Onyx (and your MetaTrader) only work while the computer is on and online. If you turn it off, close the laptop lid or lose power, the EA stops reporting, copy stops copying and the Guardian stops protecting. A VPS fixes that.
You turn your computer off; the VPS keeps your MetaTrader on and Onyx receiving.
What it is
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a computer living in a data center, always on, with stable internet. You connect to it from your phone or computer, install your MetaTrader and the Onyx EA inside, and leave it running. Even if you close your device, the VPS keeps going.
Advantages for you
24/7: your EA, copy and Guardian never stop, even with your computer off.
Lower latency: if the VPS is near your broker’s server, your orders (and copy) land faster.
Stability: the data center’s internet and power, not your home’s. No outages or weak WiFi.
Save energy and noise: you don’t leave your PC on all night.
Independence: check Onyx from your phone without relying on your computer.
Types of VPS
1
Forex VPS (specialized)
Built for trading: comes with Windows, low latency to brokers and sometimes MetaTrader preinstalled. Easiest to start. Examples: ForexVPS, Cloudzy, FXVM.
2
Broker VPS (sometimes free)
Many brokers give you a VPS if you trade a certain volume or keep a balance. Convenient, but tied to that broker. Ask your broker if they offer one.
3
General cloud VPS
Providers like Vultr, DigitalOcean, AWS or Contabo. Cheaper and flexible, but you configure it. Pick one with Windows if you want MetaTrader with its usual window.
4
Windows vs Linux
For MetaTrader you normally use a Windows VPS (the platform is a Windows program). Linux works too, but via a wrapper, and it is more technical.
💡 How much VPS you need
For MetaTrader/cTrader with Onyx, a small Windows VPS (1–2 cores, 2 GB RAM) is usually enough. You do not need an expensive one.
How you use it with Onyx
It is just like on your computer: connect to the VPS, install MetaTrader and the Onyx EA (with your API key), turn on AlgoTrading and leave it. From then on Onyx receives your trades non-stop. The step by step is in the install-the-EA guide.
A VPS is a real computer: keep it updated and with a strong password. Never share its access, just as you don’t share your MetaTrader.
