FAQ

Find answers to common setup, alert, and account questions below. If you are dealing with an error or a trade that did not execute, the Troubleshooting guide helps you find the fix for that specific issue.

Platforms and setup#

What is PineHook?#

PineHook connects TradingView webhook alerts to MT5 and cTrader so your strategy can send commands to your trading account. On MT5, the PineHook EA submits orders from your terminal, while cTrader orders go through the broker account you authorize.

Does PineHook support MT4?#

No, the PineHook Expert Advisor requires MetaTrader 5 and has no MT4 version. You can also use cTrader by authorizing your broker account, without downloading an EA.

Which brokers are supported?#

You can use an MT5 broker account or a supported account available through cTrader authorization, provided your broker or prop firm allows the automation you plan to run. If its instrument names differ from TradingView, configure symbol mapping so alerts reach the intended symbol.

Do I need a VPS?#

A VPS is optional, but it is useful for MT5 when your computer cannot stay online, because the terminal must remain running and connected to execute alerts. A Windows VPS can keep it available, although execution still depends on the broker. With cTrader, you do not need a running MT5 terminal or a personal VPS.

Do I need one chart per symbol?#

No, one PineHook EA on a single MT5 chart handles all supported symbols on that broker account. Adding another instance with the same license takes over the connection and disconnects the first, so keep one PineHook chart per account and use a separate license for another account.

Can I use other EAs on the same MT5 account?#

Other EAs can run alongside PineHook, but review how each selects positions so they do not manage the same trades unintentionally. The distinction matters especially on hedging and netting accounts, where positions are tracked differently.

TradingView alerts#

Do I need a paid TradingView plan?#

You need a TradingView plan that includes webhook alerts, with two-factor authentication enabled on your TradingView account. Once Webhook URL is available in the alert's Notifications settings, follow Set up webhook alerts to connect it to PineHook.

Can I use Pine Script strategies?#

Yes, and if you can edit your strategy's Pine Script code, we recommend programming the alerts there for more control over the message and dynamic sizing. You can use alert() when a condition triggers or attach alert_message to strategy orders for order-fill alerts. The Pine Script strategy alerts guide explains both methods and their alert settings.

Can I send commands without TradingView?#

No. To protect your account, PineHook's webhook only accepts requests from TradingView's published IP addresses, so a message sent from your own script, a browser or a tool such as curl is refused with HTTP 403. Send commands through a TradingView alert instead, and use Signal Logs → Alert Test & Validate or Test EA Connection to check a message or the route to your account without TradingView.

How many TradingView alerts can I have?#

TradingView sets the number of active alerts available on its plans, while PineHook has separate per-minute and daily message allowances shown under Licenses → Account limits. If your strategy needs higher PineHook limits, send our team a request so we can raise them for you.

What happens when a platform disconnects?#

PineHook holds eligible alerts until the connection returns, then applies your recovery mode and expiry window to decide what happens next. Reconnecting therefore does not automatically execute every missed alert. See Missed alert recovery for Notify Only, Closures Only, and the differences between MT5 and cTrader.

Account and security#

Is PineHook free during beta?#

Yes, new accounts receive Pro access free for the beta period without providing a payment method. Paid checkout remains closed during beta, and the pricing section describes the current offer.

How do I reset my password?#

Select Forgot password on the login page and enter your email, then follow the reset link sent to you. If it does not arrive, check your spam folder before asking support for help.

Can I change my email address?#

Email changes are not self-service yet, so ask the Support Chatbot to open a ticket for the team.

How do I delete my account?#

Open Settings → Danger Zone → Delete Account and complete the confirmation to permanently delete your account. This deactivates your licenses and anonymizes personal data, while records required for compliance are retained as described in the privacy policy.

Does PineHook store my broker password?#

Your MT5 broker password stays in the terminal, while cTrader sign-in takes place on cTrader's authorization page. For cTrader, PineHook stores encrypted authorization tokens for the access you approve, rather than your password. Connections use TLS, and the privacy policy explains how PineHook handles alert and trade data.

Are the Secret Key and Signal Authentication the same?#

They protect different parts of the connection: an MT5 Secret Key is checked when the EA connects, while Signal Authentication protects incoming webhook messages. Configure them through the license's three-dot menu, keeping the Secret Key in the EA and out of TradingView alerts. The License security controls guide explains how to set up each one.

Help and feedback#

How do I contact support or request a feature?#

You can ask the Support Chatbot for help or to open a ticket. To contact the team directly or suggest a feature, create a conversation in Messages. For troubleshooting, include the platform, license ID, exact error, and checks you tried, removing passwords and Secret Keys before sharing anything.