MT5 Download & Setup Guide: Install MetaTrader 5 on Any Device

Why Choose MetaTrader 5?

MetaTrader 5 has become the dominant trading platform worldwide, used by millions of traders across every major market. Developed by MetaQuotes Software and released in 2010, MT5 offers multi-asset trading across forex, stocks, futures, options, and commodities — all from a single platform.

The platform stands apart from its predecessor MT4 in several critical areas. MT5 supports 21 timeframes compared to MT4's 9, includes a built-in economic calendar, offers depth of market (DOM) for order flow analysis, and uses the more powerful MQL5 programming language for creating Expert Advisors and custom indicators.

For new traders, the most important advantage of MT5 is broker support. As of 2026, the majority of brokers are migrating their clients to MT5, and new brokers launch exclusively on MT5. Learning MT5 now means you are building skills on the platform that will serve you for years to come.

This guide covers everything you need to go from zero to a fully configured MT5 workspace, regardless of whether you use Windows, Mac, or mobile. If you are migrating from MT4, check our MT4 vs MT5 comparison for a detailed breakdown of the differences.

System Requirements

MetaTrader 5 is remarkably lightweight. You do not need a powerful computer to run it, though more resources help when running multiple charts or backtesting Expert Advisors.

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Operating System	Windows 7 SP1 / macOS 10.13	Windows 10/11 / macOS 13+
Processor	1 GHz single-core	2+ GHz multi-core
RAM	512 MB	4 GB+
Storage	100 MB free	500 MB+ (for history data)
Display	1024 x 768	1920 x 1080 or higher
Internet	Broadband connection	Low-latency broadband
Mobile	Android 5.0+ / iOS 12.0+	Android 10+ / iOS 16+

If you plan to run automated trading strategies or the Strategy Tester for backtesting, invest in more RAM and a faster processor. Backtesting in multi-threaded mode on MT5 scales linearly with the number of CPU cores available.

Download MT5 on Windows

Windows remains the primary platform for MetaTrader 5, and the installation process is straightforward.

Step 1: Choose Your Download Source

You have two options for getting the MT5 installer:

• From your broker (recommended): Log into your broker's client area and look for a "Platforms" or "Downloads" section. The broker-provided installer comes pre-configured with the correct server addresses, saving you a step during login.
• From MetaQuotes directly: Visit the official MetaTrader 5 website and download the generic installer. This works with any broker, but you will need to search for your broker's server manually.

Step 2: Run the Installer

The MT5 installer is a small executable file (typically 3-5 MB). Double-click it and follow these steps:

1. Accept the End User License Agreement
2. Choose the installation directory (the default C:\Program Files\MetaTrader 5 works fine for most users)
3. Click "Next" and wait 30-60 seconds for installation to complete
4. MT5 will launch automatically when the installation finishes

Windows may display a User Account Control (UAC) prompt asking for permission. Click "Yes" to allow the installation. If your antivirus software flags the installer, add an exception — this is a known false positive with some security products.

Step 3: Post-Installation Configuration

After MT5 launches for the first time, it will attempt to connect to a server. If you downloaded from your broker, it should automatically show your broker's servers. If not, use the server search bar to find your broker by name.

Download MT5 on Mac

MetaTrader 5 now runs natively on macOS without requiring Wine, CrossOver, or any compatibility layer. MetaQuotes released a native Apple Silicon build in 2024, and performance is excellent on both Intel and M-series Macs.

Installation Steps for macOS

1. Download the MT5 .dmg file from your broker or from the MetaQuotes website
2. Open the .dmg file and drag the MetaTrader 5 icon to your Applications folder
3. On first launch, macOS will warn that the app is from an identified developer. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and click "Open Anyway"
4. MT5 will open and prompt you to connect to a broker server

The macOS version of MT5 has feature parity with the Windows version. You get the same charting tools, indicators, Expert Advisors, Strategy Tester, and MQL5 editor. The only difference is that some third-party EAs compiled for Windows may not run on macOS without recompilation.

Download MT5 on Mobile

The MetaTrader 5 mobile app provides surprisingly robust functionality for trading on the go. It is not a replacement for the desktop version, but it covers all essential trading operations.

Android

Open the Google Play Store and search for "MetaTrader 5" by MetaQuotes Software Corp. Install the free app, open it, and tap the menu icon to add your broker account. The Android version supports 30 technical indicators, 24 analytical objects, and full order management including pending orders.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Open the Apple App Store and search for "MetaTrader 5." Download the free app, open it, and navigate to Settings > New Account to add your broker login. The iOS version mirrors the Android app in functionality, with optimized layouts for both iPhone and iPad screen sizes.

