Quick answer: To install an Expert Advisor on MT5: open File → Open Data Folder, paste the .ex5 file into MQL5/Experts, refresh the Navigator, allow algorithmic trading in Tools → Options, drag the EA onto a chart, set its inputs and turn on the Algo Trading button.
Key takeaways
- The .ex5 file goes in MQL5/Experts inside the MT5 data folder.
- Algorithmic trading must be allowed globally and on the chart.
- Attach the EA to the symbol and timeframe its documentation specifies.
- The Experts tab tells you if something is wrong.
- Install on a demo account first.
Before you start
- MetaTrader 5 installed from your broker's website, on Windows or a Windows VPS.
- A demo account for testing.
- The EA's
.ex5file and its setup notes.
Step 1: Open the MT5 data folder
In MetaTrader 5, click File → Open Data Folder. Open MQL5, then Experts.
Step 2: Paste the .ex5 file
Copy the EA file into the Experts folder. Keep the original file name.
Step 3: Refresh the Navigator
Open the Navigator with Ctrl+N, right-click Expert Advisors and choose Refresh. If it still doesn't appear, restart MetaTrader 5.
Step 4: Allow algorithmic trading
Go to Tools → Options → Expert Advisors and tick Allow algorithmic trading. This is a one-time setting.
Step 5: Attach the EA to a chart
Open the chart the EA was built for, drag the EA onto it, tick Allow Algo Trading in the Common tab and set your values in the Inputs tab. New to inputs? Read what each EA input means.
Step 6: Switch it on
Click Algo Trading in the toolbar so it turns green. Open the Toolbox with Ctrl+T and check the Experts tab for a line confirming the EA loaded.
Common errors and fixes
- EA not in the Navigator: the file is in the wrong data folder. Use File → Open Data Folder from the same MT5 you have open.
- "Algo trading is disabled": turn on the toolbar button and the Tools → Options setting.
- "Invalid volume": your lot size is outside your broker's limits.
- "Not enough money": the lot size is too large for the account balance.
- Nothing happens: check session hours. Most EAs spend most of the day waiting.
- Duplicate orders: the EA is attached to two charts or running on two computers with the same account.
Running it around the clock
The EA stops when MetaTrader closes. To keep it running with your computer off, follow our VPS setup guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the MQL5 Experts folder?
In MetaTrader 5, click File → Open Data Folder, then open MQL5 and Experts. The path is different for every installation, so always open it from inside MT5.
Why is my EA greyed out or showing a sad face?
Algo trading is off. Enable it in Tools → Options → Expert Advisors, in the EA's Common tab, and on the toolbar button.
Can I install an MT5 EA on a Mac?
MetaTrader 5 has a macOS version, but many traders run EAs on Windows or a Windows VPS for stability. Test on demo whichever you use.
Do I need to reinstall after an MT5 update?
Usually not. The file stays in the Experts folder. Check the Experts tab after updates to confirm it loaded.
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Risk disclosure: this article is for education only and is not financial advice. Trading with automated software carries a high risk of loss, and past or simulated results do not predict future results. Remix Ai sells software. We do not manage accounts, offer copy trading or sell trading signals.