Step 1 — Buy or download the EA
You'll get either a .ex5 compiled file or a .zip with the EA plus preset files (.set). If you bought from the MQL5 Market, the EA auto-installs via MT5. Otherwise, download the files to a folder you'll remember.
Step 2 — Open the MQL5 data folder
In MT5: File → Open Data Folder. This opens a Windows Explorer window pointed at MT5's hidden install location. Navigate to MQL5 / Experts.
Step 3 — Copy the .ex5 into Experts
Paste the EA file directly into MQL5/Experts (or a sub-folder if you like organization). Copy .set preset files to MQL5/Presets. Do not place in Scripts or Indicators — they'll show up in the wrong panel.
Step 4 — Restart MT5 (or refresh Navigator)
Right-click the Navigator panel (Ctrl+N if hidden) → Refresh. The new EA should appear under the Expert Advisors branch. If it doesn't, check you pasted into the right folder and the file is .ex5 not .mq5 (uncompiled source).
Step 5 — Enable AutoTrading
Press the AutoTrading button in the MT5 toolbar (top-right of the terminal). It should go green. Without this, no EA can place orders — it'll just stare at the chart.
Step 6 — Drag the EA onto a chart
Open a chart for the exact symbol and timeframe the EA expects (check the product's docs — e.g. Golden Frieza wants XAUUSD M15 or H1). Drag the EA from Navigator onto the chart. A settings dialog opens.
Step 7 — Configure inputs and allow live trading
In the EA properties dialog: check Allow Algorithmic Trading. On the Inputs tab, load the provided .set preset via Load → pick the preset for your account type (live/funded/prop). Click OK.
Step 8 — Verify the smiley face
Top-right of the chart, you should see a small face icon. Green smiley = EA is live and armed. Grey face = AutoTrading disabled. Red face = EA refused to start (check the Experts tab log for why).
Troubleshooting
- "AutoTrading disabled by the user" — click the AutoTrading button in the toolbar.
- "Trading not allowed" — in the EA properties → Common → check "Allow live trading."
- "Invalid license" — the EA's activation server can't verify your key. Check firewall — MT5 must reach the internet.
- EA doesn't take trades — check spread gate (log will say "spread too wide"), session filter (wrong hours), or news blackout.
- EA not in Navigator after install — wrong folder. Must be MQL5/Experts. Some antivirus tools quarantine .ex5 files.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to restart MT5 after copying the EA?
Usually no — right-click Navigator → Refresh is enough. Restart if the EA still doesn't appear.
Can I run multiple EAs on one account?
Yes, but on different charts and different symbols. MT5 runs one EA per chart. For multi-EA portfolios, open one chart per EA and watch correlation.
Why does my EA keep saying 'Trading not allowed'?
Three layers can block: (1) the toolbar AutoTrading button, (2) the per-EA 'Allow Algorithmic Trading' checkbox, and (3) broker-side disabled in the account. Check all three.
What's the difference between .ex5 and .mq5?
.ex5 is the compiled, ready-to-run binary. .mq5 is the source code. Most paid EAs ship .ex5 only to protect the strategy logic.