Setting Up Instant TradingView Notifications: Complete Beginner Guide

Setting Up Instant TradingView Notifications: Complete Beginner Guide

TradingView is the world's most popular charting platform, but its alert system can be confusing for beginners. With multiple notification methods, plan requirements, and setup options, it's easy to get lost.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about TradingView notifications - from the basics to advanced setups - in plain English.

Understanding TradingView Plans & Alert Limits

Before setting up alerts, you need to understand what your TradingView plan allows:

TradingView Basic (Free Plan)

• Cost: $0/month
• Active alerts: 1 alert (previously 2)
• Notification methods: Email, app notifications
• Webhooks: ❌ Not available
• Alert types: Price alerts only (no indicator alerts)
• Best for: Casual investors, learning TradingView

TradingView Essential ($12.95/month)

• Active alerts: 20 alerts
• Notification methods: Email, app, SMS (limited)
• Webhooks: ❌ Not available
• Alert types: Price + basic indicators
• Best for: Active traders starting out

TradingView Plus ($14.95/month)

• Active alerts: 100 alerts
• Notification methods: Email, app, SMS
• Webhooks: ❌ Not available
• Alert types: Price + all indicators
• Best for: Serious retail traders

TradingView Premium ($59.95/month)

• Active alerts: 400 alerts
• Notification methods: Email, app, SMS, webhooks
• Webhooks: ✅ Available
• Alert types: Everything
• Best for: Professional traders, algorithmic trading

Key Insight: If you want instant phone call alerts or automation, you need at least Premium for webhook access. Alternatively, Essential+ ($24.95/mo) includes webhooks if you're on a budget.

Alert Methods Comparison

TradingView offers several ways to receive notifications:

1. In-App Notifications (All Plans)

How it works: Pop-up appears in TradingView when alert triggers

Pros:

• Free with any plan
• Instant (no delay)
• Visual and audio alert

Cons:

• Only works when TradingView is open
• Useless when away from computer
• Easy to miss if browsing other tabs

Best for: Active traders who keep TradingView open all day

2. Email Notifications (All Plans)

How it works: Email sent to your registered address

Pros:

• Free with any plan
• Permanent record of alerts
• Can forward to multiple addresses
• Detailed information possible

Cons:

• Slow (10-60 seconds delay)
• Can go to spam folder
• Requires checking email constantly
• Not suitable for time-sensitive trades

Best for: Long-term investors, end-of-day traders, record keeping

3. Mobile App Push Notifications (All Plans)

How it works: Notification appears on your phone via TradingView app

Pros:

• Free with any plan
• Works on phone and tablet
• Shows on lock screen
• Reasonably fast (3-15 seconds)

Cons:

• Requires app installed and running
• Can be missed if phone on silent
• Reliability varies (85-95%)
• Requires internet connection

Best for: Mobile traders, swing traders, non-critical alerts

4. SMS Text Messages (Essential+ and above)

How it works: Text message sent to your phone number

Pros:

• No app required
• Works without internet
• Text stays in message inbox
• Works on any phone (even basic phones)

Cons:

• Requires paid TradingView plan
• Slower than push (5-10 seconds)
• Limited to 160 characters
• Can be delayed by carriers
• Reliability ~91%

Best for: Traders who want SMS backup, international traders

5. Webhooks (Premium plan only)

How it works: HTTP POST request sent to a URL you specify

Pros:

• Fastest method (1-2 seconds)
• Enables automation
• Can trigger phone calls via services like TradeAlert.Pro
• Highly reliable (99.5%)
• No notification limits

Cons:

• Requires Premium subscription ($60/mo)
• Technical setup needed
• Requires external service for phone calls
• Not beginner-friendly

Best for: Professional traders, algorithmic trading, phone call alerts

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Method 1: Setting Up Email Notifications (Free)

This is the easiest method and works on all plans:

