How To Import Expert Advisor (EA) ex4 File Into Meta Trader

Watch the Full YouTube Tutorial Here:

Introduction

Today, I'll show you how to import an .ex4 file for an Expert Advisor (EA) into the MT4 client to automate your trading. If you try to drag and drop the file into the MT4 client, nothing happens. I'll also share some tips at the end on why Expert Advisors sometimes don't work on charts.

Why Do We Need This?

You might have an Expert Advisor .ex4 file that you bought or got from a partner, but you're unsure how to use it in MetaTrader 4 (MT4). I also have a separate video showing how to export an Expert Advisor from MetaTrader to share or sell it as an .ex4 file. You can find that tutorial in the top-right corner of the video.

How to Import an .ex4 File into MetaTrader

Let's move on to the import process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) client and click on the orange icon at the top. This will launch the MetaEditor.
2. On the left side, you'll see a navigator panel. If it’s not visible, go to the View menu and click on Navigator or press Ctrl + T.
3. In the navigator, right-click on any folder and choose Open Folder.
4. Now, copy your .ex4 file and paste it into the Experts folder.

Running the Expert Advisor

Now that we’ve copied the file, let’s move on to using it:

1. In your MT4 client, open the Navigator panel. If it’s not visible, go to the View menu and click on Navigator or press Ctrl + N.
2. In the Navigator, right-click on Expert Advisors and click Refresh from the menu.
3. Expand the Expert Advisors folder if it's not already expanded. You'll see your program in the list.
4. Right-click on the program and choose Attach to Chart, or just double-click it. A pop-up will appear on the chart, and you need to click OK.
5. You’ll now see a smiley face with the program name on the chart, indicating that it’s running successfully.

Bonus Tip

Sometimes instead of a smiley face, you’ll see a sad face, meaning the program isn’t running. This happens when automated trading is not allowed.

To fix this, click on the Automated Trading button at the top, which will turn from a red stop button to a green play button.

After that, run the Expert Advisor again, and you should see the smiley face.

Conclusion

That’s it for this tutorial!