How to Set Alerts for Free on Trading Platforms
Real-time alerts can make or break your trades. Whether it’s a price breakout, RSI level, or moving average cross, getting notified instantly helps you react faster. The good news? You don’t have to pay for it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set alerts for free on popular trading platforms, including both desktop and mobile tools.
Why Use Alerts in Trading?
Alerts notify you when specific conditions are met—such as price crossing a level or an indicator triggering. Benefits include:
- No need to monitor charts constantly
- Better trade timing
- Instant reactions to breakout or news
- Reduces emotional trading
1. TradingView Free Plan Alerts
Platform: Web, Android, iOS
Alert Limit: 1 active alert on the free plan
Steps to Set Alerts:
- Open a chart (e.g., BTC/USD or NSE stock)
- Right-click on the price level or indicator line
- Choose “Add Alert”
- Customize the condition (crosses above, crosses below, etc.)
- Set expiration and alert actions (popup, sound, email)
✅ Email + App Push Alerts
✅ Supports price and technical conditions
❌ Limited to 1 alert unless upgraded
2. Zerodha Kite Alerts (via Sentinel or Console)
Platform: Web, Mobile
Alert Limit: Unlimited (basic price alerts)
Using Console:
- Log into console.zerodha.com
- Go to “Alerts” section
- Set scrip, condition (price crosses X), and action
- Save and activate
Using Sentinel (deprecated for some users):
- If available, allows multi-conditional alerts on price + indicators
✅ Direct broker integration
✅ Free and unlimited basic alerts
❌ No indicator-based alerts in free plan
3. Upstox Pro App Alerts
Platform: Mobile App
Alert Limit: 10–20 alerts (varies)
Steps:
- Tap on any stock
- Click “Set Alert” option
- Choose price level
- Confirm alert type and save
✅ Push notifications
❌ Indicator-based alerts not available
4. Chartink Screener Alerts (Free Scan Monitoring)
Platform: Web
Alert Type: Manual scan observation (not real-time alerts)
Steps:
- Create a custom screener with conditions (e.g., RSI < 30)
- Bookmark the screener URL
- Check scans during trading hours manually
- Optionally, subscribe for paid SMS/email alerts
✅ Real-time scan results (free)
❌ Alerts only available in paid plan
5. Paytm Money App Alerts
Platform: Mobile
Steps:
- Open the stock you want to track
- Tap the “Bell” icon
- Choose trigger price and confirm
✅ Push notifications
❌ No technical condition alerts
Comparison Table: Free Alert Features
| Platform | Price Alerts | Indicator Alerts | Push Notifications | Email Alerts | Free Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TradingView | ✅ | ✅ (1 alert only) | ✅ | ✅ | 1 alert |
| Zerodha Kite | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (via Console) | ❌ | Unlimited |
| Upstox | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Limited |
| Chartink | ✅ (manual) | ✅ (in screener) | ❌ (manual check) | ❌ (paid only) | Free scan |
| Paytm Money | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Limited |
Tips to Use Alerts Effectively
- Combine alerts with watchlists for easy tracking
- Use indicator + price combo on TradingView for confirmation
- Always test alerts before market opens
- Check mobile app permissions to ensure notifications are enabled
Final Thoughts
You don’t need expensive tools to stay alert in the stock market. With platforms like TradingView, Zerodha, and Upstox, you can set up free alerts and monitor your trades smarter. Start small, stay consistent, and use alerts as a disciplined tool—not a shortcut.
FAQs
Q1. Can I set free alerts on TradingView without upgrading?
Yes. The free plan allows 1 active alert at a time with email and app notifications.
Q2. Are Zerodha alerts really free?
Yes. Through Console, Zerodha offers unlimited basic price-based alerts.
Q3. Can I get alerts on technical indicators without paying?
Only TradingView supports indicator-based alerts in the free plan (limited to 1).
Q4. Which app is best for alert notifications on mobile?
Upstox and Zerodha Kite have reliable push notifications for price alerts.
Q5. Can I set alerts for intraday trading?
Yes. You can set alerts during market hours for intraday price levels or chart conditions.
