Unusual options activity refers to the buying or selling of options contracts that is unusual and deviates from the normal trading pattern in terms of volume, open interest, strike price or expiration date. This type of activity can be used by traders and investors to identify potential trade ideas or market trends.

One way traders can use unusual options activity is by identifying large volume of call or put options being traded, which can indicate a change in sentiment among traders and investors. For example, if a stock is experiencing a large volume of call options being bought, it may indicate bullish sentiment and a potential opportunity to buy the stock. However, it is important to note that large volume of options activity can also be caused by hedging, arbitrage or other institutional activities, which may not be related to the underlying sentiment of the stock.

Another way traders can use unusual options activity is by observing deep in-the-money options. When a trader buys a deep in-the-money option, it means they expect the stock to move significantly in the direction of the option. If a stock is experiencing a large volume of deep in-the-money options being bought, it may indicate a strong expectation for the stock to move in a specific direction and a potential opportunity to trade in the same direction.

Traders can also use unusual options activity to identify bullish or bearish sentiment. If a stock or index is experiencing a high volume of call options being bought or put options being sold, it can indicate bullish sentiment. On the other hand, if a stock or index is experiencing a high volume of put options being bought or call options being sold, it can indicate bearish sentiment.

Lastly, traders can use unusual options activity by observing activity in a specific strike price. Sometimes traders can observe unusual activity in a specific strike price, this can indicate a potential catalyst for the stock to move towards that strike price. For example, if a stock is experiencing a large volume of options being bought in a specific strike price, it could indicate that there is expectation for the stock to move to that strike price.

It's important to note that unusual options activity should be considered in conjunction with other technical and fundamental analysis, such as chart patterns, earnings reports, and company news. Additionally, it's important to be aware that unusual options activity can also be caused by insider trading, market manipulation, and other factors which may not accurately reflect the true sentiment of the market or the underlying security.