1. Create a TradingView account if you don't have one
2. Open any chart (e.g., Bitcoin, Apple stock, EUR/USD)
3. Click the Alert button (clock icon) in the top toolbar
4. Set your alert condition:
   • Click first dropdown → Select "Crossing"
   • Click second dropdown → Select "Value"
   • Enter your target price
5. Configure notifications:
   • Scroll down to "Notifications" section
   • Check the box "Send Email"
   • Verify your email address is correct (check Settings if needed)
6. Name your alert: Give it a descriptive name like "BTC crosses $45,000"
7. Click "Create"

Your alert is now live! You'll receive an email when the condition is met.

Pro tip: Create a Gmail filter to move TradingView alerts to a dedicated folder and mark as important so they don't get buried.

Method 2: Setting Up Mobile Push Notifications (Free)

For notifications on your phone:

1. Download TradingView app from App Store or Google Play
2. Log into your account in the app
3. Enable push notifications in phone settings:
   • iOS: Settings → Notifications → TradingView → Allow Notifications
   • Android: Settings → Apps → TradingView → Notifications → Allow
4. Create alert on desktop or mobile:
   • When creating alert, check "Notify on App"
   • This is enabled by default for mobile-created alerts
5. Test it: Create a test alert that triggers immediately to verify it works

Important: Keep the TradingView app running in background for best reliability. Disable battery optimization for the app.

Method 3: Setting Up SMS Notifications (Paid Plans)

SMS requires Essential+ or higher plan:

1. Upgrade to Essential+ plan ($24.95/mo) or higher if not already subscribed
2. Add your phone number:
   • Go to tradingview.com/settings
   • Click "Notifications" tab
   • Add phone number in international format (+1234567890)
   • Verify with SMS code
3. Create alert:
   • Click Alert button on chart
   • Set your condition
   • Check "Send SMS" in notifications section
4. Click "Create"

You'll now receive text messages when alerts trigger.

Cost consideration: Some plans include a limited number of SMS per month. Check your plan details for limits.

Method 4: Setting Up Webhooks for Phone Calls (Premium)

This is the most advanced but fastest method:

1. Requirements:

   • TradingView Premium account ($59.95/mo)
   • 2-Factor Authentication enabled
   • TradeAlert.Pro account (or similar service)

2. Enable 2FA on TradingView:

   • Go to Settings → Security
   • Enable Two-Factor Authentication
   • Use Google Authenticator or Authy

3. Get webhook URL:

   • Sign up at TradeAlert.Pro
   • Verify your phone number
   • Copy your webhook URL from dashboard

4. Create webhook alert:

   • Open TradingView chart
   • Click Alert button
   • Set your condition
   • Scroll to "Notifications" section
   • Check "Webhook URL"
   • Paste your TradeAlert.Pro webhook URL
   • Click "Create"

When your alert triggers, your phone will ring in under 2 seconds!

Full webhook tutorial: See our complete webhook guide for detailed instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Setting "Only Once" Instead of "Once Per Bar Close"

Problem: "Only Once" expires after the first trigger. Your alert will never fire again.

Solution: Use "Once Per Bar Close" for recurring alerts. This re-arms the alert after each trigger.

When to use "Only Once": For one-time events like "Alert me when Bitcoin first crosses $50k this year."

Mistake #2: Creating Alerts on Wrong Timeframe

Problem: You create an alert on the 1-hour chart but view the daily chart. The alert fires based on 1-hour closes, not daily.

Solution: Always create alerts on the timeframe you're actually trading. The alert condition is tied to the chart timeframe when you create it.

Mistake #3: Not Testing Alerts Before Relying On Them

Problem: You set up an alert but never verify it works. You miss important trades because notifications weren't configured correctly.

Solution: Always create a test alert that triggers immediately (set to current price) to verify all notification methods are working.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Check Notification Settings

Problem: You create an alert but forget to enable email/SMS/app notifications. The alert fires but you never know.

