Trades are going to the simulation account in Tradovate

What is causing it

The wrong account is selected in the order entry area, so orders are going to a simulation account.

Why this happens

Simulation accounts exist alongside live ones on the same login so you can practise without switching platforms. The convenience is also the risk, because the only thing separating them is a selection in a dropdown.

The reverse mistake is worse: believing you are in simulation and sending real orders. Both are avoided by the same habit of reading the account name before trading.

The fix, step by step

1. Check the account selector in the order entry area and read the account name, not just its position on the list.
2. Switch to the live or funded account and confirm the balance shown matches what your broker or firm reports.
3. Check every window or ladder you trade from, as the selection can differ between them.
4. Place one small order and confirm it appears in the account history for the correct account before trading normally.
5. If you keep both open, make the simulation and live layouts visibly different so you cannot confuse them at a glance.

How to confirm it is fixed

A test order appears in the history of the account you intended, and the balance moves by the expected amount.

Stopping it happening again

Read the account name aloud before your first order of the session, and keep simulation on a visually distinct layout.