You have an Expert Advisor (a .ex5 file) and want to run it on MetaTrader 5? Here's the full step-by-step tutorial. Allow ~10 minutes the first time. Important: installation is done on the desktop version of MT5 — the mobile app doesn't run EAs (see trading on mobile).
Before you start
- MetaTrader 5 installed on a PC (or a VPS to run 24/7).
- The EA file (
.ex5) provided by the publisher. - An account with an MT5 broker (ideally test in demo first).
The steps
1. Open MT5's data folder
In MetaTrader 5: menu File → Open Data Folder. A file-explorer window opens.
2. Go to MQL5 → Experts
In the data folder, open MQL5, then Experts. That's where EAs live.
3. Copy the EA file
Paste your .ex5 file into this Experts folder. Close the explorer window.
4. Refresh the list in MT5
In MT5, right-click Expert Advisors in the "Navigator" panel → Refresh (or restart MT5). Your EA appears in the list.
5. Drag the EA onto a chart
Open the chart of the instrument you want (e.g. XAU/USD), then double-click the EA (or drag it onto the chart). A settings window opens.
6. Set parameters and allow trading
In the Common tab, tick "Allow algorithmic trading". Adjust the parameters (risk profile, etc.) per the publisher's instructions, then confirm. Finally, enable the "AutoTrading" button at the top of MT5: it must be green. A small smiley face ☺ at the top-right of the chart confirms the EA is active.
Checks after installation
- The AutoTrading button is green, and the EA shows ☺ (not ☹) on the chart.
- The "Experts" log (bottom) shows no error.
- Start in demo with a moderate risk — apply the 1% rule.
What next?
To run continuously even with the PC off, install MT5 on a VPS. And keep in mind: an EA executes logic with discipline, but guarantees no gain. To understand what you're running, read the MT5 bots guide.
Educational content. Adestto AI is a software and educational-content publisher — not a broker or an investment adviser. No return is guaranteed; trading involves risk.