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How do I install and enable an Expert Advisor (EA) in MT4/MT5?

Expert Advisors (EA) are permitted on PU Prime’s MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) accounts, subject to applicable trading conditions.

 
What do I need before installing an Expert Advisor (EA)?
  • Desktop platform: Expert Advisors cannot run in the MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 mobile apps.
  • Compatible file: Use an .ex4 file for MetaTrader 4 or an .ex5 file for MetaTrader 5. Source files ending in .mq4 or .mq5 must be compiled first.
  • Operating instructions: Check the developer’s required product, chart timeframe, and input settings.
  • Active connection: The desktop platform must remain running and connected for the Expert Advisor to place or manage trades.
Expert Advisor files for MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 are not interchangeable.
 


Step 1: Install the Expert Advisor

  1. Open your desktop platform.
  2. Select File → Open Data Folder.
  3. Open the appropriate folder:
    1. MetaTrader 4: MQL4 → Experts
    2. MetaTrader 5: MQL5 → Experts
  4. Copy the compatible Expert Advisor file into the folder.
  5. Return to the platform.
  6. In Navigator, right-click Expert Advisors and select Refresh, or restart the platform.
If Navigator is hidden, select View → Navigator.
 


Step 2: Attach it to a chart

  1. Open the product’s chart and select the timeframe required by the developer.
  2. Find the Expert Advisor under Navigator → Expert Advisors.
  3. Drag it onto the chart.
  4. Review its settings:
    1. MetaTrader 4: Enable Allow live trading on the Common tab.
    2. MetaTrader 5: Enable Allow Algo Trading, or the equivalent automated-trading permission shown.
  5. Review the Inputs tab and enter the required parameters.
  6. Select OK.
     

Step 3: Enable automated trading

  1. Select Tools → Options → Expert Advisors.
  2. Enable the platform’s automated-trading permission.
  3. Select OK.
  4. Ensure the toolbar’s trading button is enabled:

Platform

Toolbar Button

MetaTrader 4

AutoTrading

MetaTrader 5

Algo Trading, depending on the platform version

Both the platform-level permission and the individual Expert Advisor’s permission must allow trading.
 

When do I need to allow Web Request?
Some Expert Advisors connect to an external service.
If required by the developer:
  1. Select Tools → Options → Expert Advisors.
  2. Enable Allow WebRequest for listed URL.
  3. Add the exact trusted address provided by the developer.
  4. Select OK.
This setting is not required for every Expert Advisor.

 
How do I confirm the Expert Advisor is enabled?
  • Chart display: Its name and status indicator should appear in the upper-right corner of the chart.
  • MetaTrader 4: A smiling-face indicator generally shows that trading is permitted.
  • MetaTrader 5: Check the Expert Advisor’s status icon and automated-trading permissions.
  • Activity records: Review the Experts and Journal tabs for startup messages or errors.
An enabled Expert Advisor does not necessarily open a trade immediately. It must also meet its programmed trading conditions and the account’s execution requirements.

 
What happens if I close the platform?
The Expert Advisor stops running on that desktop platform and cannot issue new trading instructions. Existing positions remain on the trading server. Successfully saved Stop Loss and Take Profit levels remain active, but any trade management performed by the Expert Advisor requires it to keep running.