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Prop Firm Connection Guide: Linking Rithmic Accounts in NinjaTrader

Step-by-step guide to connecting your Rithmic-based prop firm account (Apex Trader Funding, Bulenox, etc.) in NinjaTrader. Learn how to enable Multi-Provider Mode, configure the Rithmic connection, and fix common logon or credential errors.

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Important: Make sure Multi-Provider Mode is enabled in NinjaTrader before connecting your broker or data feed.

Connecting to your Rithmic Prop Firm Account

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Ensure Multi-Provider Mode is Enabled:

    • Go to Tools → Options → General → Multi-Provider Mode → ✅ Check it.

    • Restart NinjaTrader to apply the change.

  4. Sync the Windows clock (fixes Rithmic “logon failed” when time is off)

    1. Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time.

    2. Turn on Set time automatically (and Set time zone automatically if appropriate).

    3. Click Sync now.

    4. Confirm the clock updates, then retry the Rithmic connection.

  5. 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.

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