Hidden stop loss in MetaTrader: what it is, pros and risks
Updated 13 October 2026
A hidden stop is a level that is never sent to the broker: a program in your terminal holds it and closes the position itself when the price gets there. Here is when that helps and what you risk.
Regular stop vs hidden stop
A regular stop loss lives on the broker’s server and triggers even with your computer off. A hidden (virtual) stop is held by an expert advisor: when the price reaches the level, it sends a market order to close. The broker sees the position without a stop.
Why traders use it
- To keep their levels off the trade server.
- Exit logic a plain stop order cannot express (on candle close, by time).
- Hidden take profits and virtual pending orders for the same reasons.
The risks
- With the terminal off or offline, a hidden stop does not trigger. This is the main risk.
- The close is a market order: in a fast move slippage is possible.
- Delay: the program sees the price a fraction of a second after the server.
That is why a hidden stop is paired with a safety stop: a regular stop at the broker, further away. While the terminal runs, the hidden level closes the trade; if the terminal goes down, the safety stop works.
How TradeDeck does it
On the Breakeven+ tab, turn on Hide SL / TP. The panel holds the real levels itself and sends the broker a safety stop — at three times the distance by default. Moving to breakeven and trailing move the hidden level too. For reliability, keep the terminal on a VPS.