How to Activate F&O and Commodity Segments in Your Angel One Account
Published 2026-10-16 · Aadarna Stock Broking Pvt. Ltd.
Unofficial guide. Written by Aadarna Stock Broking Pvt. Ltd., an Authorised Person of Angel One Ltd., to help account holders. App screens and menu names change with updates, so follow the steps shown in your app. For official help, visit the support section of angelone.in.
Key takeaways
- F&O and commodity segments are not active by default; you must request activation.
- You will need to submit income proof and accept risk disclosures.
- Activation is reviewed by the broker before the segment is enabled.
- Derivatives carry high risk; most individual traders in equity F&O incur net losses.
When you open an Angel One account, the equity cash segment is usually active straight away, but futures & options (F&O) and commodity segments need a separate activation. This guide explains the general process and, just as importantly, what to think about before you activate them.
App screens and menu names change with updates, so use this as a general guide and follow the current steps shown in the Angel One app or on the support section of angelone.in.
Why activation is needed
Derivatives can lead to losses larger than the money you put in, so brokers must check that these products are suitable for you before allowing you to trade them. That is why you are asked for income proof and must read and accept risk disclosures before the segment is switched on.
What you will usually need
- Your Angel One login, with your registered mobile number and email working for OTPs.
- Income proof, such as a recent bank statement, salary slip, income tax return acknowledgement, or a statement of holdings. The broker's app lists which documents it currently accepts.
- Time to read the risk disclosure document carefully.
General steps
- Log in to the Angel One app or website.
- Go to your profile or account settings, and look for the section on segments or trading preferences.
- Choose the segment you want to activate: equity derivatives (F&O), currency or commodity.
- Upload your income proof as instructed.
- Read the risk disclosures and confirm, usually with an OTP or e-sign.
- Submit the request and wait for the broker to review it. You will be informed once the segment is active.
If the request is rejected, the usual reasons are an unclear or outdated document, or a mismatch in names. The app or the support team will tell you what to correct.
Questions to answer honestly before you activate
- Do I understand how futures and options work, including lot size, expiry and margin?
- Can I afford to lose the entire amount I plan to trade with, and possibly more?
- Am I prepared for the costs, which add up quickly with frequent trades?
- Am I acting on my own understanding, rather than on tips from unregistered people?
If any answer is no, it is sensible to wait. Read our [F&O basics](/blog/futures-and-options-basics) and [F&O charges](/blog/fno-trading-charges-explained) articles first.
After activation
- Check margin requirements before every trade; they change with market conditions.
- Keep an eye on your contract notes to see your real costs.
- Keep your mobile number and email updated, so you receive exchange alerts directly.
- You can ask your broker to deactivate a segment later if you decide not to use it.
How Aadarna can help
As an Authorised Person of Angel One Ltd., Aadarna can explain the process and help if your request is stuck. We do not give trading advice, and we will never ask for your password or OTP. You complete the activation yourself in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How long does F&O activation take?
It depends on the broker's review of your documents. The app shows the status of your request; contact support if it seems delayed.
Can I activate F&O without income proof?
Generally no. Income proof is part of the broker's suitability check for derivatives, which carry high risk.
Is the commodity segment activated the same way?
Usually through the same segment activation section, with similar documents and risk disclosures. Follow the current steps in the app.
Sources
- Angel One help – activate trading segments
- SEBI – research studies, including the January 2023 study of individual traders' profit and loss in equity F&O
Risk disclosures on derivatives
- 9 out of 10 individual traders in equity Futures and Options Segment, incurred net losses.
- On an average, loss makers registered net trading loss close to ₹50,000.
- Over and above the net trading losses incurred, loss makers expended an additional 28% of net trading losses as transaction costs.
- Those making net trading profits, incurred between 15% to 50% of such profits as transaction cost.
Source: SEBI study dated January 25, 2023 on "Analysis of Profit and Loss of Individual Traders dealing in equity Futures and Options (F&O) Segment", wherein Aggregate Level findings are based on annual Profit/Loss incurred by individual traders in equity F&O during FY 2021-22.