Installing MetaTrader 5 on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

1. Before you install

MetaTrader 5 is a client application. It is useless without a broker account connected to a specific MT5 server. Two implications:

• If you have not opened a broker account yet, do that first. Most brokers offer a demo account in minutes that lets you test MT5 without funding.
• Download MT5 from your broker, not from metatrader5.com. The broker's installer comes pre-configured with their server list and saves a step on first run.

If you absolutely need the generic installer, MetaQuotes hosts it at metatrader5.com/en/download. But you will then have to type your broker's server name manually.

2. Windows (the canonical platform)

Windows MT5 is the reference implementation. Every feature ships here first, and the Strategy Tester runs noticeably faster than on other platforms because of native multithreading.

System requirements (2026)

Install steps

1. Download the installer from your broker (typical filename: BrokerName-mt5setup.exe).
2. Run the installer. Accept the licence agreement.
3. Choose install location. The default (C:\Program Files\BrokerName MT5\) is fine. If you plan to run multiple broker installs side by side, change this to a unique folder for each.
4. Wait for files to copy. Takes 30 to 90 seconds.
5. On first launch you will see a server-selection dialog. Pick your broker's live or demo server.
6. Enter your login (account number) and password emailed by your broker.

3. macOS via the MetaQuotes installer (Wine-wrapped)

There is no native macOS binary of MT5. MetaTrader 4 and 5 are Windows applications. Every macOS distribution of MT5 runs through a Windows compatibility layer (Wine) or a full virtual machine.

The official MetaQuotes installer for macOS is a packaged wizard that downloads and configures Wine for you, then installs the Windows MT5 inside the Wine prefix. From the user's perspective it looks and acts like a Mac app: it has a dock icon, .app structure, and Finder integration. Under the hood, every operation runs through Wine.

Install steps (MetaQuotes installer)

1. Download the macOS installer from metatrader5.com or from your broker. The file is a .dmg wrapping a Wine setup wizard.
2. Double-click to mount the disk image, then run the installer. It identifies your macOS version, downloads and installs the appropriate Wine version (currently Wine 8.x or newer), configures the prefix, and installs the Windows MT5 binary inside it.
3. On Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) the installer uses Rosetta 2 to run the underlying x86-64 Wine and Windows binaries. macOS will prompt for Rosetta installation on first run if not present.
4. The minimum required macOS version is Catalina (10.15.7).
5. On first launch, approve the Gatekeeper prompt under System Settings → Privacy and Security. The MetaQuotes binary is signed by the developer, not by Apple.
6. Configure broker server on first launch, same as Windows MT5.

What this means in practice

• Performance is good for charting, monitoring, and manual trading. Heavy Strategy Tester optimisation runs noticeably slower than on a native Windows machine due to the Wine and Rosetta translation layers.
• Some Windows-only DLLs that custom EAs or indicators may depend on can fail to load inside Wine. Most pure-MQL5 EAs work fine.
• If you have an old Wine 6.x or 7.x install from a previous version of the platform, MetaQuotes recommends uninstalling cleanly and reinstalling with the current installer, which uses Wine 8.0.1 or later.
• Sleep, low battery, and macOS updates can occasionally disconnect the platform. For uninterrupted EA operation, use a VPS rather than a laptop.

4. macOS via CrossOver, Parallels, or a VPS (alternatives)

The MetaQuotes installer is the simplest option. Three alternatives exist when it is not sufficient:

CrossOver (commercial Wine)

1. Install CrossOver (currently version 24, around 75 USD with frequent discounts). CodeWeavers' commercial distribution of Wine is more polished than community Wine.
2. In CrossOver, click Install a Windows Application.
3. Search for "MetaTrader 5" - it is in CrossOver's preconfigured app list.
4. Point to your downloaded Windows MT5 installer (the standard mt5setup.exe from your broker).
5. CrossOver creates an isolated bottle and installs everything. Behaviour is largely the same as the MetaQuotes installer, with a different management UI.

Parallels or VMware Fusion (full Windows VM)

Run a complete Windows 11 ARM installation inside a virtual machine on Apple Silicon. Microsoft's own x64 emulation handles MT5 transparently within the Windows guest. Higher overhead than Wine but eliminates compatibility-layer quirks. Practical only if you already need Windows for other reasons; otherwise overkill.

