Startup Originals Team
Zerodha, India’s leading stock trading platform, has launched Kite Backup-a groundbreaking WhatsApp-enabled emergency service designed to help traders seamlessly exit positions and cancel open orders if the main trading app goes down. This new feature aims to bolster system resilience, addressing the challenges of complex trading technology and risk-prone infrastructure.
Why Kite Backup Was Built:
According to co-founder Nithin Kamath, online trading platforms depend on a web of interconnected systems, from exchange connections to multiple data centers and cloud servers. Even a minor glitch anywhere in this chain can cause major disruptions. Despite numerous safeguards, technology’s unpredictable nature means total outages can still occur. To provide traders with a secure fallback, Zerodha created Kite Backup as an independent, always-on backup solution.
How Kite Backup Works:
Kite Backup operates separately from Zerodha’s primary Kite app and doesn’t rely on its usual cloud hosting providers (like AWS or Cloudflare). This ensures continued access for traders-even if the main platform faces an outage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Kite Backup:
- Add the WhatsApp Number: Save +91 99644 52020 to your contacts.
- Start Chatting: Open WhatsApp and send a simple “Hi” to the number.
- Verify Yourself: Enter your Zerodha User ID and PAN when prompted.
- Authenticate: Complete verification with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
After logging in, users can:
- View and square off open trades
- Cancel pending orders
- See portfolio holdings
- Check available trading margins
There’s no additional cost to use this emergency service.
Key Features and Limitations:
- Independent Operation: Runs continuously as an alternative interface-even when the main Kite app is working.
- No Extra Charges: Free to all Zerodha users.
- Primary Use: Intended solely for emergencies when regular trading systems fail.
- Limitation: If Zerodha’s backed-up servers themselves are down, Kite Backup cannot replace the main app’s functions, as it only mirrors the front-end interface.
Conclusion:
With the launch of Kite Backup, Zerodha sets a new industry standard in disaster recovery for Indian traders. By offering a simple, robust alternative via WhatsApp, the company ensures uninterrupted access to essential trading functions-helping users manage risk and maintain control, even during unexpected technical disruptions.