Solution: Before clicking "Create," always verify the notification checkboxes are ticked in the Notifications section.

Mistake #5: Using Too Many Alerts on Free Plan

Problem: Free plan only allows 1 active alert. You try to monitor 5 different stocks and wonder why only 1 works.

Solution: Either upgrade to paid plan or prioritize your most important alert. Free plan is for trying out TradingView, not serious trading.

Mistake #6: Not Understanding Alert Cooldowns

Problem: You set "Notify every time" thinking you'll get instant notifications, but you're flooded with 100 alerts per minute.

Solution: Use "Once Per Bar Close" for most alerts. This waits for the candle to close before alerting, reducing false signals.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Plan Limitations

Problem: You're on Essential plan trying to create webhook alerts, but webhooks require Premium.

Solution: Check your plan's capabilities before attempting advanced features. Upgrade if needed or use alternative methods.

Advanced Tips for Power Users

Tip #1: Use Alert Placeholders for Dynamic Messages

Instead of static text, use TradingView's placeholders:

{{ticker}} crossed {{price}} at {{time}} on {{exchange}}

This automatically fills in the values when alert triggers.

Tip #2: Create Alert Templates

For recurring alert patterns:

1. Set up your perfect alert once
2. Name it descriptively
3. Duplicate it (right-click alert → Duplicate)
4. Modify only the price/ticker

This saves time when creating similar alerts.

Tip #3: Use Sound Alerts for Desktop Trading

Enable sound on in-app notifications:

1. Create alert
2. In Notifications section, select a sound from dropdown
3. Choose loud, distinct sound that won't be confused with other notifications

Tip #4: Set Up Email Filters for Organization

Create Gmail/Outlook filters:

• Filter: From "noreply@tradingview.com"
• Action: Label as "Trading Alerts," Star, Mark Important
• Result: Never miss an alert in your inbox

Tip #5: Combine Multiple Notification Methods

Don't rely on just one method:

• Primary: Webhook → Phone call (most reliable, fastest)
• Backup: SMS (in case phone call fails)
• Archive: Email (for record keeping)

This redundancy ensures you never miss critical alerts.

Tip #6: Use Naming Conventions for Alerts

Good naming helps manage many alerts:

• [BTC] Long Entry - $45k
• [AAPL] Stop Loss - $150
• [EUR/USD] Take Profit - 1.10

Brackets indicate ticker, then alert type, then level.

Tip #7: Monitor Alert Quota Usage

Premium allows 400 active alerts. Track your usage:

• Go to Alert Manager (clock icon dropdown)
• See count: "342/400 alerts used"
• Delete old/expired alerts to free up space

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Not Receiving Email Notifications

Check these:

1. Verify email address in TradingView Settings
2. Check spam/junk folder
3. Add noreply@tradingview.com to contacts
4. Verify "Send Email" was checked when creating alert
5. Check alert is still active (not expired)

Issue: Push Notifications Not Working

Solutions:

1. Ensure TradingView app is installed and logged in
2. Check phone notification settings allow TradingView
3. Disable battery optimization for TradingView app
4. Restart phone and re-login to app
5. Re-enable notifications in app settings

Issue: SMS Not Arriving

Check these:

1. Verify phone number is correctly added (with + and country code)
2. Confirm number is verified (check for verification SMS)
3. Check you haven't exceeded monthly SMS limit
4. Verify your plan includes SMS (Essential+ or higher)
5. Try a different phone number (some carriers block automated SMS)

Issue: Alerts Not Firing At All

Common causes:

1. Alert condition never met (check price hasn't reached target)
2. Alert expired (if set to "Only Once" and already triggered)
3. Alert accidentally deleted
4. Chart timeframe doesn't match alert timeframe
5. Trading pair changed (created alert on BTCUSD but viewing BTCUSDT)

Issue: Too Many False Alerts

Solutions:

1. Change from "Any Time" to "Once Per Bar Close"
2. Add additional conditions (e.g., price AND volume threshold)
3. Use longer timeframe (15min instead of 1min)
4. Set larger price buffer (trigger at $45,100 instead of $45,000)

Free vs Paid: What's Worth It?

