How to Install an Expert Advisor on MetaTrader 4 and 5
Step-by-step guide: copy your EA file, enable AutoTrading, and attach it to a chart. Works for both MT4 and MT5.
Installing an Expert Advisor (EA) on MetaTrader is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your bot running.
Step 1: Get the EA file
You receive an .ex4 file (MT4) or .ex5 file (MT5). Keep it somewhere you can find it.
Step 2: Open the Data Folder
In MetaTrader, go to File → Open Data Folder. A folder opens. Navigate into MQL4 (for MT4) or MQL5 (for MT5), then into the Experts folder.
Step 3: Copy the file
Paste your .ex4 or .ex5 file into the Experts folder. Close the folder and return to MetaTrader.
Step 4: Refresh
In the Navigator panel (Ctrl+N), right‑click on Expert Advisors and choose Refresh. Your EA should appear in the list.
Step 5: Enable AutoTrading
Click the AutoTrading button in the toolbar so it turns green. Without this, EAs will not open or close trades.
Step 6: Attach to a chart
Drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart you want to trade. In the dialog that opens, check "Allow Algo Trading" and click OK.
Your EA is now active. A smiley face in the top‑right corner of the chart means it is running. Always test on a demo account first.
Step 1: Get the EA file
You receive an .ex4 file (MT4) or .ex5 file (MT5). Keep it somewhere you can find it.
Step 2: Open the Data Folder
In MetaTrader, go to File → Open Data Folder. A folder opens. Navigate into MQL4 (for MT4) or MQL5 (for MT5), then into the Experts folder.
Step 3: Copy the file
Paste your .ex4 or .ex5 file into the Experts folder. Close the folder and return to MetaTrader.
Step 4: Refresh
In the Navigator panel (Ctrl+N), right‑click on Expert Advisors and choose Refresh. Your EA should appear in the list.
Step 5: Enable AutoTrading
Click the AutoTrading button in the toolbar so it turns green. Without this, EAs will not open or close trades.
Step 6: Attach to a chart
Drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart you want to trade. In the dialog that opens, check "Allow Algo Trading" and click OK.
Your EA is now active. A smiley face in the top‑right corner of the chart means it is running. Always test on a demo account first.
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