A Guide to Running Crypto Bots 24/7

Crypto markets never close, and your bot must not make mistakes while you sleep. The key points:

1. Testnet first

Most large exchanges offer a testnet for futures. Verify your rules and order flow there with no real money.

2. API key security

• Never grant withdrawal permission to a key; only the trading permissions you need.
• Add an IP allowlist where possible.
• Do not put keys in code or in git; use environment variables or a secrets manager.

3. Operational resilience

• Have reconnect logic and a way to backfill missed candles.
• Use order identifiers that prevent sending the same order twice.
• Regularly reconcile the bot's own records with the real positions at the exchange.
• Be ready for API rate limits and temporary bans; back off and wait when you get an error.

4. Monitoring and alerts

Track the time of the last processed candle and alert if it stops advancing. "Looks like it is running" is not the same as "is really running".

5. Market-specific risks

In futures, funding rates cost money, leverage magnifies losses and sudden moves can cause liquidation. For loss limits see the Risk Management Guide.

To begin

Run paper trading for several weeks before moving to a server, then start with very small capital.

This article is for education only and is not investment advice. Past results do not guarantee future results; trading carries a risk of loss.