What you need before starting
To install an Expert Advisor (EA) in MetaTrader 5 you need three things: the MT5 terminal installed (from your broker or prop firm), the EA file (usually a compiled .ex5, or an .mq5 to compile), and a connected account. The whole process takes under 2 minutes.
Step 1 — Find the MT5 data folder
Open MetaTrader 5 and go to File → Open Data Folder. The explorer opens in the right folder. Go into:
MQL5 → ExpertsThis is where all Expert Advisors live.
Step 2 — Copy the EA file
Paste your .ex5 (or .mq5) file into the MQL5/Experts folder. Any extra files (libraries, sets) go in MQL5/Libraries and MQL5/Presets respectively.
Step 3 — Refresh the Navigator
Back in MT5, in the Navigator panel (Ctrl+N), right-click "Expert Advisors" → Refresh. Your EA appears in the list. If you copied an .mq5, double-click to open it in MetaEditor and press Compile (F7) first.
Step 4 — Enable algorithmic trading
This is the step most people forget. In the MT5 top toolbar, press the "Algo Trading" button (it must turn green). Without it, the EA loads but won't trade.
Step 5 — Drag the EA onto the chart
Open the chart of the symbol you want to trade (XAUUSD, EURUSD, etc.) and drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart. The settings window opens:
- Common tab: check "Allow Algo Trading".
- Inputs tab: adjust the EA's settings (risk, lot size, etc.).
Press OK. You'll see a smiley face 🙂 in the top-right corner of the chart = the EA is active. A sad face or an X means you need to check Algo Trading is enabled.
Step 6 — Verify it works
Check the Experts tab (bottom) for the EA's logs: you'll see initialization messages. If your EA shows a panel on the chart (like ours), it should appear instantly with real-time data.
Common errors
- "Algo Trading disabled": press the green button in the top toolbar.
- EA doesn't appear in Navigator: right-click → Refresh, or restart MT5.
- Sad face on the chart: trading isn't enabled in the EA config or globally.
- "AutoTrading disabled by server": your account doesn't allow EAs (rare on serious brokers/prop firms).
What about running it 24/7?
Your PC must be on with MT5 open for the EA to trade. To run it without depending on your computer, you need a VPS for MT5 — a cloud server that keeps MT5 running always.
Our EAs come ready to go
All our Expert Advisors (EV Grid Manager, EV Prop Protector, Master of Gold, EV Risk Manager) are delivered as a compiled .ex5 file by email after purchase — you just follow these steps. If you don't yet know what an EA is, start with what is an Expert Advisor.
Conclusion
Installing an EA in MT5 is trivial once you know the steps: Experts folder, refresh, enable Algo Trading, drag to chart. 90% of problems are forgetting the green Algo Trading button. With that sorted, your EA trades on its own.