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Zerodha launches Kite Backup
Zerodha has launched Kite Backup, a WhatsApp-enabled emergency mode to help traders exit positions and cancel open orders in case of any “disaster scenario” on its main trading platform.
Nithin Kamath announces Kite Backup on social media
“Trading platforms are ridiculously complex. One hiccup anywhere from exchange connections to cloud servers can create an issue. Over the years, we've built tons of safeguards and redundancies, but we're still paranoid. Apart from all of this, we've built a new emergency trading mode using WhatsApp,” Zerodha co-founder Nithin Kamath shared in a post on X.
The new feature is Zerodha’s attempt to strengthen system resilience in the face of a highly complex and risk-prone trading infrastructure.
From linking directly with stock exchanges through leased lines to operating across multiple cloud and physical data centres, online trading platforms work on numerous interconnected systems.
Any fault in the chain can cause disruptions, collapsing the entire system.
Indian market regulations already require brokers to maintain extensive backup systems. The new Zerodha Kite Backup will offer an additional layer of security.
The Backup will operate entirely independently of the company’s web and mobile trading app, Kite, as well as its primary hosting partners, Amazon AWS and Cloudflare.
Trading platforms are ridiculously complex. One hiccup anywhere from exchange connections to cloud servers can create an issue. Over the years, we've built tons of safeguards and redundancies, but we're still paranoid.
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) August 14, 2025
Apart from all of this, we've built a new emergency trading… pic.twitter.com/qPoqjnKo1n
How to use the Kite Backup?
In case of a technical failure during market hours, users can access the service through WhatsApp by sending a “hi” message.
Next, the system will initiate a process allowing traders to close positions and cancel pending orders without using the main trading platform.
Step-By-Step Guide for using Kite Backup
1. Save the number: Add +91 99644 52020 to your contacts.
2. Start a chat: Open WhatsApp and send a simple “Hi” to this number.
3. Verify your details: When prompted, enter your Zerodha User ID and PAN.
4. Authenticate: Enter the OTP you receive via SMS to complete the process.
There is no additional cost for using Kite Backup.
Once you log in, you see four main options. The user has to open positions to view and square off their trades.
Open orders show spending orders that you can cancel. Holdings displays your portfolio for reference. And margins show the available funds.
As claimed by the company, the service runs continuously regardless of whether Kite is working normally. A user can avail it anytime as an alternative interface.
Though there is an important limitation, the company warned. If the backed-up servers are down, this WhatsApp option won't work, as Kite backup only replaces Kite's front-end.