Trading212 does not have a built-in copy trading feature like eToro or ZuluTrade. But if you want to manually copy strategies on Trading212, it’s absolutely possible.
It just takes a little more work, patience, and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through the steps and real-world tips that traders are using today.
Before You Start: Quick Checklist
- Choose a strategy that matches your risk level and goals
- Set a limit on how much you’re willing to risk per trade
- Build a focused watchlist based on the strategy’s assets
- Plan how you will stay alert (use app notifications and price alerts)
- Commit to reviewing your results regularly, not just copying blindly
What Does “Copying Strategies Manually” Mean?
Copying strategies manually means you watch another trader’s actions and then manually place the same trades on your own Trading212 account. You’re not letting a platform do it automatically — you’re in full control. This method gives you more flexibility but also requires more effort and focus.
Many beginners actually prefer this approach because it helps them learn trading habits and understand decision-making instead of just “set and forget.”
Where to Find Strategies to Copy
If you’re going to copy someone, you need to find them first. Here’s where traders usually look:
- Trading forums like Reddit’s r/Trading212 or r/Forex
- YouTube trading channels that post live trading strategies
- Trading blogs with shared portfolio ideas
- Social media groups (especially Facebook and Discord trading communities)
- Signal providers who publish free or paid trading signals online
Real-world tip: Always double-check the trader’s track record. A lot of people share wins but hide their losses. Look for someone who posts both.
Important Warning: Be cautious with paid signal groups. Many beginners have reported paying for expensive signals that didn’t perform well. Start with free sources, learn first, and only consider paid options if you are confident in their track record.
Step-by-Step: How to Copy Strategies Manually on Trading212
Step 1: Pick a Strategy or Trader to Follow
Choose a strategy that fits your risk level and account size. Some strategies use high-risk moves that can wipe you out if you’re not careful. Start small and safe.
Look for details like:
- Entry and exit points
- Stop loss and take profit levels
- Risk-reward ratios
- Types of assets traded (stocks, forex, crypto)
Step 2: Set Up Your Watchlist
In your Trading212 account, build a watchlist based on the assets your chosen trader or strategy focuses on. This helps you monitor price moves faster and stay organized.
Step 3: Match Their Actions
When they open a trade, you open a similar one:
- Use the same asset
- Match the buy or sell direction
- Try to match the position size based on your own balance, not theirs
- Set your own stop loss and take profit according to their plan
Real-world insight: Many users report that trying to match exact trade sizes caused too much stress. It’s better to adjust position sizes based on percentage of your total balance.
Step 4: Stay Active and Use Alerts
Manual copying needs you to stay alert. If the trader adjusts their stop loss, takes profit early, or closes a trade, you need to act quickly too.
Helpful Tip: You can set price alerts on Trading212 easily. Tap the bell icon next to any stock or forex pair. You’ll get a notification when the price moves, helping you react faster without being glued to your screen.
Step 5: Review and Adapt
Don’t blindly follow forever. Every few weeks, review:
- How the copied trades performed
- If the trader’s strategy is still working
- Whether you’re comfortable with the risk
Sometimes, traders go through bad phases. If you notice consistent losses or strange behavior, it might be time to stop copying them.
Important: Always take responsibility for your own money. Even good traders make mistakes. Your account is yours alone.
Quick Look: Risks vs. Rewards of Manual Copying
Rewards:
- Learn by doing
- Stay in full control
- Flexibility to tweak strategies as you grow
Risks:
- Timing delays between the original trade and your action
- Emotional decision-making (fear and greed)
- Dependence on someone else’s trading skill
Imagine This…
Imagine following a trader you trust. You place the same trades, you feel the same wins… and you face the same tough losses. Over time, you realize you’re not just copying — you’re building your own instincts.
That’s the real power of manual copying. It’s not just about profit; it’s about becoming a stronger, smarter trader.
Challenges You Should Know About
Here are a few real struggles traders have shared when manually copying on Trading212:
- Timing delays: Even a few minutes’ delay between the trader’s move and your move can change the outcome.
- Emotional stress: You might panic and close trades early when you shouldn’t.
- Overtrading: Some beginners copy too many strategies at once and confuse themselves.
Best advice from community members: Pick one strategy to copy at a time. Master it before trying another.
What Real Traders Are Saying
On Reddit and other forums, some users say manual copying helped them understand trading much faster because they weren’t just watching — they were doing.
Others warn that copying without truly understanding the strategy often leads to big losses, especially during volatile markets. There’s some debate too:
- Some traders suggest copying exactly to learn better.
- Others suggest making small adjustments based on your own risk tolerance.
The best middle ground? Start by copying exactly, then once you feel more confident, start tweaking based on your own insights.
Final Thoughts
Copying strategies manually on Trading212 is a smart way to learn trading by doing, but it’s not a shortcut to easy money. It demands patience, focus, and responsibility.
\If you stay disciplined, choose good sources, and manage your risks wisely, this method can become a powerful part of your trading journey.
FAQs
1. Can I automate copying strategies on Trading212? No, Trading212 doesn’t offer automatic copy trading. You must place trades manually.
2. Is manual copying better than automatic copy trading? It depends. Manual copying teaches you how trading works. Automatic copying is easier but you learn less.
3. Where’s the best place to find traders to copy? Reddit (r/Trading212), YouTube, Discord groups, and trading blogs are popular starting points.
4. How much money do I need to start? You can start with as little as $10 on Trading212, but it’s safer to have at least $100–$500 for meaningful practice without risking too much.
5. What if the trader I’m copying starts losing money? You should regularly review their performance. If they consistently lose, stop copying and find another strategy.
6. Should I copy one trader or many? It’s better to copy one at first. Once you are comfortable, you can diversify across a few different strategies if you want.
7. How do I protect myself from big losses? Always set stop losses. Never risk more than a small part of your account on one trade (many recommend risking only 1-2% per trade).
8. How do I know if a trader is trustworthy? Look for traders who show both wins and losses, have consistent results over time, and aren’t promising huge profits with no risk.