Cross vs isolated margin: how to switch and why you can't
What it is
Margin mode decides how your margin backs a position on a perpetual contract. There are two modes, set separately for each contract:
- Cross: "All cross positions under the same margin asset share the same cross margin balance. In the event of liquidation, your full margin balance along with any remaining open positions under the asset may be forfeited."
- Isolated: "Manage risk on individual positions by restricting the margin allocated to each. If the margin ratio reaches 100%, the position will be liquidated. Margin can be added or removed using this mode."
In short: Cross shares one balance across positions, which can protect a position from liquidation for longer but puts the whole balance at risk. Isolated limits the risk to the margin assigned to that position. This is information, not investment advice.
Where to find it
On a perpetual trading page, the first button at the top of the Place Order form shows the current mode (Cross or Isolated). Press it to open the window titled "{symbol} Perpetual Margin Mode" (for example "BTCUSDT Perpetual Margin Mode"). On a phone the same window opens as a bottom sheet.
How to switch
- Make sure the contract has no open position and no open order (see below).
- Press the margin mode button at the top of the order form.
- Press Cross or Isolated. The explanation text below changes to match your selection.
- Press Confirm.
Success: Margin Mode Changed with "Margin mode has been set to {mode}" (Cross or Isolated).
Confirm is disabled if you picked the mode that is already active, while the change is being saved, or if a lock applies.
Why you may not be able to switch
| Message in the window | Cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Margin mode cannot be changed while you have an open order or position." | You have an open position, or at least one open order (including pending limit or stop orders), on this contract. Both Cross and Isolated buttons and Confirm are disabled. | Cancel your open orders on this contract and close the position, then try again. |
| "Leverage and margin mode are locked while a voucher position is open." | A position on this contract was opened with a voucher. The margin mode button at the top of the form is also disabled. | Close the voucher position first. See the Vouchers articles and My Vouchers. |
Only orders and positions for the contract you are looking at are checked. Another contract can have a different mode.
Failure messages
| Message | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Failed to change margin mode with "Something went wrong" | The change was not saved. | Try again. If it keeps failing, contact Support. |
| "This is taking longer than usual. We'll update your settings when it's done." | The request timed out. The app refreshes your settings and checks again shortly after. | Wait, then check the mode shown on the button. Avoid repeating the change many times. |
How the mode affects the order form
- The margin mode is shown on the form and used when the app estimates Cost and Liq Price. See the cost and fee preview article.
- Vouchers can only fund positions in Isolated mode ("Switch to Isolated and try again."). See the Vouchers articles.
- After you switch, review your leverage as well. See the article on adjusting leverage.
FAQ
Can I switch from Cross to Isolated with an open position? No. Close the position and cancel open orders on that contract first.
I have no position but it still says I cannot switch. A pending order (for example a Limit, Stop Limit or Stop Market order) on this contract counts. Cancel it from Open Orders.
Does the mode apply to every contract? No, it is per contract.
Which mode is better? It depends on your risk tolerance. Cross shares one balance; Isolated limits the margin per position. Neither removes the risk of liquidation.
Can I add or remove margin on a position? The Isolated description says margin can be added or removed using this mode.
When to contact Support
Include: contract symbol, the mode you tried to select, the mode currently shown, whether you have open orders or positions on it, the exact message (screenshot), and the time with time zone.
Safety reminder
A liquidated position can lose all the margin assigned to it, and in Cross mode possibly your whole margin balance. Never share your password, 2FA code, seed phrase or private key with anyone.
Related terms: cross margin, isolated margin, margin mode, change margin mode, switch margin mode, cross, isolated, cross to isolated, margin mode cannot be changed, open order or position, failed to change margin mode, margin mode changed, liquidation, margin ratio, add margin, remove margin, voucher position locked, margin type, crossed
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