardless of whether it's a Live Account, Paper Account, or Sub-account. What matters is that both users have valid market data.

Tip: You can create the second user in your IBKR account. This user can then manage the second Sub-account or Paper Account separately with market data.

Setup in OptionsApp

Create Session: The Session is created directly when starting OptionsApp, after entering your credentials and logging in, a selection window appears where you can create a new Session or select an existing one.
Configure Port: Under Settings > TWS Connection, define the appropriate port (for example, 7497 for Paper).
Start Second TWS: Open a second TWS instance with a different user and configure the port accordingly in the API settings.
Start Second OptionsApp: Open OptionsApp again, select a second Session, and connect it with the corresponding TWS.

Common combinations

Real Money + Paper in parallel: One TWS + OA for Live (7496), one TWS + OA for Paper (7497)
Two Sub-accounts in parallel: Two users, two TWS, two OA, with ports 7496 and 7498
Two devices (for example Laptop + Server): Same structure as above, independent of the device, what matters is only that the ports are different and Sessions are separate

Session limits per subscription

All current subscription levels allow at least two parallel Sessions simultaneously. This is already sufficient for most use cases. Higher packages allow more:

Pro Plus Package: 3 Sessions simultaneously
Ultimate Package: 4 Sessions simultaneously

Summary

Paper, Live, and Sub-accounts can be used simultaneously
Each instance requires its own Session in OptionsApp and its own TWS instance
Each Session must be assigned an individual port
For parallel operation of two TWS instances, a second IBKR user with market data is required