MT5 EA setup checklist

A clean installation prevents many problems that look like strategy problems but are actually symbol, connection, or configuration issues.

Confirm the account and symbol first

Log in to the intended MT5 account and check the exact broker symbol name. US100, NAS100, USTEC, and US100.cash can represent similar markets while having different contract specifications. Select the exact symbol supported by your broker and product documentation.

Before enabling an EA, confirm that automated trading is permitted by the broker or prop firm. Rules can change, and some firms restrict news trading, latency arbitrage, or certain types of automation.

Install, attach, and inspect

Place the EA file in the correct MQL5 Experts folder, restart or refresh the Navigator, and attach it to the documented chart and timeframe. Enable Algo Trading only after checking the Inputs tab and the Experts and Journal tabs for errors.

Check the symbol and timeframe match the setup guide.
Confirm the lot or risk setting is appropriate for this account.
Verify the stop-loss and drawdown protection inputs are enabled.
Look for a fresh heartbeat or status message in the Experts log.

Test the operational path

Run the system on a demo account or the MT5 Strategy Tester before using live money. Confirm that trades can be opened, modified, partially closed, and exited, and that the expected symbol prices and point values are being read.

If the EA is meant to run unattended, use a reliable VPS or a computer that will stay powered, connected, and logged in. A strategy cannot manage a position while MT5 is closed or disconnected.

Keep the first live run boring

Start at a low risk setting and observe execution. Do not change several inputs at once. Save the initial configuration and record any difference between the tester, demo, and live account.

If the bot stops trading, check the basics in order: market hours, symbol visibility, AutoTrading status, connection, margin, drawdown protection, and the Experts log. No-trade periods can be valid strategy behaviour.

Always verify the exact broker symbol and contract size. Many ‘bad strategy’ reports are actually sizing or symbol-mapping errors.

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