Step-by-Step: Download & Install
Choose MT4 or MT5
Decide which platform to use. MT4 is the industry standard for Forex and has the largest community and resource base. MT5 is newer with more timeframes and order types. Recommendation: start with MT4 unless your broker only offers MT5.
Download from your broker's website
Always download MT4/MT5 directly from your broker's official website — not from a generic MetaQuotes download. The broker-specific version is pre-configured with their servers, making setup much easier.
Run the installer
Open the downloaded .exe file (Windows) or .dmg (Mac) and follow the installation wizard. The default installation folder is fine for most users. The installation takes less than 2 minutes.
Launch and connect to your broker
When MT4/MT5 launches, a login dialog appears. If you downloaded from your broker's site, their server should be pre-selected. If not, click "Scan" or manually type your broker's server address (found in your broker's welcome email).
Open a Demo Account
In MT4: go to File → Open an Account. Select your broker from the list and choose "Open a Demo Account." Fill in your details and choose a starting balance ($10,000 is standard for practice). Click "Next" — your demo login credentials will be emailed and displayed immediately.
Log in and verify connection
Enter your account number and password. Check the bottom-right corner of MT4 — it should show a green connection indicator with your broker's name and ping time. If you see a red "No connection" message, double-check the server address with your broker's support.
Write down your demo account login credentials and server name. If you need to reinstall MT4, you can log back into the same demo account and your history will be preserved. Store them in a password manager or secure note.
- File → Open an Account
- Select "Open a demo account"
- Balance: $10,000 recommended
- Leverage: 100:1 for practice
- Same process as MT4
- More account types available
- Netting OR hedging account
- Choose "hedging" for Forex
Installing on Mobile
Download from App Store or Google Play
Search for "MetaTrader 4" or "MetaTrader 5" in your phone's app store. Install the official app by MetaQuotes Software Corp. It's free.
Log in with your existing account
Open the app → tap the menu icon → Accounts → Login to an Existing Account. Search for your broker by name, enter your account number and password. The same demo account works on desktop and mobile simultaneously.
The native MT4/MT5 desktop application is Windows-only. Mac users can run MT4 via Wine (free software that allows Windows apps on Mac) or use the MetaTrader web platform through your browser. Most brokers provide a web terminal link in their client portal.