Debugging an EA that does not trade

A step-by-step operational diagnosis for silent Expert Advisors, from connection and symbol checks to signal and protection state.

Check the platform before the strategy

Confirm MT5 is connected, the intended account is logged in, the symbol is visible, the market is open, and Algo Trading is enabled. Read the Experts and Journal tabs for permission, volume, invalid price, and connection errors.

A terminal that cannot receive fresh data cannot evaluate a signal reliably.

Check the EA state

Look for the latest heartbeat, processed bar, current session, open exposure, and protection state. A system may be deliberately paused by daily drawdown, maximum positions, spread, news, or a cooldown rule.

Confirm the EA is attached to the correct chart and timeframe.
Check all required inputs and permissions.
Verify symbol suffix and contract specification.
Check whether an existing position blocks a new signal.

Reproduce with a small test

Use the tester or demo environment to create a known signal and inspect the decision path. Do not remove protection rules or increase risk to force a trade. The goal is to discover which condition is blocking the expected transition.

Add a clear reason code for every rejected signal so the next diagnosis is based on evidence.

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