VPS (recommended for serious algo trading)

Rent a Windows VPS in the same data centre as your broker (typically Equinix LD4, NY4, or TY3). Connect from your Mac via Microsoft Remote Desktop. This bypasses all Mac compatibility issues, gives institutional-grade latency, and keeps your EAs running while the Mac sleeps. See the dedicated guide on MT5 VPS providers.

5. iOS

The iOS MT5 app is available free from the App Store. It is a capable terminal for monitoring positions, modifying orders, and reviewing chart history, but it is not suitable for primary trading on heavy days.

What works

• Account login to any broker that supports MT5
• All chart timeframes, all 38 built-in indicators
• Market, pending, and OCO orders
• Push notifications for alerts and trade events
• Live news feed where the broker provides one

What is missing

• No Expert Advisor support. EAs cannot run on iOS.
• No custom indicators. You are limited to the 38 built-ins.
• No Strategy Tester.
• No multi-account view (you must log out and back in to switch).

Install

1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Search for "MetaTrader 5" (publisher: MetaQuotes Ltd).
3. Tap Get, authorise, wait for install.
4. Open the app, choose Open Existing Account, search your broker, log in.

6. Android

Android MT5 has roughly the same features as iOS MT5. Available from Google Play (publisher: MetaQuotes Software Corp).

One Android-specific advantage: rooted Android devices can sideload custom MT5 builds. Some power users do this to access regional broker builds not available in their Play Store region. Not recommended for normal use.

7. WebTrader (browser-based)

Many brokers offer the MT5 WebTrader, a WebAssembly build that runs in any modern browser without install. URL pattern is usually broker.com/webtrader or broker.com/mt5.

When WebTrader makes sense

• You are on a locked-down work computer that does not let you install software.
• You are on a borrowed machine and do not want to leave a trace.
• Your local install is broken and you need to act on an open position right now.

WebTrader limitations

• No Expert Advisors
• No custom indicators
• Reduced chart-template support
• Latency typically 20 to 50 ms higher than native client

8. Picking the right broker server

On first launch MT5 asks you to choose a server. Two principles:

• Match your account type. Live accounts go on a live server (e.g. BrokerName-Live01). Demo accounts go on a demo server. They are not interchangeable.
• Closer is faster. If your broker has multiple servers, pick the one geographically nearest to you. Server location is usually visible in the server name or your broker's documentation.

Server names follow a convention: BrokerName-Live01, BrokerName-Live02, BrokerName-Demo, etc. The number after Live often indicates account group, not necessarily geography. When in doubt, ask your broker support which server your account is on.

9. Common installation problems

"Cannot connect to server"

First-launch login fails. Causes in order of likelihood:

1. Wrong server. Check the email from your broker for the exact server name.
2. Wrong account number or password. Re-copy them carefully.
3. Corporate firewall blocking port 443. Test from a non-work network.
4. Broker server is in maintenance. Check broker status page or Twitter.

"Invalid account"

Your account number is correct but the server rejects it. Usually means the account is on a different server group than the one you selected. Contact broker support.

App crashes on startup (Mac)

Usually a leftover from a previous beta install. Delete ~/Library/Application Support/MetaQuotes and reinstall. You will lose chart templates and saved profiles, so back them up first.

EAs do not load (Windows)

Right-click the EA file in MT5's Navigator panel and check Allow Algo Trading is enabled. Also check Tools > Options > Expert Advisors and ensure Allow algorithmic trading is ticked.

FAQ

Is MT5 free?

Yes. The terminal is free on every platform. You pay your broker through spreads and commissions on trades. MetaQuotes licenses MT5 to brokers on the backend.

Can I use the same account on multiple devices?

Yes. You can be logged into the same MT5 account on Windows, iOS, and Android simultaneously. Trades and positions sync via the broker server.

Do I need a VPS?

Only if you run Expert Advisors that need 24/5 uptime. For manual trading, your home machine is fine. See our brokers hub for VPS comparisons.

How do I switch brokers?

You do not switch within an MT5 install. Each broker has its own MT5 build. Install the new broker's MT5 separately. You can run both side by side as long as you installed them to different folders.