How to Install an Expert Advisor (EA) in MT5: Step by Step

Before you start, you need

• MetaTrader 5 installed on a computer (download it from your broker or metatrader5.com)
• The EA source file (.mq5) and the parameter preset (.set)

Seven steps

1. Open MT5 and click File → Open Data Folder in the top-left menu.
2. In the window that opens, go into MQL5 → Experts.
3. Copy the .mq5 file into that folder, then close the window.
4. Back in MT5, right-click Expert Advisors → Refresh in the Navigator panel on the left (the first refresh auto-compiles; give it a few seconds).
5. Open a chart for the correct symbol and switch it to the EA's required timeframe — wrong symbol or timeframe means you're no longer running the strategy that was backtested.
6. Drag the EA from the Navigator onto the chart, tick "Allow Algo Trading"; on the "Inputs" tab click "Load" and select the .set file to restore all backtested parameters.
7. Confirm the Algo Trading button in the top toolbar is green. When the EA's name appears in the chart's top-right corner, you're done.

Installed but not trading? That's usually normal

Most strategies evaluate signals only once per bar close and stay quiet otherwise; some also have session filters. Be patient and don't keep restarting it. We recommend running it on a demo account for 2–4 weeks first to confirm its behavior matches your expectations.