Installing an Expert Advisor (EA) in MetaTrader 5 takes about five minutes once you know where the files go. This guide covers the full process.
1. Locate your MT5 data folder
Open MetaTrader 5 and go to File > Open Data Folder. This opens the folder MT5 actually reads from — installing anywhere else is the most common mistake.
2. Copy the EA file
Inside the data folder, open MQL5/Experts and copy your .ex5 file there. If your EA shipped as a zip, extract it first.
3. Refresh the Navigator
Back in MT5, right-click Expert Advisors in the Navigator panel and choose Refresh. Your EA should appear in the list.
4. Enable algorithmic trading
Click the Algo Trading button in the toolbar so it turns green. Then open Tools > Options > Expert Advisors and tick Allow algorithmic trading.
5. Attach to a chart
Open a chart of the symbol and timeframe your EA is designed for, then drag the EA from the Navigator onto it. In the dialog:
- On the Common tab, tick *Allow Algo Trading*.
- On the Inputs tab, enter your settings — for licensed EAs such as Apex Drawdown Zero, this is where your license key goes.
6. Confirm it is running
A smiley/hat icon in the top-right corner of the chart means the EA is active. Check the Experts tab in the Terminal window for startup messages and any license validation output.
Troubleshooting
- EA not in Navigator: wrong folder — repeat step 1.
- Icon shows a cross: Algo Trading is disabled (step 4).
- License errors: verify your key and MT5 account number in your client portal.
Running an EA 24/5 is best done on a VPS — see our VPS setup guide.