Custom indicators and Expert Advisors are installed the same way in MetaTrader 5: you copy the file into the correct folder of your terminal’s data folder.
Step by step
- Open the MetaTrader 5 desktop terminal.
- Click File > Open Data Folder. A file window opens.
- Open the MQL5 folder.
- Copy indicator files (.ex5) into Indicators, and Expert Advisor files into Experts.
- Return to MT5, right-click the Navigator panel and choose Refresh.
- Open the chart you want, then drag the indicator from the Navigator onto it and click OK.
Expert Advisors need one more step
After attaching an EA, tick Allow Algo Trading in its settings and make sure the Algo Trading button on the toolbar is switched on. The EA only runs while the terminal is open and connected.
Common problems
- The file is not in the Navigator. You probably copied it into the data folder of a different terminal. Use File > Open Data Folder from the terminal you trade with.
- The indicator does not appear on the chart. Check the Experts and Journal tabs at the bottom of MT5 for error messages.
- The EA does nothing. Check Algo Trading, the market hours and your connection.
Dream4Rex customers can follow our dedicated Downloads & Installation guide.