How to install an Expert Advisor on MT5

What you need before you start

• A MetaTrader 5 terminal connected to a broker account
• The .ex5 file and the .set file that came with your purchase
• A demo account to test on first

Install the EA file

1. In MT5 choose File, then Open Data Folder.
2. Open the MQL5 folder, then the Experts folder.
3. Copy the .ex5 file into Experts.
4. Back in MT5, right-click Expert Advisors in the Navigator and choose Refresh. The EA appears in the list.

Attach it to a chart

1. Open a chart for the symbol and timeframe listed on the product page, for example XAUUSD on M5.
2. Drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart.
3. On the Common tab tick Allow Algo Trading.
4. On the Inputs tab press Load and choose the .set file, then set your risk percentage.
5. Press OK and make sure the Algo Trading button in the toolbar is green.

Check that it is working

A smiley face in the top-right corner of the chart means the EA is allowed to trade. A frowning face means Algo Trading is off. Open the Experts tab at the bottom of the terminal to read messages from the EA.

Run any new EA on a demo account for at least a few weeks before you use real money. That shows you how it behaves with your broker’s spread, execution and server time.