> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.metacopier.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.metacopier.io/features/pro-features/keep-alive-trade.md).

# Keep alive trade

The **Keep Alive Trade** Pro Feature is made to help prevent your account from being closed due to inactivity. It's especially useful for keeping **demo accounts active** or staying **compliant during prop firm challenges**.

When there are no trades from your main strategy, this feature will automatically open a small trade just to keep the account active. The trade uses the **smallest possible lot size (usually 0.01)** and is **closed again as soon as possible**, so it only affects the **minimum possible amount (typically just the broker fee)**.

<figure><img src="/files/TQCZJUIveqxKqQtr2Bxk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Keep alive trade options</p></figcaption></figure>

## Settings

* **Symbol**: The trading symbol refers to the specific financial instrument (such as a currency pair, stock, or commodity) on which the keep-alive trades will be executed.
* **Close after:** Specify how long the position should remain open, in seconds. (Default: 0 seconds, which means the position closes immediately.)
* **Cron expressions**: Cron expressions are used to schedule the timing and frequency of the keep-alive trades. These expressions define the exact moments when the trades will be executed, based on a recurring schedule. In the example above it will be executed every week on Wednesday at 8:30 AM (UTC). Multiple cron expressions are possible. Please refer also to our [cron expression examples and documentation](/tutorials/cron-expressions.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
Make sure the cron expression is correct; otherwise, the system will not open the position.
{% endhint %}