MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is the professional trading platform used by most forex and CFD brokers: with it you see real-time charts, open and close trades, set stop loss and take profit and can automate strategies with robots. In this from-scratch tutorial you'll learn, step by step, how to install it, connect your broker account (demo or live), set up your charts, open your first trade with risk under control and analyze your charts with artificial intelligence.
Step 1: download and install MetaTrader 5
- From your broker (recommended): most offer their own MT5 build with their servers preconfigured.
- Desktop: native on Windows; on Mac, the version your broker distributes.
- Mobile: the official MetaTrader 5 app on Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: open a demo account or connect your broker account
- Open MT5 and go to File → Open an Account (mobile: Settings → New account).
- Search for your broker by name and choose the server shown in your sign-up email (e.g. "Broker-Demo" or "Broker-Real3").
- Choose Connect with an existing account and enter your account number and password. To practice, choose Demo account.
Master vs investor password: the master password can trade; the investor password can only view. Never share the master one. The investor password is what's used for read-only audits.
Step 3: get to know the MT5 screen
| Window | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Market Watch | List of assets with bid and ask (right-click → Show All) |
| Navigator | Your accounts, indicators and robots (Expert Advisors) |
| Chart | Candles, timeframes (M1 to MN) and drawing tools |
| Toolbox | Open trades, history, news and journal |
To open a chart, drag the asset from Market Watch. Change the timeframe from the top bar (M15, H1, H4, D1).
Step 4: set up your charts
- Chart type: candlesticks (see the candlestick guide).
- Basic indicators: 50 and 200 moving averages, RSI (see the RSI guide).
- Templates: save your setup with right-click → Template → Save.
- Support and resistance lines: see support and resistance.
Step 5: open your first trade with stop and target
- Click New Order (F9) or the one-click trading button.
- Choose the volume (lots). Size it to risk at most 1% of your account: see the 1% rule and lot size.
- Enter the Stop Loss and Take Profit before sending the order.
- Choose Market Execution (current price) or a Pending Order (Buy Limit, Sell Limit, Buy Stop, Sell Stop).
- Click Buy or Sell.
The trade appears in the Trade tab; you can modify the stop by dragging its line on the chart.
Step 6: analyze your MT5 charts with AI
Take a screenshot of your MetaTrader chart (desktop: right-click → Save As Picture; mobile: a normal screenshot) and send it to AIM. You'll get the structure, key levels, a plan with stop and target and its probability, cross-checked with live data and today's economic calendar in your time zone. Same process as in TradingView + AIMPATFX.
Step 7: robots and auditing your account
- Robots (Expert Advisors): MT5 can run automated strategies. See how to build an MT5 robot without coding.
- Audit: connecting your account with the investor password shows your trader score, drawdown and the mistakes that cost you most.
FAQ
How do I connect my XM or other broker account to MetaTrader 5?
In File → Open an Account, search for the broker, choose the exact server from your email and log in with your account number and password. If the server isn't listed, type it exactly as it appears in your sign-up email.
Is MetaTrader 5 free?
Yes, the platform is free; the broker earns from the spread or commissions on your trades.
MT4 or MT5?
MT5 is the more modern version, with more timeframes and markets. Also compare with TradingView in MetaTrader 5 vs TradingView.
Conclusion
With MT5 installed, a demo account and the 1% rule, you have the foundation to practice like a professional. Add AI to analyze every chart and plan every trade. If you're starting out, continue with AI trading for beginners.
MetaTrader is a trademark of MetaQuotes Ltd.; AIMPATFX is not affiliated with MetaQuotes. Trading currencies, CFDs and indices carries a high risk of loss.
