Install EA files only from a source you trust. These steps show where to place the files; installation or appearance in Navigator does not verify the code, safety or compatibility and does not guarantee order generation, execution or a trading result. Review the EA and test it before enabling automated trading.
Expert Advisors (EAs) cannot be installed or run in FXTRADING.com App.
Open the MT4 platform and select 'File' from the main menu
Click on 'Open Data Folder' to bring up a new folder panel
Open the 'MQL4' folder, then open its 'Experts' folder. Copy your EA files (.ex4 and/or .mq4) into 'Experts'.
Restart MetaTrader 4 for changes to take effect
Detailed Installation Guide
Step 1: Obtain the Expert Advisor Files
Before installation, ensure you have the necessary EA files. These typically include:
.ex4 file (compiled EA)
.mq4 file (source code, optional)
Additional libraries or resources if required by the EA
Step 2: Access the Data Folder
Launch your MT4 platform
Click on 'File' in the top menu
Select 'Open Data Folder' from the dropdown menu
Step 3: Navigate to the Experts Folder
In the File Explorer window that opens, double-click on the 'MQL4' folder
Inside the MQL4 folder, find and open the 'Experts' folder
Step 4: Install the EA Files
Copy your EA files (.ex4 and/or .mq4)
Paste them into the 'Experts' folder
If your EA requires additional libraries, place them in the 'Libraries' folder within MQL4
If your EA includes custom indicators, place them in the 'Indicators' folder
If you received only an MQ4 source file, open that file in the matching MT4 MetaEditor and use its Compile command. Successful compilation produces an EX4 executable; resolve any reported errors before trying to run the EA. Copying an MQ4 file or renaming it to EX4 is not compilation. If you already have a compatible EX4 file, you do not need source code merely to install it.
Step 5: Restart and Verify
Close and restart your MT4 platform
Check the Navigator panel (press Ctrl+N if not visible)
Expand the 'Expert Advisors' section
Your newly installed EA should appear in the list
Step 6: Attach the EA to a Chart
Right-click on the EA in the Navigator panel
Select 'Attach to a Chart' or drag and drop it onto your desired chart
Configure the EA settings in the dialog box that appears
Review and save EA Parameters
Open the EA’s input-parameter tab. Its fields are supplied by the EA developer and can differ between EAs.
Double-click a value to edit it. Use parameters you understand; do not guess settings for trade size or risk.
To reuse a saved preset, select Load and choose a settings file intended for this EA. Review the loaded values.
Select Save to keep the current parameter set. Give the file a name that identifies the EA and settings.
Select Reset only when you want the EA’s default inputs. Check the resulting values before continuing.
Review all values before selecting OK in Step 6. Use a Demo Account to test this configuration.
Saving a preset does not install the EA, verify its safety or enable automated trading.
Click OK to attach the configured EA to the chart. Attachment alone does not allow it to place trades: the terminal's automated-trading setting and the EA's own trading permission must allow that activity. Review both settings and test the EA on a Demo account before using it for live trading.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the EA doesn't appear after restart, verify the file was placed in the correct folder
Ensure the EA file is compatible with your MT4 version
Check if the EA requires additional files or libraries
If the EA requests additional files, libraries or permissions, confirm the specific requirement with a trusted source and enable only what is necessary. DLL imports and external access can run or connect to third-party code; do not share passwords, one-time codes, private keys or recovery phrases, and do not grant remote access.
Related information: Trading bot policy; Troubleshoot missing EA execution