Install in MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) — correct folders, restart, and first run checks

This guide shows the correct installation steps so your EA/Indicator appears inside MetaTrader and can run.The most common reason users fail here is copying the file into the wrong folder or mixing MT4 and MT5.

1) Open the correct Data Folder

1. Open MetaTrader.
2. Click File → Open Data Folder.
3. Open the MQL4 folder (MT4) or MQL5 folder (MT5).

2) Copy the file into the right location

• Expert Advisors (EAs):
  • MT4: MQL4/Experts
  • MT5: MQL5/Experts
• Indicators:
  • MT4: MQL4/Indicators
  • MT5: MQL5/Indicators
• Scripts (if provided):
  • MT4: MQL4/Scripts
  • MT5: MQL5/Scripts

3) Refresh or restart MetaTrader

• Right-click Navigator → Refresh.
• If it still does not appear: close MetaTrader completely and open it again.

4) If you installed a source file (.mq4/.mq5)

Source files require compilation:

1. Open MetaEditor from MetaTrader.
2. Open the file and click Compile.
3. Fix errors (if any). After compile success, the compiled file (.ex4/.ex5) becomes usable in MetaTrader.

5) Attach to chart and validate

1. Open a chart (correct symbol + timeframe).
2. Drag the EA/Indicator onto the chart.
3. Enable AutoTrading (MT4) / Algo Trading (MT5).
4. Check Experts and Journal tabs for any warnings/errors.

Common mistakes

• Installing MT5 files into MT4 folders or vice versa.
• Copying into Program Files instead of the Data Folder.
• Forgetting to restart/refresh Navigator.
• Not compiling source files.

Next step

After installation, proceed to the “Common setup” guide to configure inputs, permissions, and ensure the EA is allowedto trade. Then activate your license if required.