Expert Advisors (EAs) can be used on MT4 and MT5 desktop platforms. To install an EA, copy the EA file to the platform's Experts folder, enable automated trading, and attach the EA to a chart.
Prerequisites
- MT4 or MT5 on a desktop platform. EAs do not run on mobile apps.
- The EA file, in
.ex4format for MT4 or.ex5for MT5. Source files ending.mq4or.mq5must be compiled first. - The platform must remain open and connected for the EA to operate.
Step 1: Install the EA
- Open MT4 or MT5 and select File → Open Data Folder.
- Open the MQL4 folder (MT4) or MQL5 folder (MT5).
- Open the Experts folder.
- Copy the EA file into the folder.
- Restart the platform, or right-click Expert Advisors in the Navigator panel and select Refresh.
Step 2: Enable and Attach It
- Select Tools → Options → Expert Advisors.
- Tick Allow automated trading.
- If the EA connects to an external address, tick Allow WebRequest for listed URL and add the address.
- Select OK.
- On the toolbar, select AutoTrading so the button turns green.
- Drag the EA from the Navigator panel onto the chart of the product you want it to trade.
- In the settings window, confirm Allow live trading is ticked on the Common tab.
- Adjust the EA's parameters on the Inputs tab, then select OK.
A smiling face icon in the top-right corner of the chart means the EA is active.
Expected Outcome
The EA runs on the chart it is attached to and places trades according to its programmed rules while the platform remains open and connected.
Before You Use One
- One chart, one EA. To run multiple EAs, attach each EA to its own chart.
- Keep the platform running. Closing MT4/MT5 or losing the connection stops the EA from operating. Positions already opened remain on the trading server.
- Test on a demo account first. Review the EA's settings and behaviour before using it on a live account.
- You are responsible for the trades. Trades placed by an EA are subject to the same risks and account conditions as manually placed trades.
- The same account rules apply. Margin call, stop-out, lot size limits and prohibited strategy rules all apply. An EA can open several positions quickly and consume free margin faster than manual trading.
- We do not supply, test or endorse EAs. Any EA you use is a third-party program.
- Prohibited strategies stay prohibited when automated. An EA relying on latency arbitrage or erroneous prices is not permitted.
