# Sign the Trading Key

> One MetaMask signature creates the WakeTrades trading key on your Hyperliquid account. It can trade for your copies and can never withdraw.

To copy trades on your account, WakeTrades needs a **trading key** (an *API wallet* on Hyperliquid). You create it with one signature in MetaMask.

![Step 3: check your setup and what the key can do, then sign (demo data).](https://waketrades.com/docs/img/sign-key.webp)

## What the Key Can and Can't Do

- ✓ It can place and close orders for your copies.
- ✕ It can't withdraw or transfer your funds. Your money stays on your Hyperliquid account.
- It's valid for **180 days**. We remind you before it ends: see [Renew Your Trading Key](https://waketrades.com/docs/account/renew-trading-key.md).
- You can revoke it at any time on [Hyperliquid › API](https://app.hyperliquid.xyz/API), where it's named **WakeTrades**.

## Sign

1. Check the summary: your leader, your exposure level, your balance.
2. Click **Sign in MetaMask**. MetaMask shows the name *WakeTrades*, followed by *valid_until* and the key's end date in milliseconds.
3. Confirm in MetaMask, then wait a few seconds while Hyperliquid registers the key.

By signing, you accept the [Terms of use](https://waketrades.com/docs/legal/terms).

## If Hyperliquid Refuses the Key

| Message | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| This wallet has no funds on Hyperliquid yet… | Deposit USDC on Hyperliquid, then sign again. |
| Your Hyperliquid account already has 3 named API keys, the maximum. | Remove one on Hyperliquid › API, then sign again. |
| Hyperliquid hasn't registered the key yet. | Wait a few seconds and sign again. Nothing was charged. |

Next step: [Link Telegram](https://waketrades.com/docs/getting-started/link-telegram.md).