# How to Install an EA on MT4 - Step by Step

> Installing an Expert Advisor on MetaTrader 4 takes about 5 minutes. Here is the exact process with troubleshooting for common issues.

**Tags:** mt4, expert-advisor, installation, setup
**URL:** https://traderjournal.app/metatrader/how-to-install-ea-on-mt4

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# How to Install an EA on MT4 - Step by Step

Installing an Expert Advisor on MT4 is a straightforward process that takes 5 minutes once you have done it once. Here is the complete walkthrough.

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## What You Need Before Starting

- MetaTrader 4 installed on your PC or Mac
- The EA file (.ex4 format) downloaded to your computer
- Your MT4 account logged in

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## Step 1 - Open the MT4 Data Folder

In MT4, go to: File > Open Data Folder

This opens a Windows Explorer (or Finder on Mac) window showing MetaTrader's data directory.

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## Step 2 - Navigate to the Experts Folder

Inside the data folder, navigate to: MQL4 > Experts

This is where all Expert Advisors are stored.

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## Step 3 - Copy the EA File

Copy your .ex4 file into the Experts folder. You can also copy the .mq4 source file if you have it, but only the .ex4 file is required to run the EA.

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## Step 4 - Refresh the Navigator

Back in MT4, look at the Navigator panel (View > Navigator if not visible). Find the Expert Advisors section.

Right-click on Expert Advisors and select Refresh. Or press F5 while the Navigator is selected.

Your new EA should appear in the list.

If you do not see it, try closing and reopening MT4 entirely. The EA file should appear after MT4 restarts.

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## Step 5 - Enable Auto Trading

Check the MT4 toolbar. There should be an "Auto Trading" button that shows green (enabled) or red (disabled).

Click it to enable if it is showing red. EAs require auto trading to be enabled to run, even if the EA itself does not place any trades.

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## Step 6 - Attach the EA to a Chart

Find a chart you want to attach the EA to. Any chart will do for a sync EA - it does not need to match the instrument you are trading.

Either:
- Drag the EA from the Navigator panel onto the chart, or
- Double-click the EA in the Navigator to open it on the selected chart

A settings dialog appears.

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## Step 7 - Configure the EA Inputs

In the settings dialog, click the Inputs tab. You will see the configurable parameters for the EA. For the Trader Journal EA, configure:

- **ApiUrl** - the endpoint URL from your app's setup walkthrough
- **ApiKey** - your account's API key from the app
- **PushIntervalSec** - 30 (default, works well for most traders)

Click OK to attach the EA.

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## Step 8 - Enable WebRequest

In MT4: Tools > Options > Expert Advisors tab

Check the box "Allow WebRequest for listed URL" and add the Trader Journal API domain.

Without this step, the EA cannot make network requests and sync will fail.

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## Verifying Success

After attaching the EA, look at the top-right corner of the chart. You should see the EA name with a smiley face (green circle). An angry face (red circle) means the EA has an error.

Check the Experts tab at the bottom of the MT4 terminal for log messages.

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## Common Issues

**EA not appearing in Navigator after copying the file:**
Close and reopen MT4. The file needs to be in the Experts folder before MT4 starts.

**Angry face on chart:**
Usually means auto trading is disabled. Click the Auto Trading button in the toolbar.

**"URL not allowed" in Experts log:**
WebRequest not enabled. Follow Step 8 above.

**EA appears to run but no data in journal app:**
Check the API key in the Inputs tab. It must match exactly what the app shows.