> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ispecalgo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ispecalgo.com/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/kak-sozdat-podklyuchenie-k-birzhe.md).

# Connecting an exchange

## What a connection does

A connection links ISA Terminal to your exchange account. Bybit and BingX use an API Key and Secret; Hyperliquid uses an account address and a separate API wallet private key: [Hyperliquid guide](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/hyperliquid.md).

Without a connection, the terminal cannot display your balance, build charts for your trading pairs or run trading bots. Create and enable a connection before creating a bot.

## Select the exchange and market

See [supported exchanges and markets](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya.md). Select a specific exchange and market when adding a connection:

* **Spot** — buying and selling coins.
* **Futures / Futures USDT / Futures USDC** — futures trading, including leverage. Hyperliquid settles in USDC.

Pairs such as BTCUSDT or ETHUSDT load automatically after you enable the connection. You do not need to add pairs manually.

## Demo mode

The **Demo mode** switch depends on the exchange and market. See [Demo keys](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/demo-klyuchi.md) for availability and key requirements.

Bybit and BingX need separate keys from their demo accounts; regular keys cannot be used for demo. Hyperliquid uses a separate test network, where the API wallet must be approved.

## Connection limit

One ISA Terminal account can have at most **3 connections**. For example: live Bybit Spot, demo Bybit Futures USDT and live BingX Futures.

To add a fourth, remove an old one first. A connection can be deleted only when disabled.

## Connect your exchange

### 1. Prepare exchange credentials

Follow the [Bybit](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/api-klyuchi-bybit.md), [BingX](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/api-klyuchi-bingx.md) or [Hyperliquid](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/hyperliquid.md) guide. For demo, check the [demo key rules](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/demo-klyuchi.md) first.

### 2. Add a connection in ISA Terminal

Open **Connections → Add connection** and complete the fields:

| Field                  | What to enter                                                |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Selection              | Exchange and market, such as Bybit Spot                      |
| Name                   | A clear name of 3–20 characters, such as **Bybit\_main**     |
| Public API key         | Bybit/BingX API Key                                          |
| Secret API key         | Bybit/BingX Secret                                           |
| Wallet address         | Hyperliquid main account or subaccount address               |
| API wallet private key | Key of a separate API wallet approved on Hyperliquid         |
| Demo mode              | Enable for demo credentials                                  |
| Show in bottom bar     | Optional: show connection status at the bottom of the screen |

The form shows fields for your exchange. Click **Save**. The program checks the credentials immediately. If a key is invalid, lacks permissions or does not match demo mode, the connection is not created and an error appears.

### 3. Enable the connection

New connections are disabled. Find yours in the table, enable its switch in the control column, and wait for a normal status and balance.

For Hyperliquid, also [approve the terminal fee](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/hyperliquid.md) in the connection settings before starting a bot.

Once the connection is ready, you can open charts and create and run bots using it.

## Futures position mode

For Bybit and BingX futures, view or change **Position mode** in the connection settings. Hyperliquid supports One-Way only. See [Position modes](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/one-way-rezhim.md).

## Connection table

| Column     | Meaning                                                   |
| ---------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Name       | Your connection name                                      |
| Connection | Exchange and market                                       |
| Control    | Enable or disable                                         |
| Status     | Connected, error or loading                               |
| Balance    | Exchange balance when enabled                             |
| Settings   | Edit the connection; view or change futures position mode |
| Delete     | Remove a disabled connection                              |

## Common questions

**Why is demo missing?** It may not be supported for that exchange and market; BingX Spot has no demo mode.

**Why can I not create a fourth connection?** The limit is three per ISA Terminal account. Disable and delete an unused connection first.

**Why do the keys fail to save?** Read the terminal message and see [Common API errors](/en/isa-terminal/birzhi-i-podklyucheniya/chastye-oshibki-api.md).

**Where are keys stored?** The secret is stored encrypted on your computer. Do not share it with others or expose it in chats or screenshots.