Mobile vs Desktop: What You Lose

Feature	Desktop	Mobile
Custom Indicators	Unlimited	Built-in only
Expert Advisors	Full support	Not supported
Strategy Tester	Full backtesting	Not available
Multi-chart	Unlimited windows	Single chart view
MQL5 Editor	Full IDE	Not available
Depth of Market	Full DOM	Basic DOM

The mobile app is best used for monitoring open positions, adjusting stop losses and take profits, and placing trades when you are away from your computer. Keep the desktop version as your primary analysis and trading environment.

Connecting to Your Broker

After installing MT5, you need to connect it to a trading account. This process varies slightly depending on whether you downloaded from your broker or from MetaQuotes.

If You Downloaded From Your Broker

1. MT5 will display your broker's server automatically in the login window
2. Enter the login number and password provided by your broker (check your email or broker's client area)
3. Select the appropriate server (demo or live) from the dropdown
4. Click "Login"

If You Downloaded the Generic Version

1. Go to File > Login to Trade Account
2. In the server search field, type your broker's name (e.g., "Exness" or "XM")
3. Wait for the server list to populate, then select your server
4. Enter your credentials and click "Login"

Once connected, verify the connection by checking the bottom-right corner of the MT5 window. You should see green bars and a latency value (e.g., "45 ms"). If you see "No Connection" or "Invalid Account," double-check your login credentials and server selection.

Configuring Your Workspace

A well-organized workspace directly impacts your trading efficiency. Spend 15 minutes configuring MT5 before you place any trades.

Market Watch Panel

Press Ctrl+M to open Market Watch. By default, it shows dozens or hundreds of symbols. Clean it up:

• Right-click and select "Hide All" to remove everything
• Right-click again and select "Symbols" to open the full instrument list
• Navigate through the categories and double-click only the instruments you actually trade
• Arrange them by dragging into your preferred order

A lean Market Watch with 10-15 instruments loads faster and keeps you focused. You can always add more later.

Chart Layout

Open charts for your primary trading instruments and arrange them in a grid. Use Window > Tile Horizontally or Tile Vertically for quick layouts. MT5 supports detachable charts, so if you have multiple monitors, you can drag charts to a second screen for expanded viewing.

Templates and Profiles

After customizing your charts with preferred colors, indicators, and timeframes, save the configuration:

• Template: Right-click the chart > Template > Save Template. This saves the visual appearance and indicators for individual charts. Read our chart templates guide for advanced template management.
• Profile: File > Profiles > Save As. This saves the entire workspace layout including all open charts and their positions.

Setting Up Your First Chart

Let us walk through configuring a professional chart from scratch using EUR/USD as an example.

Step 1: Open the Chart

In Market Watch, find EUR/USD. Double-click it or right-click and select "Chart Window." A new chart opens in the main area.

Step 2: Switch to Candlesticks

Click the candlestick icon in the toolbar, or press Alt+2. Candlestick charts are the standard for technical analysis because they display open, high, low, and close prices at a glance.

Step 3: Choose Your Timeframe

Use the timeframe toolbar to select H1 (1-hour) as a starting point. H1 provides a good balance between detail and noise for most strategies. You can switch timeframes at any time without losing your indicators or drawn objects.

Step 4: Customize Colors

Press F8 to open chart properties. Go to the Colors tab and configure:

• Background: #1E1E2E (dark background reduces eye strain)
• Bull candle: #26A69A (green for up)
• Bear candle: #EF5350 (red for down)
• Grid: Disable or set to a subtle dark color

Step 5: Add Essential Indicators

For a beginner setup, add these indicators from the Navigator panel (Ctrl+N):

• Moving Average (period 50, applied to Close) for trend direction
• Moving Average (period 200, applied to Close) for long-term trend
• RSI (period 14) for overbought/oversold conditions

For a comprehensive guide to MT5 indicators, see our indicators guide.

Common Installation Errors and Fixes

Most MT5 installations go smoothly, but here are the issues you might encounter and how to resolve them:

"No Connection" After Login

This usually means your firewall or antivirus is blocking MT5's network access. Add MetaTrader 5 to your firewall's allowed programs list. Also verify that you selected the correct server — using a demo login on a live server (or vice versa) will fail silently.

"Invalid Account" Error

Double-check your login number and password. Passwords are case-sensitive. If you reset your password through the broker's portal, the old credentials stop working immediately. Also confirm you are connecting to the correct server instance.

Antivirus Quarantine

Some antivirus software (especially Windows Defender, Avast, and Kaspersky) may quarantine MT5 files as a false positive. Whitelist the entire MetaTrader 5 installation folder in your antivirus settings.

macOS "App Is Damaged" Message

If macOS says the app is damaged and cannot be opened, open Terminal and run: xattr -cr /Applications/MetaTrader\ 5.app. Then try opening MT5 again. This removes the quarantine attribute that macOS applies to downloaded apps.

Slow Chart Loading

On first launch, MT5 downloads historical price data from your broker's server. This can take a few minutes depending on your internet speed and how much history the broker provides. Let it finish the initial sync before judging performance.

Frequently Asked Questions