MetaTrader 5 runs on Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android and in a browser. Install it from your broker’s own download page where possible, because that build is already pointed at the right trade servers. To log in you need three things: the server name, your account number and your password. Most first-time login problems come from choosing the wrong server.
Key takeaways
- Download from the broker’s download page so the correct server is preloaded.
- You need the server name, login number and password; they arrive when the account is opened.
- A demo and a live account have different server names.
- The investor password opens the account in read-only mode, useful for showing results without risking changes.
- If you cannot install anything, Web Trader runs in a browser.
| Windows | Installer from the broker’s site; runs on Windows 10 and later |
|---|---|
| macOS | Official Mac build, or Windows build through a compatibility layer |
| iPhone and iPad | MetaTrader 5 app from the App Store |
| Android | MetaTrader 5 app from Google Play |
| Browser | Web Trader, nothing to install |
| To log in | Server name, login number, password |
Installing on Windows or Mac
- Download the installer. Use the Marketsall download page rather than a search result, so the build points at the right servers.
- Run the installer. On Windows, accept the licence and choose the folder. On Mac, open the disk image and drag the app to Applications.
- Open the platform. The login window appears. If it does not, choose File › Login to Trade Account.
- Find your server. Type “Marketsall” in the search box, or select the server named in your account email.
- Enter your login and password. The login is a number. Keep the password private; support will never ask for it.
- Check the connection. The status in the bottom right corner should show a data rate, not “No connection”.
For macOS, MetaQuotes publishes a Mac build, and the Windows version can also run through a compatibility layer. Which route your broker supports matters if you want expert advisors or custom indicators to work.
Installing on iPhone or Android
- Install the app. Search for MetaTrader 5 in the App Store or Google Play and install the official MetaQuotes app.
- Open Settings › New Account. Choose Login to an existing account.
- Search for the broker. Type Marketsall and select the correct server.
- Enter the login and password. Choose the password type: master for trading, investor for read-only.
- Enable notifications if you want them. Push alerts for orders and price alerts are set in Settings.
The mobile app can hold several accounts, including a demo and a live account, and switches between them from the Settings screen. Feature differences between platforms are compared in MetaTrader 5 vs Web Trader.
Master and investor passwords
| Password | What it allows | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Master | Full access: trading, deposits of orders, changing settings | Your own trading |
| Investor | Read-only: charts, history, no trading | Showing an account to someone else without risk |
Common login problems
| Message | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid account | Wrong server chosen, or a typo in the login | Pick the server named in your account email |
| Authorization failed | Wrong password, or the wrong password type | Re-enter it; reset it in your account area if needed |
| No connection | Network, firewall or an outdated build | Check the connection, allow MT5 through the firewall, update the platform |
| Account disabled | The account is inactive or archived | Contact support |
| Trade disabled | Trading not enabled for that account or symbol | Check the account status and the symbol’s hours |
Once you are in, open a demo account first and place a few test trades: see how to open a demo account and demo vs live accounts. Then read the contract specification of the symbols you plan to trade.
Common mistakes to avoid
Downloading from an unofficial source. Installers from search ads and forums can be modified.
Mixing up demo and live. They use different servers; check which account is logged in before trading.
Sharing the master password. Use the investor password to show results.
Running an old build. Out-of-date platforms can fail to connect after server upgrades.
Risk warning. Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk since leverage can work both to your advantage and disadvantage. As a result, the products offered on this website may not be suitable for all investors because of the risk of losing all of your invested capital. You should never invest money that you cannot afford to lose, and never trade with borrowed money.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install MetaTrader 5?
Download the installer from your broker’s download page, run it, open the platform and log in with your server name, account number and password. On mobile, install the MetaTrader 5 app from the App Store or Google Play and log in to the existing account.
Can I use MetaTrader 5 on a Mac?
Yes. MetaQuotes publishes a build for macOS, and the Windows version can also be run through a compatibility layer. Check which option your broker supports, especially if you plan to run custom indicators or expert advisors.
What is the server name in MT5?
The server name identifies which of the broker’s trade servers your account is on. It is in the email you receive when the account is created, and demo and live accounts usually have different servers.
Why does MT5 say invalid account?
Almost always because the wrong server was selected or the login number was mistyped. Check the server named in your account email and re-enter the login exactly as it appears.
What is the investor password in MT5?
It opens the account in read-only mode: charts and history are visible but no trading is possible. It is used to show an account to someone else without giving them control of it.
Related reading
Find your way around MT5
With the status bar showing a data rate, work through how to use MetaTrader 5 to learn the four windows that do most of the work, then set up charts and timeframes before any test order goes in.
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