1. Before You Start
This page helps you get everything in place before you install XeroLite. If you skip these steps, you may hit errors later or find that TradingView alerts can't reach XeroLite.
1.1: Prepare Your Computer or VPS
System Requirements
Why these matter: XeroLite runs alongside TWS (or IB Gateway) and a browser. Too little RAM or an unsupported OS can cause slow performance or failed order execution.
Operating System:
- Windows 10 or later — XeroLite is built and tested for Windows.
- Linux Ubuntu 18.04 or later — Supported for VPS and server setups.
- Mac is NOT supported — XeroLite requires Windows or Linux only. A Mac version is not available.
Mac Users: XeroLite is designed for Windows and Linux only. A Mac version is not available.
Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum
- XeroLite + TWS + browser often need 6–8 GB when running.
- Less RAM can mean slow performance and orders executing late.
- Having extra RAM is better than cutting it close.
CPU: Minimum 2 cores
- Needed for XeroLite and TWS to run smoothly at the same time.
Disk space: At least 10 GB free
- XeroLite uses space for logs and its database.
- 10 GB gives you room for months of trading history.
- If you run out of space, older data may be lost.
Download XeroLite: Visit the XeroLite Downloads & Resources page to download the latest version for your operating system.
Your computer or VPS?
- VPS (recommended): Runs in the cloud, always on, so TradingView can send alerts 24/7.
- Home computer: You must leave it running whenever you want alerts to execute.
Need a VPS? Consider XeroCloud—a reliable hosting solution by Xeroflex, optimized for XeroLite and automated trading.
Public and Static IP
Why you need it: TradingView sends alerts to a webhook URL. That URL must point to a stable IP address that doesn’t change. If your IP address changes, your webhook URL stops working and alerts won’t reach XeroLite.
Ensure your VPS (or server) has a public and static IP address so that TradingView can reach it.
Why a Cloud Server (VPS) Is Needed
A cloud server (VPS) is required because TradingView needs to send alerts to XeroLite through a publicly accessible, stable environment. On a home network, your computer is usually behind a modem, router, or switch, so it’s not reachable from the internet unless you set up port forwarding or a static IP address. A VPS gives you a stable, always-on connection that TradingView can reach, so automation runs reliably.
Port Requirements
Why these matter: XeroLite receives webhook requests from TradingView over the network. If the right ports aren’t open or are blocked by a firewall, alerts never reach XeroLite.
- Port 80 (HTTP) must be available and not blocked by your firewall.
- Port 443 (HTTPS) should be available for secure connections.
- No other application should be using port 80 on the same machine.
1.2: Prepare Your Login Information
Interactive Brokers Account
Why you need it: XeroLite sends orders to Interactive Brokers (IB) via TWS or IB Gateway. Without an IB account, there’s nowhere for orders to go.
You need an Interactive Brokers account, which can be either paper or live:
- Paper Trading Account: For testing and practice without real money. Use this first to verify your alerts and orders.
- Live Trading Account: For actual trading with real funds. Switch to this only after testing on paper.
XeroLite License Key
Why you need it: Without a valid license key, XeroLite stops working after the 15-day trial. You won’t be able to place trades.
XeroLite requires a valid license key to operate. You will need one of:
- Master License (Lifetime): Valid for all XeroLite v0.3.x, v1.x updates
- Free Trial License: 15-day trial with full access to all features
- Add-On License: Extend your Master License to additional machines
Refer to the Activate XeroLite License documentation for more information on obtaining and activating your license.
TradingView Account
Why you need it: TradingView is where you create alerts that trigger webhook calls to XeroLite. No TradingView account means no automated alerts.
A TradingView account is required to create and send alerts to XeroLite. You can use either:
- Free TradingView account (with limitations)
- Paid TradingView subscription (recommended for advanced features)
Need more help? Contact support at [email protected]
See also:
- Install Interactive Brokers TWS for TWS installation
- Install XeroLite for installation steps
- Glossary for term definitions