Step 1: Download and unzip your EA archive to retrieve its contents.
Navigate to your EA folder. Inside, you’ll discover all essential files required for your Expert Advisor to operate.
Generally, fundamental EAs consist of two files with the following extensions:
- .ex4 – a compiled assembly (executable file) utilized to activate your EA in the MetaTrader terminal.
- .mq4 – the source code for your EA, accessible for viewing and modification in MetaEditor. This file facilitates adjustments or updates to your EA code.
In the case of more advanced EAs, supplementary files might be included to guarantee the proper functionality of the EA.
Step 2: Move your EA files into your MT4 terminal.
To ensure the proper functioning of your Expert Advisor in MetaTrader 4, confirm that all necessary files are located within the Data Folder of your MT4 terminal. Follow these steps:
- Open your MetaTrader 4 platform.
- Navigate to the upper menu and click on “File.”
- Select “Open Data Folder.”
You will now have access to the Data Folder associated with your MT4 terminal.
Within the opened Data Folder, proceed to MQL4 -> Experts. This directory is designated for placing your EA files. If your EA consists of two files (.ex4 and .mq4), copy and paste them directly into the Experts folder. For an EA with multiple files, copy and paste the entire unzipped folder from Step 1 into the Experts folder.
A crucial point to remember: If your EA depends on custom indicators, these should be situated in a separate folder named MQL4 -> Indicators. For files with a .dll extension, they belong in the MQL4 -> Libraries folder. After copying all essential files into their designated folders, restart your MT4 terminal. Alternatively, open the “Navigator” in your MetaTrader 4, right-click on “Expert Advisors” in the menu, and select “Refresh.”
Congratulations! Your EA has been successfully installed in your MT4 terminal and is now accessible in the “Navigator” window under the “Expert Advisors” menu.
Step 3: Before initiating, carefully review and verify your EA settings.
Navigate to the upper navigation menu and click on “Tools,” then select “Options.”
In the opened window, go to the “Expert Advisors” tab and ensure the following:
- Confirm that “Allow automated trading” is enabled.
- Enable “Allow DLL imports” if your EA utilizes .dll files.
- For security reasons, if your EA is tailored for a specific financial asset or time-frame, activate “Disable automated trading when the chart’s symbol or period has been changed.”
Verify whether “AutoTrading” is enabled on the MT4 terminal control panel. For your EA to execute trades automatically, this button should be activated. When switched on, the button will display a green indication.
Step 4: Initiate your Expert Advisor.
Before initiating your EA, ensure that you have opened the chart with the desired financial asset and time-frame.
In the “Navigator” window, expand the “Expert Advisors” menu, and select the specific EA you wish to start.
Double-click on the EA or drag-and-drop it onto the chart. This action will open the settings window of the Expert Advisor.
On the “Common” tab, confirm that your EA is permitted to trade automatically. Additionally, review other parameters such as allowing alerts (if your EA utilizes them) and .dll imports (if your EA uses external .dll files).
On the “Input” tab, ensure that all EA parameters align with your trading strategy. Once you’ve confirmed all the settings, click “OK.” Your Expert Advisor is now operational
Step 5: Confirm that your EA is actively running.
If the installation and launch procedures were successful, you should observe a smiley face at the top right corner of the chart, near the name of your Expert Advisor.
Examine the “Experts” and “Journal” tabs at the bottom of your terminal. If there are no error alerts present, it indicates that your Expert Advisor has been successfully launched and is currently active.
