> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.copyflock.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect a TopstepX account

> Connect Topstep Trading Combines and funded accounts to CopyFlock with your TopstepX username and a ProjectX API key.

TopstepX accounts connect through the ProjectX API, using your TopstepX username and an API key.

## Before you start

<Warning>
  You need an active **ProjectX API subscription** on your TopstepX login. It's a separate subscription, bought and billed through ProjectX, not CopyFlock. Without it, CopyFlock can't connect.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Subscribe to API access">
    In TopstepX, go to **Settings → API** and subscribe to API access.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create an API key">
    In the same place, create an API key and copy it. Keep it private, like a password.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connect the account

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start adding an account">
    In the dashboard, go to **Accounts** and click **Add account**. Choose **Lead account** or **Follower account** and click **Continue**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose TopstepX">
    Select **TopstepX**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your details">
    Enter your TopstepX **Username or email** and your **ProjectX API key**. Click **Load accounts**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick the trading account">
    Choose the account you want to add. Its balance is shown next to it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish">
    For a follower, choose its [copy settings](/settings/position-size). Then name the account and click **Create account**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Accounts you can't add

Some accounts appear in the list but can't be selected:

* **Live accounts can't be managed through the ProjectX API.** ProjectX doesn't allow third-party tools to trade them.
* **Trading is disabled on this account.** The account is closed or blocked on Topstep's side.
* **Already added to CopyFlock.** The account is already connected.

## If the connection fails

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="TopstepX rejected this username or API key">
    Check both. Your account email also works as the username. If you're unsure about the key, create a new one in **Settings → API**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="This login has no ProjectX API subscription">
    Subscribe to API access in TopstepX under **Settings → API**, then try again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="API key sign-in is disabled for this login">
    Enable it, or create a new key, in TopstepX under **Settings → API**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="This login has agreements to sign">
    Log in to TopstepX, accept the agreements, then try again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Too many attempts, or TopstepX did not respond">
    Wait a minute, then try again.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Good to know

* You don't need TopstepX open in your browser for copying to work. Open it only when you want to trade the lead.
* TopstepX followers can copy a lead on Tradovate or Rithmic, and the other way round. See [Copy across platforms](/guides/cross-platform).
* Topstep sets its own rules on copiers, hedging and position limits. Check them before you copy. See [Prop firm rules](/guides/prop-firm-rules).


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