What Is the Lockout Feature?
The Lockout feature in TopstepX lets you block your own access to trading for a set period of time or for a full trading session. When you activate it, your open positions are closed and your working orders are cancelled immediately, and no new trading is possible until the lockout expires.
What You'll Learn
What the Lockout feature does and where to find it in Risk Settings
Which durations and trading sessions you can choose from
What happens to your open positions and working orders the moment a lockout activates
Why a lockout cannot be cancelled once it is active
Lockout vs Trade Clock
A lockout is a restriction you place on your own account. Once it is active, TopstepX will not accept new orders and will not allow order modifications for the duration you selected.
The difference between a lockout and the Trade Clock is important. The Trade Clock keeps your existing position in place and only blocks new orders. A lockout closes everything out first, then blocks trading entirely.
A lockout is intended for stepping away from the markets completely. If you want to keep a position open while restricting new entries, the Trade Clock is the feature that does that. For more on the Trade Clock, clients can visit this page.
Before You Activate: Your Positions Will Be Closed
This is the most important thing to understand about the Lockout feature.
The moment a lockout activates:
All open positions are liquidated. They are closed at the market at that time. Fill prices depend on the market conditions when the orders are submitted.
All pending orders are cancelled.
No new orders or modifications are accepted for the full duration.
A lockout is not a pause on an open position. It is a full exit followed by a period with no trading access. Confirm your account is in the state you want before you activate one.
How to Set a Lockout
Open Platform Settings in TopstepX.
Go to the Risk Settings tab.
Select Set Lockout.
Choose your duration or session, then confirm.
Available Durations and Sessions
Preset durations
15 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
All day
Trading sessions (times shown in Central Time)
New York Session, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM CT
London Session, 2:00 AM to 11:00 AM CT
Tokyo Session, 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM CT
Sydney Session, 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM CT
Custom end time
If none of the presets fit, you can set a custom lockout by selecting the end time you want.
While the Lockout Is Active
A countdown timer appears at the top of the platform showing the time remaining. You can continue to view the platform, but no trading functions are available.
When the Lockout Ends
The lockout ends automatically when the duration or session you selected expires. Full trading functionality is restored at that point with no action needed on your part.
A Lockout Cannot Be Cancelled
Once a lockout is activated, it cannot be cancelled or reversed. It will run for the full period you selected, and Support cannot shorten or remove it.
Select your timeframe carefully. Choosing "All day" or a full session is a longer commitment than it may appear. Clients should consider starting with a shorter preset if you have not used the feature before.
What the Lockout Feature Does Not Do
The Lockout feature restricts your access to trading. It does not limit or prevent losses, does not guarantee the price at which your positions are liquidated on activation, and does not indicate anything about market conditions or when you should or should not be trading. The decision to set a lockout, and the duration you choose, are entirely your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my open position when I activate a lockout?
It is liquidated immediately. All open positions are closed at the market, and all pending orders are cancelled the moment the lockout activates, so review your account before you confirm.
Can Support remove a lockout early?
No. Lockouts cannot be cancelled or reversed once activated. The lockout ends on its own when the selected duration or session expires.
What is the difference between a lockout and the Trade Clock?
A lockout closes your positions and blocks all trading for the period you select. The Trade Clock leaves your open position in place and blocks only orders that would add to it, while still allowing you to manage and exit that position.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the Lockout feature or how it applies to your account, contact the Support Team and we'll be happy to help.