This guide covers API connection issues for Upcomers challenges on the Bybit demo environment.
Quick checklist
Using Bybit Demo, not Live
API key = Read/Write, Unified, Assets
No IP restrictions on the key
When linking a new API key, the subaccount must be fresh, with no previous trades or balance movements
No open positions or pending limit orders
API key not edited, rotated or deleted after linking
The key is unique to every challenge phase, not reused elsewhere
Keys copied via Copy button, not typed
Common issues and fixes
1) Connected to the wrong environment
Symptom: Account will not sync or shows empty balances.
Cause: Live API used instead of Demo.
Fix: Create a Demo subaccount API key on Bybit and reconnect it in Upcomers.
2) Missing required permissions
Symptom: Partial data, orders fail to register.
Cause: API not set to Read/Write, Unified, Assets.
Fix: Regenerate the API with Read/Write + Unified + Assets enabled, then relink.
3) IP restrictions enabled
Symptom: Connection denied or times out.
Cause: API created with IP whitelist.
Fix: Create the key with No IP restrictions and connect that key.
4) Keys copied incorrectly
Symptom: “Invalid key” or “Signature error.”
Cause: Manual typing, extra spaces or missing characters.
Fix: Use Bybit’s Copy button for both the API Key and Secret. Reconnect.
5) API modified or deleted after linking
Symptom: Connection suddenly stops working.
Cause: Editing permissions, rotating or removing the key.
Fix: Create a new key with the correct settings and relink it in Upcomers.
6) Open trades or pending orders block the link
Symptom: Linking fails or throws a generic error.
Cause: Active positions or limit orders on the Bybit side.
Fix: Close all positions and cancel all open orders, then connect the API.
7) API key reused across challenge phases and/or different accounts
Symptom: Conflicts between accounts or wrong data shown, inability to link keys to account.
Cause: Same key linked to another challenge previously.
Fix: Generate a fresh API key for each challenge and link it only there.