Stick with Free (Basic) If:

• You're learning to trade
• You only monitor 1-2 positions
• You check charts daily, not intraday
• Email notification delays are acceptable
• You're investing long-term (not day trading)

Upgrade to Essential+ ($24.95/mo) If:

• You need 10+ simultaneous alerts
• You want SMS notifications
• You trade multiple assets
• You're serious about trading
• Email is too slow for your style

Upgrade to Premium ($59.95/mo) If:

• You need webhooks for phone call alerts
• You're day trading or scalping
• You need 100+ alerts
• You want automation capabilities
• You're a professional trader
• Seconds matter for your entries/exits

ROI Perspective: If you're trading with $5,000+ and alerts help you catch even one extra profitable trade per month, Premium pays for itself. For casual investors with $1,000, stick with free plan.

Recommended Setup for Different Trading Styles

Long-Term Investor (Days to Months)

• Plan: Basic (free)
• Notifications: Email
• Alerts: Price targets, major support/resistance
• Frequency: 1-2 alerts per position

Swing Trader (Hours to Days)

• Plan: Essential+ ($24.95/mo)
• Notifications: Push notifications + Email
• Alerts: Entry signals, stop losses, profit targets
• Frequency: 5-10 alerts per position

Day Trader (Minutes to Hours)

• Plan: Premium ($59.95/mo)
• Notifications: Webhooks → Phone calls + SMS backup
• Alerts: Entries, exits, momentum signals
• Frequency: 20+ alerts active

Scalper (Seconds to Minutes)

• Plan: Premium ($59.95/mo)
• Notifications: Webhooks → Phone calls only
• Alerts: Very tight levels, high-frequency signals
• Frequency: 50+ alerts, rapid-fire

Algorithmic Trader

• Plan: Premium ($59.95/mo)
• Notifications: Webhooks → Trading bot API
• Alerts: Strategy signals, risk management
• Frequency: Unlimited (within rate limits)

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Now that you understand TradingView notifications, here's what to do:

1. Assess your needs: What trading style? How many alerts? How fast do you need notifications?

2. Choose your plan: Free for learning, Essential+ for active trading, Premium for professionals

3. Set up one notification method: Start simple - email or push notifications

4. Create a test alert: Verify everything works before relying on it

5. Monitor for a week: See if your chosen method meets your needs

6. Optimize: Add redundancy (multiple notification methods) or upgrade if needed

7. Learn advanced features: Webhooks, custom messages, indicator alerts

Ready for instant phone call alerts? Start free with TradeAlert.Pro - 3 free test calls, no credit card required. Perfect for testing webhooks before upgrading to Premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get instant notifications without TradingView Premium? A: Push notifications (3-15 seconds) are available on all plans. For true instant (<2 second) notifications via phone calls, you need Premium for webhook access.

Q: How many alerts should I create? A: Quality over quantity. 5-10 well-thought-out alerts are better than 50 poorly configured ones. Start small and add as needed.

Q: Will alerts fire if TradingView is closed? A: Yes! Alerts run on TradingView's servers. Your computer can be off and alerts will still fire.

Q: Can I create alerts on mobile? A: Yes, TradingView's mobile app supports full alert creation. It's sometimes easier on desktop for complex conditions though.

Q: What happens when I reach my alert limit? A: You can't create new alerts until you delete old ones. Upgrade your plan to increase the limit.

Q: Do alerts expire? A: Depends on your setting. "Once Per Bar Close" alerts never expire (they re-arm). "Only Once" alerts expire after first trigger.

Related Guides:

• How to Set Up Phone Call Alerts
• TradingView Webhook Tutorial
• Comparison of All Alert Methods