Futures trading on OKX offers two core margin modes: cross margin and isolated margin. These settings play a crucial role in risk management, capital efficiency, and overall trading performance. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding how to switch between these modes—and when to use each—is essential for optimizing your strategy.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between cross and isolated margin, explain how to switch between them on both the OKX app and web platform, clarify whether you can adjust the mode during active trades, and provide best practices for managing your positions effectively.
👉 Discover how OKX’s advanced margin controls can help refine your trading strategy.
Understanding Cross Margin vs. Isolated Margin
Before diving into the mechanics of switching, let’s first define what each mode means and how it affects your trading.
What Is Cross Margin Mode?
- All available balance is shared across open positions in the same currency.
- The system automatically uses your entire account equity as collateral to prevent liquidation.
- Ideal for short-term traders who want maximum capital flexibility and are comfortable with higher risk exposure.
While cross margin increases your effective leverage by pooling funds, it also introduces systemic risk: a single losing position could potentially trigger the liquidation of your entire account.
What Is Isolated Margin Mode?
- Each position has its own dedicated margin allocation, independent of other trades.
- Losses are capped at the allocated margin—your other positions remain unaffected even if one trade gets liquidated.
- Best suited for multi-position strategies, hedging, or traders prioritizing strict risk control.
Isolated margin gives you precise control over risk per trade, making it a preferred choice for conservative or structured trading approaches.
How to Switch Between Cross and Isolated Margin on OKX
You can easily switch between these two modes—but only under specific conditions. Below are step-by-step instructions for both mobile and desktop users.
On the OKX Mobile App
- Open the OKX app and navigate to the [Futures] tab.
- Select the contract pair you wish to trade (e.g., BTC/USDT perpetual).
- Look above the order entry panel for the "Isolated/Cross" toggle.
- Tap it and choose your desired mode from the pop-up window.
- Confirm your selection.
On the OKX Web Platform
- Log in to your OKX account via the official website.
- Go to the futures trading interface.
- On the right-hand side, locate the order form.
- Click the "Cross/Isolated" button near the leverage selector.
- Choose your preferred mode and confirm.
👉 See how professional traders manage margin settings for better performance.
Important Rules When Switching Margin Modes
While switching is straightforward, there are strict requirements enforced by OKX to ensure system stability and risk containment.
You Must Have No Active Positions or Orders
To change the margin mode for any contract:
- All open positions must be closed.
- All pending orders (limit, stop-loss, take-profit) must be canceled.
- Only then can you switch modes.
Attempting to switch while holding a position will result in an error message: "Please close all positions before switching margin mode."
Settings Are Per-Contract, Not Account-Wide
Each trading pair maintains its own margin mode setting independently. For example:
- BTC/USDT can be set to cross margin.
- ETH/USDT can remain in isolated margin.
This allows you to tailor your risk approach based on individual market behavior and strategy.
Can You Change Margin Mode Anytime? Limitations Explained
Yes—you can switch between cross and isolated margin, but not at any time. The ability to change depends entirely on your current trading activity.
When You Can Switch
- No open positions on that contract.
- No active limit or conditional orders.
- Sufficient account balance to meet minimum requirements.
- Platform functions are operating normally (no maintenance or outages).
When You Cannot Switch
- An open position exists—even partially filled.
- Any type of order (including stop-loss or trailing stops) is pending.
- You're using third-party tools like API bots or copy-trading services that lock certain configurations.
- During periods of high volatility or scheduled system updates.
⚠️ Pro Tip: To avoid last-minute disruptions, configure your preferred margin mode before opening a position. Consider setting default preferences for frequently traded pairs.
Choosing the Right Mode: Strategic Recommendations
The choice between cross and isolated margin isn't just technical—it reflects your overall trading philosophy and risk appetite.
Here’s how to decide:
| Scenario | Recommended Mode |
|---|---|
| Short-term scalping with frequent entries/exits | Cross Margin |
| Running multiple uncorrelated strategies | Isolated Margin |
| Trading with high leverage | Isolated Margin (limits downside) |
| Hedging spot holdings with futures | Isolated Margin |
| Aggressive directional bets with full portfolio backing | Cross Margin |
For beginners, we strongly recommend starting with isolated margin. It provides clear boundaries on potential losses and helps build disciplined habits without exposing your entire balance.
Experienced traders may use cross margin selectively, especially when they have strong conviction in a short-term move and want to maximize capital utilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I switch from cross to isolated margin while in profit?
A: No. You must close your position first. Even profitable trades require full settlement before changing the margin mode.
Q: Does switching modes affect my unrealized P&L?
A: No. Unrealized gains or losses are calculated based on entry price and current market value—not margin type. However, liquidation thresholds differ between modes.
Q: Will my leverage setting be saved after switching?
A: Yes. Leverage is stored separately and remains unchanged unless manually adjusted.
Q: Can I automate margin mode selection via API?
A: Yes, but only when no orders or positions exist. Automated scripts must include checks for open activity before attempting mode changes.
Q: What happens if I get liquidated in isolated mode?
A: Only the allocated margin is lost. Other positions and account balances remain intact—this is the primary safety benefit.
Q: Is one mode better for stop-loss orders?
A: Isolated margin offers more predictable stop-loss behavior since liquidation occurs only when the allocated margin is depleted.
Final Tips for Optimal Margin Management
- Always double-check the current mode before placing a trade.
- Use isolated margin for volatile assets like altcoins.
- Use cross margin cautiously—only when you understand the cascading risk implications.
- Regularly review your open orders and positions to avoid being locked out of mode changes.
- Keep your app updated and connection stable to prevent UI glitches that might hide the toggle button.
👉 Learn how top traders combine margin modes with smart order types for superior results.
Conclusion
OKX’s support for both cross and isolated margin gives traders powerful tools to manage risk and optimize capital efficiency. While switching between them is possible, it requires careful timing—specifically, having no active positions or pending orders.
By planning ahead and selecting the right mode for each trading scenario, you gain greater control over your exposure and improve long-term consistency. Whether you're testing strategies or executing high-stakes trades, mastering margin settings is a foundational skill every futures trader should develop.
Remember: flexibility comes with responsibility. Use these features wisely, stay informed, and always prioritize risk management over reward chasing.