Direct answer: changing forex update speed
“Update speed” on forex typically refers to how often a chart requests new price data and redraws candles. To change it, you usually adjust (1) the chart timeframe and (2) the platform’s refresh or streaming/data settings. If you’re using a chart that builds candles, the candle timeframe (for example, 1 minute vs. 5 minutes) sets how frequently new candles complete, while the chart refresh setting controls how quickly the chart attempts to reflect incoming ticks or updates within the current candle.
Because different platforms label settings differently, the most reliable approach is to locate two types of controls: data refresh/streaming (how often updates are requested) and chart timeframe (how frequently candles or bars are formed). In all cases, the result is constrained by what the data feed actually provides.
Explanation: what “update speed” means in practice
There are two related but different mechanisms:
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Timeframe (bar/candle interval): A timeframe defines the length of each bar. With a 5-minute timeframe, the chart naturally “completes” bars every 5 minutes. With a 1-minute timeframe, bar completion occurs more often. This is not the same as tick-by-tick update speed; it’s the chart’s aggregation rule.
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Refresh/streaming behavior: This is how often the software tries to bring new data from its broker or market data source. Some platforms offer an “auto-refresh” option or a streaming toggle; others use a fixed refresh cadence.
Even if you request a faster refresh, you may still observe uneven updates (for example, fewer visible changes during quiet periods) or delays (the data may arrive later than the moment it was produced). Therefore, “faster update speed” does not guarantee more accurate real-time visibility.
Example checks: verify what changed
To confirm that your changes actually affect updates, you can run simple, independent checks:
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Change only the chart timeframe: Switch from a longer interval (e.g., 5-minute) to a shorter one (e.g., 1-minute). You should see more frequent bar formation, even if tick display remains similar.
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Change only refresh/streaming settings: Keep the same timeframe, then adjust the chart’s refresh cadence or streaming toggle. You should see the chart redraw more (or less) frequently when price moves.
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Watch timestamps and behavior: If your platform shows timestamps for quotes or candles, compare how they move before and after the setting change. If timestamps don’t advance as expected, your “update speed” setting may be limited by the data feed.
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Check resource impact: Faster refreshing can increase CPU/network usage. If the platform slows down or skips redraws, the effective update behavior may not improve.
Limitations and risks: what cannot be guaranteed
- Not all “real-time” is truly real-time. Update intervals and displayed ticks depend on the data feed, network conditions, and the platform’s handling of incoming messages.
- No guaranteed outcomes. Changing update speed affects what you see on the chart, not future price behavior.
- Platform differences. Labels, available options, and the underlying data model vary by provider and chart software, so you may need to map the concept of refresh/streaming and timeframe to your specific interface.
If you want, share the platform name you’re using (and the chart type, such as candlesticks vs. line with tick display). I can describe where these settings are typically located conceptually, while keeping the explanation general and verifiable.