Why Is My Thinkorswim Order Default Not Working?
If you're a regular trader using the Thinkorswim platform, you might encounter a frustrating issue where your default order settings aren't being applied. This can be a major inconvenience, particularly if you rely on these settings for quick and efficient trading.
The good news is that most cases of malfunctioning default order settings are solvable. Let's dive into the common culprits and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Verify Your Default Settings
The first step is to ensure that your default order settings are actually configured as you expect. Here's how:
- Navigate to "Tools" and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
- Go to the "Trading" tab and then click on the "Orders" section.
- Review your default settings, such as order type, quantity, and duration.
2. Check for System Glitches
Sometimes, the issue lies with a temporary glitch in the Thinkorswim system. These glitches can occur due to server maintenance, software updates, or network connectivity problems.
Here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your computer and your internet connection.
- Log out of your Thinkorswim account and log back in.
- Check the Thinkorswim website for any reported outages or system updates.
3. Test With a New Order
Once you've verified your settings and ruled out system glitches, it's helpful to test with a new order. This will help isolate whether the problem is with your default settings or a specific order you're trying to place.
4. Examine Order Type and Quantity
Certain order types or quantities might trigger unexpected behaviors with your default settings. For example:
- Market orders are often executed immediately, overriding any default settings.
- Large orders might exceed your default order size limits.
5. Consider Third-Party Plugins
If you've installed any third-party plugins or extensions for Thinkorswim, these might interfere with your default order settings.
Tips for Preventing Future Issues:
- Double-check your default order settings regularly.
- Avoid making frequent changes to your default settings.
- Keep your Thinkorswim software updated.
- If you encounter frequent issues, contact Thinkorswim customer support for assistance.
Conclusion
While it's frustrating to deal with malfunctioning default order settings, troubleshooting these issues can be achieved with a systematic approach. By checking your settings, ruling out system glitches, testing with new orders, and examining order types and quantities, you can pinpoint the cause and regain control over your Thinkorswim experience.