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Demo Account · 2026

IG Demo Account — Free Trial Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about IG's free demo account, including signup, platforms, and transitioning to live.

ESMA Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Quick Answer

Yes, IG offers a free demo account. No deposit is required. The demo runs on IG Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView with real-time market data and typically lasts 30 days (extendable). Trade with virtual funds while practising strategies and learning the platform.

How to Sign Up for a IG Demo

  1. 1

    Visit IG

    Go to ig.comand click the "Open Demo Account" link in the header or footer.

  2. 2

    Fill in the short form

    Enter your name, email, phone, country of residence, and preferred platform. No KYC, no ID upload, no proof of address needed for demo access.

  3. 3

    Choose platform & settings

    Select from IG Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView, pick an account type, virtual balance (typically EUR 10,000 - EUR 100,000), and leverage level.

  4. 4

    Download & log in

    Credentials arrive by email within minutes. Download the desktop platform, open the web trader, or install the mobile app and log in with the demo credentials.

Duration & Limitations

Duration

Typically valid for 30 days from first login. Many brokers allow an extension on request, or you can simply open a new demo after expiry. Some platforms (notably MT4 and MT5) may keep the demo active as long as you log in regularly.

Execution Differences

Demo execution is usually instant with tight spreads. Live trading introduces slippage, occasional requotes, and real gapping during volatile events. Treat demo as a platform familiarity and strategy backtesting tool, not a perfect simulation of live conditions.

Transitioning from Demo to Live

Most experienced traders recommend at least 1-3 months on demo before transitioning to live. Use demo to validate that your strategy is profitable across different market conditions, that you are comfortable with the platform's features, and that your risk management rules hold up under pressure. When you are ready, open a real account through IG's client area, complete KYC verification, and fund with the minimum deposit of any amount you choose. Consider starting with small position sizes to let yourself adjust to the psychological pressure of real money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does IG offer a demo account?
Yes, IG provides a free demo account with virtual funds that lets you trade real-time market prices without risking actual money. The demo is available on IG Platform, MetaTrader 4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, TradingView and works identically to a live account for practising strategies and getting familiar with the platforms.
How do I open a IG demo account?
Visit IG's website, click "Open Demo Account" (or equivalent), provide an email address and basic contact details, select your preferred platform and base currency, choose the amount of virtual funds (typically EUR 10,000 to EUR 100,000), and your demo credentials will arrive by email within minutes. No KYC or deposit is required for demo access.
How long does the IG demo account last?
IG's demo account is typically valid for 30 days, though many brokers allow an extension or a fresh demo after expiry. Some brokers keep the demo active indefinitely as long as you log in regularly. Check the exact duration in the welcome email you receive at signup.
What are the limitations of the IG demo?
Demo accounts use real-time pricing but simulated execution. They do not perfectly replicate live trading conditions: slippage, requotes, and gapping during volatile events may be softer on demo than live. Emotional stress is also absent. Treat demo as a tool for platform familiarity and strategy backtesting, not as a proxy for live psychological conditions.
Can I switch from IG demo to live trading?
Yes. To transition from demo to live, open a real-money account through IG's client area, complete KYC verification with a government-issued ID and proof of address, fund the account with at least any amount you choose, and start trading with real capital. Most traders recommend practising on demo for at least 1-3 months before going live.
Is there a minimum deposit to open a IG demo?
No, the IG demo account is completely free and requires no deposit. Only the live account requires a minimum deposit of any amount.

Open a free IG demo

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CFD Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.