# How to connect Tradovate to NinjaTrader for multiple prop accounts

> Connect Tradovate prop accounts to NinjaTrader 8 step by step, run 10 or more accounts in one session, add Rithmic accounts, and fix common connection errors.

Last verified: 2026-09-28
Canonical page: https://copilink.com/articles/tradovate-multi-connection-ninjatrader-prop-accounts-setup
Product: Copilink Standalone and Copilink for NinjaTrader 8
Markdown of: https://copilink.com/articles/tradovate-multi-connection-ninjatrader-prop-accounts-setup


## Quick facts

- Canonical HTML: https://copilink.com/articles/tradovate-multi-connection-ninjatrader-prop-accounts-setup
- Last verified: 2026-09-28
- Publisher: Copilink
- Focus: practical, first-party guidance for multi-account futures traders

To connect a Tradovate prop account to NinjaTrader 8, go to **Connections → Configure**, add a new connection, choose the **NinjaTrader** connection type (not the older Tradovate entry), and sign in with the Tradovate credentials your firm gave you. Repeat for every account. Each Tradovate account connects on its own, so your tenth account is set up exactly like your first.

## How to connect Tradovate to NinjaTrader, step by step

1. **Update NinjaTrader 8** to the latest 8.1 release.
2. Open **Connections → Configure** and click **Add**.
3. Choose the **NinjaTrader** connection type. Current NinjaTrader versions connect Tradovate-based accounts through it; an older "Tradovate" entry, if you see one, is the legacy adapter.
4. Enter the **Tradovate username and password from your prop firm**, not your firm website login.
5. **Name the connection** so you can tell accounts apart: "Apex 50K Eval 1", "Tradeify Funded A".
6. Click **OK** and connect. Every account under that login appears in the Control Center.
7. **Repeat** for each additional login.

If an account does not appear, check it is active in the Tradovate web portal. Inactive and pending accounts are not returned to NinjaTrader.

## Running 10 or more prop accounts in NinjaTrader

There is no practical connection limit for Tradovate accounts in NinjaTrader. The limit is your machine: every connection and open chart uses memory.

- **Rename accounts** in the Control Center so you never trade the wrong one.
- **Keep a simple map** of account number, firm, plan and stage.
- **Watch memory.** Connections dropping as you add accounts usually means the machine is short on RAM, not a connection fault. Close unused charts or add memory. See the [hardware guide for 10+ accounts](https://copilink.com/articles/cpu-ram-iops-requirements-ninjatrader-10-accounts).
- **Restart before the session** on a machine that runs all day, to clear accumulated memory use.
- **Set connections to auto-connect** at startup if NinjaTrader runs on a VPS.

## Running Tradovate and Rithmic accounts together

NinjaTrader can hold several Tradovate connections at once, but **only one Rithmic connection**. To add several Rithmic accounts alongside your Tradovate ones, run them through R|Trader Pro in [plug-in mode](https://copilink.com/articles/rithmic-plugin-mode-setup-guide-ninjatrader). Not sure which route suits you? See [Rithmic vs Tradovate](https://copilink.com/articles/rithmic-vs-tradovate-multi-account-prop-trading).

## Common connection problems and fixes

| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| "Session already active" or conflicts with several accounts | Legacy Tradovate connection type | Re-add the accounts with the NinjaTrader connection type |
| Authentication fails | Wrong credentials, or the computer clock is off | Use the firm-issued Tradovate login; make sure Windows time sync is on |
| Connected, but prices are stale | The data subscription dropped | Disconnect and reconnect that account |
| Connections drop after a few hours | Idle network timeouts or low memory | Check the network settings on the VPS; add RAM |
| Account missing after login | Account inactive or pending at the firm | Check it in the Tradovate web portal |

## Copying trades across your connected accounts

Once the accounts are connected, [Copilink for NinjaTrader 8](https://copilink.com/trade-copier) copies from one leader to the other accounts in the same NinjaTrader session, with per-follower size and risk limits. Setup steps are in the [NinjaTrader setup guide](https://copilink.com/setup).

Would you rather skip NinjaTrader? Copilink Standalone connects to Tradovate directly on Windows or Mac and can mix Tradovate and Rithmic accounts in one profile. See the [Tradovate trade copier](https://copilink.com/tradovate-trade-copier).

## FAQ

**Are Tradovate and NinjaTrader the same?**
They are run by the same company but are different platforms. Tradovate is a broker with its own web and desktop platform; NinjaTrader is a desktop platform that can connect to Tradovate accounts.

**How do I connect my Apex or Tradeify account to NinjaTrader?**
If your account was issued on Tradovate, add it in NinjaTrader with the NinjaTrader connection type and the Tradovate login from your firm. Rithmic accounts use a Rithmic connection instead.

**How many Tradovate accounts can I connect in NinjaTrader?**
There is no fixed limit on Tradovate connections. Your computer's memory and CPU set the practical limit, so large setups often run on a VPS.

**Can I connect Tradovate and Rithmic accounts in the same NinjaTrader?**
Yes. Add the Tradovate accounts directly and bring in Rithmic accounts through a single Rithmic connection or R|Trader Pro plug-in mode.

## Why traders choose Copilink

- Choose a direct Tradovate and Rithmic desktop workflow on Windows or macOS, or stay entirely inside NinjaTrader 8 with the dedicated add-on.
- Manage exact or ratio-based follower sizing, per-account safeguards, and prop-firm-style risk rules from one focused workflow.
- Keep copying local on the trader's machine while cloud sync powers web analytics and journaling.
- Start with a no-card trial and clear plan options for both Standalone and NinjaTrader 8 workflows.

## Sources

- https://copilink.com/articles/tradovate-multi-connection-ninjatrader-prop-accounts-setup