How to Install an MT5 Expert Advisor
A step-by-step walkthrough of installing an Expert Advisor in MetaTrader 5 — from copying the file to enabling AutoTrading and checking it's actually running.
Installing an EA is mostly mechanical, but a few steps trip up first-time users — usually AutoTrading being disabled, or the file landing in the wrong folder. This walks through the process end to end.
1. Locate your MT5 data folder
In MetaTrader 5, go to File → Open Data Folder. This opens the platform's working directory, separate from the installation directory — EAs must be placed here, not in the program files folder.
2. Copy the EA file into MQL5/Experts
Inside the data folder, open MQL5 → Experts, and copy the .ex5 (compiled) file there. If you were given the .mq5 source file instead, place it in the same folder and compile it from MetaEditor (F7) — this generates the .ex5 file MT5 actually runs.
3. Refresh and attach the EA to a chart
Restart MT5, or right-click Expert Advisors in the Navigator panel and select Refresh. Open the chart for the symbol and timeframe the EA is designed for, then drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart.
4. Enable AutoTrading
A dialog opens with the EA's settings — review the Common tab to confirm 'Allow live trading' is checked, then click OK. Finally, click the AutoTrading button in the main toolbar so it's highlighted green. If AutoTrading is off, the EA is attached but will never place a trade.
5. Confirm it's actually running
A small icon in the top-right corner of the chart shows a smiley face when the EA is active and running normally. Check the Experts tab in the Terminal window (Ctrl+T) for the EA's startup log — this is where initialization errors, if any, will appear immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Why isn't my EA placing any trades?
The most common causes: AutoTrading is disabled (toolbar button not green), 'Allow live trading' wasn't checked when attaching the EA, the market is closed, or the EA's entry conditions simply haven't been met yet. Check the Experts log tab for specific error messages.
Can I run an EA on a demo account first?
Yes, and it's strongly recommended. Attaching an EA to a demo account works identically to a live account and lets you confirm it behaves as expected — placing trades, respecting stop losses, sizing positions correctly — before risking real capital.