MetaTrader Guides.
Everything you need to trade with MT4 or MT5: from installation to backtesting, including signal connection and risk configuration.
01 — Installation
Installation
Download MT4 or MT5 directly from your broker's website — avoid third-party sources. Once installed, log in with the credentials your broker sent you (account number + password + server).
- Go to your broker's official website and download the MT4 or MT5 installer.
- Run the installer and accept the required permissions (Windows/macOS/Wine).
- When the platform opens, select "File → Login to Trading Account".
- Enter your account number, password, and select your broker's server.
- Check that the connection indicator in the bottom-right corner is green.
02 — Connecting trading room signals
Connecting trading room signals
The trading room publishes signals on Telegram with all parameters (pair, direction, entry, SL, TP). To connect them to MT4/MT5 you can use a copier or enter them manually. The automatic method requires a copy EA installed on your platform.
- Join the trading room's Telegram channel and enable notifications.
- For manual copying: when a signal arrives, open an order in MT4/MT5 with the stated parameters (lot, entry, SL, TP).
- For automatic copying: install a compatible copier EA (Telegram-to-MT4/MT5) and configure the source channel.
- Always verify that the lot and SL match your risk settings before confirming the order.
03 — Copy trading / EA
Copy trading / EA
An Expert Advisor (EA) is a script that executes orders automatically based on predefined rules. Copy trading replicates trades from another account or signal into yours. Both work on MT4 and MT5, but MT4 EAs (.ex4) are not compatible with MT5 (.ex5).
- Place the .ex4 or .ex5 file in the MQL4/Experts or MQL5/Experts folder of your installation.
- In MT4/MT5 go to "Tools → MetaQuotes Editor" to compile if you have the .mq4/.mq5 source.
- Enable automated trading by pressing the "Algo Trading" (MT5) or "AutoTrading" (MT4) button in the top toolbar.
- Drag the EA onto the chart of the desired pair and configure parameters (lot, slippage, magic number).
- Make sure "Allow algorithmic trading" is checked in the EA properties.
04 — Risk configuration
Risk configuration
Risk per trade is the most important variable. The standard rule is to risk no more than 1% of capital per trade. Lot size determines how much each pip is worth; miscalculating it can multiply losses.
- Define your risk per trade as a percentage of balance (recommended: 0.5%–1%).
- Calculate the lot: Risk ($) ÷ (SL distance in pips × Pip value). For XAUUSD on a standard account, 1 lot = $10/pip.
- Use the "Stop Loss" field when opening each order — never trade without an SL.
- Enable "Trailing Stop" if you want to protect profits automatically.
- Check your broker's 100% margin level and margin call policy before trading with high leverage.
05 — Backtesting
Backtesting
Backtesting lets you test a strategy or EA on historical data before risking real capital. MT5 offers a more accurate backtesting engine (tick-by-tick) than MT4. Backtesting results never guarantee future performance.
- In MT5 go to "View → Strategy Tester" (or press Ctrl+R).
- Select the EA, pair (e.g. XAUUSD), timeframe and date range.
- Choose "Every tick based on real ticks" mode for highest accuracy.
- Click "Start" and review the report: profit factor, drawdown, number of trades.
- In MT4 the process is similar: "View → Strategy Tester", but historical tick quality is lower — use data from Dukascopy or another source if precision matters.
This content is for educational purposes only. These guides describe the general operation of MT4/MT5 and do not constitute investment advice. Trading involves risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. Backtesting results do not guarantee future performance.