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how to install MT4 MT4 installation guide MT5 download setup MetaTrader mobile setup MT4 Windows download Mac MT4 wine MT4 Android iOS MT4 server address login MT4 demo account setup MT4 broker server MT4 chart template MT5 install brokerMetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are both free trading platforms provided by MetaQuotes Software Corp. Most retail forex traders start on MT4 due to its simpler interface and larger ecosystem of free Expert Advisors. MT5 is better suited for multi-asset traders who need forex plus stocks and futures from one platform, or algorithmic developers using MQL5. If you’re unsure which to choose, read our MT4 vs MT5 comparison — the key differences explained and a clear decision framework for your trading style.
The most important rule for installation: always download MT4/MT5 from your broker’s website, not a third-party source. Your broker’s download includes their server addresses pre-configured, saving you a manual setup step. Downloading from third-party sites risks outdated versions or modified software. For guidance on opening a broker account first, see our step-by-step guide on how to open a forex trading account — documents required, verification process, and what credentials you receive after approval.
| Platform | Windows | Mac (Native) | Mac (via Wine) | Web Browser | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT4 | Full | None | Works | WebTrader | Full app | Full app |
| MT5 | Full | None | Works | WebTrader | Full app | Full app |
Windows gives the full desktop experience including Expert Advisors. Mobile is best for monitoring and managing open trades. Web Trader works on any device without installation.
The Windows installation is the most common and gives you the full platform with all features including Expert Advisors, custom indicators, and the Strategy Tester. The process takes approximately 10 minutes from download to first chart.
Go to Your Broker’s Website and Find the MT4 Download
Run the Installer — Accept the Agreement and Choose Install Path
First Launch — Open a Demo Account or Log Into Your Existing Account
Select the Correct Broker Server
Verify Connection and Open Your First Chart
MetaQuotes does not provide a native macOS application for MT4 or MT5. Mac users have three options, each with different trade-offs:
Download and Install Wine on macOS
Download the MT4/MT5 Windows .exe from Your Broker
Run the MT4 .exe Inside Wine
The MT4 and MT5 mobile apps are available free from the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS). The apps are published by MetaQuotes Software Corp — verify the publisher name before installing to avoid fake versions.
Find and Install the Official App
Open the App and Connect Your Broker Account
Open a Chart and Set Up Alerts
The iOS process is identical to Android with one difference: search in the Apple App Store and verify publisher is MetaQuotes Software Corp. The app supports Face ID / Touch ID login for faster access. All features — charts, orders, alerts, account history — are available on iPhone and iPad. The iPad version offers a slightly larger chart view useful for technical analysis on the go.
The MT5 installation process is identical to MT4. The only differences are:
For a deep understanding of MT5’s unique features including its 21 timeframes, Depth of Market panel, and built-in economic calendar, read our complete MT5 tutorial — full feature walkthrough including the new order types, MQL5 automation, and hedging vs netting mode explained.
Your login number, password, and server name are all sent in the broker's welcome email after account registration. Keep this email — you'll need these details every time you log into a new device.
Once MT4 or MT5 is installed and connected, spend 10–15 minutes doing this initial setup. It makes your workspace productive from the start:
By default, Market Watch shows every instrument your broker offers — hundreds of pairs, CFDs, metals, and indices. To clean it up: right-click anywhere in the Market Watch panel and select “Hide All.” Then right-click again and select “Show All” or individually add back the symbols you want by right-clicking and choosing “Symbols” to browse and add specific instruments.
Right-click each symbol you want to trade in Market Watch and select “Chart Window.” To see multiple charts simultaneously: go to Window menu > Tile Horizontally or Tile Vertically. A common setup is 4 charts tiled: EURUSD H4, EURUSD H1, GBPUSD H4, and GBPUSD H1.
Go to Insert menu > Indicators and select from the category list. Or drag any indicator from the Navigator panel directly onto your chart. A settings popup appears for each indicator — configure period, colour, and style, then click OK. Common starter setup: one Moving Average (period 50, EMA), one Moving Average (period 200, SMA), and RSI (period 14) in a sub-window.
Once your chart has the indicators and colour scheme you want, save it as a template so you can apply the same setup to any chart instantly. Right-click anywhere on the chart and select “Template > Save Template.” Name it (e.g. “My Main Setup”). To apply to any other chart: right-click that chart, select “Template,” and choose your saved template. All indicators, colours, and settings apply instantly.
You can have multiple accounts (demo and live) in the same MT4 installation. To add an account: go to File menu > Open an Account (for a new demo) or File menu > Login to Trade Account (for an existing live account). All accounts appear in the Navigator panel under “Accounts.” Double-click any account to switch to it instantly — the platform reconnects to the new server automatically.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “No connection” in bottom right | Wrong server selected, firewall blocking, or broker maintenance | File > Login > re-select server. Check Windows Firewall settings. Check broker’s status page. |
| “Invalid account” error | Wrong login number or password | Check your broker’s welcome email for the exact account number. Note: login is a number, not an email address. |
| Broker server not in dropdown list | Broker not included in pre-configured list | Type the server address manually in the Server field. Find the address in your broker’s welcome email or support page. |
| MT4 not opening on Mac (Wine) | XQuartz not installed, Wine version incompatible | Install XQuartz from xquartz.org. On Apple Silicon, use CrossOver instead of Wine for better compatibility. |
| Charts showing flat/no data | Historical data not downloaded yet | Right-click chart > Data Window to trigger download. Or Tools > History Center > select symbol > Download. |
| Mobile app: cannot find broker | Broker not in MT4’s built-in server list | In the login screen, tap “Enter account credentials manually” and type the server address directly. |
| MT4 running very slowly | Too many charts and indicators open | Close unused charts. Reduce indicator count. Under Tools > Options > Charts, reduce max bars in history to 50,000. |
| “Your Demo account has expired” | Most demo accounts expire after 30–90 days | Open a new demo account with your broker (File > Open Account). Your progress and charts do not transfer — set up templates in advance. |
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