How to Install and Run an Expert Advisor on Deriv MT5
You already have an Expert Advisor (EA) ready, but don’t know how to install and run it on Deriv MT5? This tutorial will guide you from scratch: download MT5, set up the account, import the EA, compile, and run on a demo account.
📋 Prerequisites
You’ll need: (1) a Deriv account, (2) a Deriv MT5 account enabled, (3) MT5 installed on your computer, (4) the .mq5 or .ex5 EA file (can be generated with AI — see our EA with AI tutorial).
Part 1: Set up MT5 on Deriv
Create the Deriv account
Go to deriv.com → Create free account → use email/Google.
Enable Deriv MT5
In Trader’s Hub → “CFDs” section → find “Deriv MT5” → click “Get” → choose Demo or Financial → create a password
Save the credentials
MT5 login (number), password, and server name (e.g., “Deriv-Demo” or “Deriv-Server”). You’ll need these later.
Part 2: Download and Install MT5
Download MT5
On the Trader’s Hub page, click the “Download” button on Deriv MT5. Works on Windows, Mac (via Rosetta), and Linux (via Wine).
Install normally
Run the installer. MT5 sets everything up automatically. There’s also a web version (trade.mql5.com) if you prefer.
Log in
Open MT5 → File → Login to Trade Account → paste login/password/server from step 3 → Ok
Part 3: Install the EA
Open the data folder
In MT5: File → Open Data Folder. An explorer window opens showing all the MT5 files.
Navigate to MQL5/Experts
Inside the folder, go to: MQL5 → Experts. This is where EAs live.
Paste your .mq5 or .ex5 file
Copy the EA file and paste it into this folder. If it’s .mq5 (source code), you need to compile. If it’s .ex5 (compiled), it’s ready.
Refresh MT5
Back to MT5 → Navigator (Ctrl+N) → right-click “Expert Advisors” → Refresh. Your EA should appear in the list.
Part 4: Compile the EA (if .mq5)
Open MetaEditor
In MT5 → Tools menu → MetaQuotes Language Editor (F4). Or right-click the EA and “Modify”.
Click Compile
In MetaEditor, press F7. If there are errors, they appear at the bottom. If it compiles successfully, you’ll see “0 errors, 0 warnings”.
If errors appear, ask AI
Copy the error messages and paste them into ChatGPT/Claude along with the code. AI fixes most errors instantly.
Part 5: Run the EA
Open a chart
Choose the asset the EA will trade (e.g., Volatility 75 Index, EUR/USD). Double-click the asset in Market Watch.
Drag the EA onto the chart
In Navigator, drag your EA’s icon onto the open chart. A configuration window opens.
Configure parameters
On the “Inputs” tab, adjust parameters (lot size, SL, TP, etc.). On the “Common” tab, check “Allow algo trading”.
Enable AutoTrading
At the top of MT5, click the “AutoTrading” button (it should turn green). Without this, the EA doesn’t trade.
Check status
In the top-right corner of the chart, you should see your EA’s name with a smiling face icon 😊. If it’s 😟 (sad), something’s wrong.
Part 6: Run a Backtest
Open Strategy Tester
In MT5 → View → Strategy Tester (Ctrl+R). The panel appears at the bottom.
Configure and run
Select your EA, asset, period (1 year minimum), timeframe, and click “Start”. MT5 will simulate trades using historical data.
⚠️ Important precautions
1) Always test on a demo account first. 2) MT5 must be open and connected for the EA to run — consider using a VPS for 24/7. 3) Monitor the EA in the first few days. 4) Free EAs from the internet can have bugs — always review the code.
VPS: running EA 24/7
If you want the EA to trade 24/7 (including on synthetic indices), MT5 must always be running. Solutions:
- MetaQuotes VPS: Integrated with MT5. Low cost ($15-30/month). Minimal latency to brokers.
- Generic VPS: Contabo, Vultr, DigitalOcean ($5-10/month). Cheaper, more setup work.
- PC always on: Free, but you must keep your computer running and stable.
🚀 Create your Deriv MT5 account and start running EAs:
Create Free Deriv MT5 Account →