I can't get any support from ibkr as they are always busy . Can I use the same email and user lname to create a real account with them . It is not allowing to . I get to the point where it asks me to enter my ib key , I do and then just goes back into my simulated account when I start the application
I definitely had to create different usernames for my paper and live accounts. I think I use the same email.
Every live account has a paper trading account associated to it. You have to activate it once you are approved. Screenshot attached. On the TWS client you have to select the type of account you want to use.
If you have a paper account with IB, it means that you have a real trading account. You cannot just have a paper trading account without having a real account first. And angrytrader gave you how to activate your paper account once your real account is opened.