This guide walks you through linking your Apex (Rithmic) prop firm account in NinjaTrader — from setting up RTrader Pro to configuring the connection and resolving common logon errors.
Important: Make sure Multi-Provider Mode is enabled in NinjaTrader before connecting your broker or data feed.
Step #1: Setting Up Your Rithmic Account
If you have ANY other version of RTrader on your computer, you must uninstall it and the folder, as shown HERE.
Enter your Rithmic username and password carefully — type them manually where possible, since copy-pasting can accidentally include extra spaces or hidden characters that will cause a logon failure.
Rithmic RTrader Pro Settings
Open your RTrader Pro application
Make sure Market Data is OFF (this will grey out the bottom section)
Leave selective mode turned OFF.
Carefully enter your Rithmic ID and password, avoiding accidental spaces.
Your Rithmic ID and password are stored on our website login on the left sidebar under NT8 Setup > Rithmic
Choose System: APEX.
Choose Gateway: Chicago Area.
Click LOGIN and sign the two (2) agreements for ALL NEW USERS upon first login in RTrader Pro.
These are mandatory. Please Select NON-PROFESSIONAL When prompted.
Step #2: Connecting to Your Rithmic Prop Firm Account in NinjaTrader
From the Control Center of NinjaTrader Desktop, click Connections > configure:
In the Connections Configuration window, double-click "Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage" from the list of Available connections. Next, click "My Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage" from the Configured list.
On the right side of the window, enter your Apex username and password and select "Apex" from the list of Systems.
If you would like to connect to this account automatically when you restart the NinjaTrader Desktop app, enable "Connect on startup". Click "OK" at the bottom of the window once your connection configuration is complete.
Lastly, simply click on "My Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage" from the Connections dropdown at the top of the Control Center to connect to your account. The connection status light will turn from yellow (Connecting) to green (Connected) if your connection configuration is correct.
It may take up to 30 seconds for the connection to fully complete.
Tips and Notes
If you do not see configure in the Connections drop-down, you will need to enable Multi-provider Mode using these steps.
Be sure to select "Apex" from the System drop-down menu.
If you are bridging your connection through the R Trader Pro software, connect on R Trader Pro first with "Allow Plugins" enabled. Then, connect on NinjaTrader Desktop with Plug-in Mode activated.
Do not enable "Plug-in Mode" on NinjaTrader if you are not bridging your connection through the R Trader Pro software.
Apex usernames with a hypen in their name (example: Apex-123456) are Rithmic-based. Apex usernames with an underscore in their name (example: Apex_123456) are Tradovate-based and will need to use this Tradovate Apex Connection Guide to connect on NinjaTrader Desktop instead.
Common Rithmic Connection Errors (e.g., "Logon Failed")
If you see an error such as:
"Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage: Please check your account connection parameters and internet connection. (Logon failed)"
Follow these troubleshooting steps:
Verify Login Credentials:
Use the Rithmic credentials provided by your prop firm (often different from your prop firm portal login).
Enter the username and password manually — avoid copy-pasting extra spaces or hidden characters.
Select the Correct Rithmic Server:
Under Connections → Configure → Rithmic for NinjaTrader Brokerage, select the correct server.
For example:
Apex: Rithmic 01 – Apex Trader Funding
Bulenox: Rithmic 01 – Bulenox
Using the wrong server will trigger logon errors.
Ensure Multi-Provider Mode is Enabled:
Go to Tools → Options → General → Multi-Provider Mode → Check it.
Restart NinjaTrader to apply the change.
Sync the Windows clock (fixes Rithmic "logon failed" when time is off)
Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
Turn on Set time automatically (and Set time zone automatically if appropriate).
Click Sync now.
Confirm the clock updates, then retry the Rithmic connection.
Restart NinjaTrader:
Fully close and reopen NinjaTrader after updating credentials or account settings.
Most Rithmic login issues are caused by incorrect credentials, wrong system selection, or Multi-Provider Mode not being enabled.
Need Assistance?
Our support team is available 24/7. If you have any questions or run into issues, open a support ticket from your QuantVPS dashboard and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.