Bybit API not connecting?
Most connection issues come from one of five things. Find yours below and fix it in under 5 minutes.
Step-by-step: Create the right API key
Start fresh — delete any existing Shadow API key from Bybit and create a new one following these exact steps.
Open Bybit API Management
In Bybit, click your profile icon (top right) → API Management. If you don't see this option, you need to enable it in account settings first.
Confirm you're in Unified Trading Account
This is critical. At the top of the API Management page, confirm it says Unified Trading Account. If it says "Classic Account", Shadow will not work. Contact Bybit support to upgrade.
Create a new API key with these exact settings
Complete 2FA verification
Bybit will ask you to verify via email, Google Authenticator, or SMS. Complete this step fully. Only copy the API key and Secret after the 2FA confirmation screen.
Copy BOTH the API Key and Secret immediately
Bybit shows the Secret only once. Copy both values now. Paste them into Shadow's connection screen exactly as shown — no extra spaces.
Still not connecting? Find your error
Click the error message you're seeing:
Still stuck after trying all of this?
Email Andre directly at andre@aotrading.io with a screenshot of the error message and your Bybit API Management page. Most connection issues are resolved in one reply.
Email AndreNot on Shadow yet?
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