How to install an Expert Advisor (EA) on MT5

An Expert Advisor (EA) is a small program that runs on a MetaTrader 5 (MT5) chart and trades for you. Installing one is quick. Here are the steps in plain English.

This is the general MT5 process. It works for any EA file. (If you use Diehard Trader, the exact file and settings are shown on the Setup page after you sign up.)

Before you start

You need:

• MetaTrader 5 open and logged into your broker.
• The EA file — usually a .ex5 file.
• A few minutes.

Step 1: copy the EA file in

1. In MT5, click File → Open Data Folder.
2. Open the MQL5 folder, then the Experts folder.
3. Copy your .ex5 file into that Experts folder.

Step 2: refresh the Navigator

Back in MT5, look at the Navigator panel on the left. Right-click Expert Advisors and choose Refresh. Your EA should now appear in the list.

Step 3: allow the web address (if needed)

Some EAs need to talk to a web address to work. If yours does:

1. Go to Tools → Options → Expert Advisors.
2. Tick Allow WebRequest for listed URL.
3. Add the web address the EA needs.

If your EA does not use the internet, you can skip this step.

Step 4: drag it onto a chart

1. Open a chart for the symbol you want.
2. Drag the EA from the Navigator onto that chart (or double-click it).
3. A settings box opens. Fill in any inputs the EA asks for, tick Allow Algo Trading, and click OK.

You only need the EA on one chart.

Step 5: turn on AutoTrading

Click the AutoTrading button in the top toolbar so it is on. This lets the EA actually place trades.

How to tell it is working

Look at the top-right corner of the chart, next to the EA's name:

• A blue or smiling icon means the EA is running.
• A grey or sad icon means it is not. Usually AutoTrading is off, or an input is wrong.

Common problems

• Grey icon? Turn on AutoTrading (Ctrl+E) and check your inputs.
• EA not in the Navigator? Make sure the file is in the MQL5/Experts folder, then refresh.
• Web errors? Re-check the address in Tools → Options → Expert Advisors.

What's next

Installing the EA is the execution side of automation. The decision side — what to trade and when — is separate. To see how the two fit together, read the MetaTrader 5 automation guide, and for the full picture of automating your account, how to automate MetaTrader 5 trades.

If you want to keep your terminal running all day, see do you need a VPS for MT5?

Frequently asked questions

Where do I put the EA file in MT5? In the MQL5/Experts folder. Open it from File → Open Data Folder, then refresh the Navigator.

Why is my EA icon grey? AutoTrading is off, or one of the EA's inputs is wrong. Turn on AutoTrading and check the settings.

Do I need the EA on every chart? No. One chart is enough.