Expert Advisor Installation Guide
Check out our easy-to-follow instructions to install and run your MetaTrader Expert Advisors in just a few quick steps.
How to install and run Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader 4/5 platforms
How to add an EA to MetaTrader 5
- Make sure you have installed the MetaTrader 5 platform onto your desktop or laptop.
- Download your chosen Expert Advisor from FOREX.com or the official MQL market. EAs for MetaTrader 5 usually have a .EX5 or .MQ5 file extension.
- Open the folder in which you have saved your EA, then select and copy it (if it came as a .ZIP file (or another type of archive), it will first need to be unzipped).
- Open your MT5 platform, then go to File > Open File Data and in the new Window go into MQL5 > Expert Advisor folder.
- Paste your EA into that folder, then restart your MT5 platform, or refresh your Navigator window in MT5.
How to setup an EA and algo trading in MetaTrader 5
- Launch MetaTrader 5.
- Expert Advisors can be found under the Navigator window of MT5. You can view the available EAs by clicking the Plus sign, then start using an EA by simply dragging it onto your chosen chart.
- A setup pop-up will appear. Double check that the settings are to your liking and if need be look at the Inputs tab to verify your risk factors, then check the boxes marked Allow Modification of Signal Settings and Allow Algo Trading, and click OK to save.
How to run a trading robot on MetaTrader 5
- Start adding the relevant EA to your chosen chart as outlined in the previous section.
- Check the settings are correct in the pop-up window that appears.
- To activate and enable the EA, click the Algo Trading button at the top of the platform. The name and/or icon of your selected Expert Advisor should now appear in the top right-hand corner of the chart. If it doesn’t, you may need to repeat the setup process.
How to add an EA to MetaTrader 4
- Make sure you have installed the MetaTrader 4 platform onto your desktop or laptop.
- Download your chosen Expert Advisor from FOREX.com or the official MQL market. EAs for MetaTrader 4 usually have a .EX4 or .MQ4 file extension.
- Open the folder in which you have saved your EA, then select and copy it (if it came as a .ZIP file (or another type of archive), it will first need to be unzipped).
- Open your MT4 platform, then go to File > Open Data Folder and in the new Window go into MQL4 > Expert Advisor folder.
- Paste your EA into that folder, then restart your MT4 platform, or refresh your Navigator window in MT4.
How to setup an EA and algo trading in MetaTrader 4
- Launch MetaTrader 4.
- Expert Advisors can be found under the Navigator window of MT4. You can view the available EAs by clicking the Plus sign, then start using an EA by simply dragging it onto your chosen chart.
- A setup pop-up will appear. Double check that the settings are to your liking and if need be look at the Inputs tab to verify your risk factors, then check the boxes marked Allow Modification of Signal Settings and Allow Live Trading, and click OK to save.
How to run a trading robot on MetaTrader 4
- Start adding the relevant EA to your chosen chart as outlined in the previous section.
- Check the settings are correct in the pop-up window that appears.
- To activate and enable the EA, click the AutoTrading button at the top of the platform. The name and/or icon of your selected Expert Advisor should now appear in the top right-hand corner of the chart. If it doesn’t, you may need to repeat the setup process.
Differences between MT4 and MT5 trading platforms
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are popular trading platforms designed by MetaQuotes. While MT5 is the newer and arguably more powerful platform, many traders still use MT4 for a variety of reasons, such as general familiarity, a large and established community and a wide range of educational and support resources.
As the newer platform, MT5 currently lacks the same depth of resources available to MT4 users. However, it does include as standard a plethora of features that are only available on MT4 as third-party plug-ins, including more sophisticated charting tools, additional timeframes and an integrated economic calendar and newsfeed.
Click here for more information on the differences between MT4 and MT5, or open a FOREX.com MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 account and try it out for yourself.
Chart-in-Chart
Candle Countdown
Freehand Drawing
Highs and Lows
Magnifier
Order History
One easy download powers up MetaTrader with 15 indicators
In addition to nine Expert Advisors, this FOREX.com MetaTrader download package includes 15 custom indicators to give you an inside edge on the markets and analysis of your strategies.
Third-party software and/or apps are obtained from companies not affiliated with FOREX.com, and are provided for informational purposes only. While the information is deemed reliable, FOREX.com does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness for any purpose, and makes no warranties with respect to the results to be obtained from its use. Neither FOREX.com nor its information providers make any representations about the suitability of the information, software, products, or services. As such, if you elect to use any third party trading software and applications, you do so at your sole discretion and risk. FOREX.com is not responsible for any damages or losses arising from the use of any third party software, apps and services elected for your personal use. FOREX.com makes no representation or warranties of any kind associated to any software and/or app. You are solely responsible for the correct setup and execution of any third-party software and/or app (EA), and if such operation creates undue stress on our servers, we may require you to amend your strategy.