Download MetaTrader 4 (MT4) Safely on Windows, Mac, Android & iOS

Choosing MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is one of the smartest decisions a trader can make. Even though newer versions have entered the market, MT4 remains, much like a powerful classic car, the most popular trading tool among traders worldwide. In this comprehensive guide from 1Gbits, we will be with you step by step to help you install this platform on any device you use, without any hassle. Let’s get started right away.

What Is MetaTrader 4 and Why Should You Download It?

Before you click the download button, let me briefly explain why millions of traders around the world still love this platform. While MetaTrader 5 (MT5) was designed for multi-asset markets, MetaTrader 4 focuses primarily on the foreign exchange (Forex) market and Contracts for Difference (CFDs). This clear focus has made MT4 one of the most optimized and efficient tools for currency traders.

Over the past 20 years, a massive ecosystem has grown around MQL4, including thousands of trading robots (Expert Advisors) and auxiliary tools. Many of these tools are not compatible with newer platforms, which significantly increases the cost of migrating to alternatives, especially for professional traders. The table below outlines the key structural differences between MT4 and MT5:

Statistical evidence shows that by the end of 2024, more than 80 percent of Forex brokers worldwide still offer MetaTrader 4 as their primary trading platform. This clearly reflects the market’s deep trust in the stability and reliability of this long-standing version.

If you want a deeper understanding of the platform and how it compares to newer versions, check out What is MetaTrader4 to learn the basics, and read MT4 vs MT5 to see which platform is the better fit for your trading style.

Professional Guide to Installing MetaTrader 4 on Windows

Windows is considered the native environment for MetaTrader 4. Since the core code of this platform was originally developed based on Windows libraries, the highest level of performance and the lowest execution latency are achieved on this operating system.

System Requirements for Optimal Performance

Although MetaTrader 4 can run on older hardware, traders who use multiple charts simultaneously or run resource-intensive Expert Advisors should follow the recommended 2025 standards to ensure smooth and stable performance.

Studies show that in virtual private server (VPS) environments, each MetaTrader 4 instance requires an average of 500 MB to 1 GB of dedicated RAM to avoid freezing or interruptions during periods of high market volatility.

Step-by-Step Download and Installation Process on Windows

1. Download the installation file: It is strongly recommended to download the installation file, usually named mt4setup.exe, directly from the official broker website or the official MetaQuotes website. This significantly reduces the risk of malware injection commonly found in unofficial installation files.

2. Run with administrator privileges: After downloading the file, right-click on it and select “Run as Administrator.” This allows the software to apply necessary changes to the system registry and system folders without being restricted by user-level permissions.

3. Choose the installation path: In the installation window, professional traders often change the default installation path to a directory outside of C:\Program Files, such as C:\Trading\MT4_BrokerName. This makes it easier to access the Data folder when installing indicators and Expert Advisors, especially after Windows updates.

Once the installation process is complete, a shortcut will be created on the desktop. On the first launch, the platform will automatically search for available trading servers.

Downloading MT4 on macOS

If you are a Mac user, the good news is that MetaQuotes provides a dedicated macOS version of MT4. The installation process is slightly different from Windows, but by following the guide below, you can easily install MT4 on your Mac.

System Requirements for macOS

The macOS version of MT4 supports macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later, and it works on both Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon (M1/M2). Therefore, the minimum recommended operating system is macOS 11, and it runs smoothly on almost all modern MacBook and iMac models. If you are using an older version of macOS, you may need to update your operating system or use virtualization or emulation solutions such as Parallels.

Step-by-Step Download and Installation

The best approach is to download the official MT4 installer for macOS directly from the MetaTrader website.

1. Choose the download source: On the official MT4 download page, select the macOS option. The download link is usually provided as a DMG file or a macOS package.

2. Run and install: Open the downloaded installer file. A macOS installation window will appear, which installs a bundled version of Wine in the background and then runs MT4 on top of it.

3. Security permission (if necessary): macOS may ask you to allow apps from identified developers in the security settings. If you encounter an error, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy, select App Store and identified developers, and then continue the installation.

4. Complete the installation: Once the installation is finished, the MT4 application will appear in the Applications folder. Simply launch it. On the first run, MT4 will prompt you to create a demo account or log in to an existing live trading account. From this point on, using MT4 on macOS is very similar to the Windows version.

5. Initial setup: The MT4 interface will load with the chart window and the Terminal panel. You can now connect to your broker’s trading server using the credentials provided with your trading account and start trading.

Note: The official macOS MT4 installer automatically downloads and configures Wine, which is an open-source compatibility layer for running Windows applications. You do not need to install Wine manually, as everything is handled automatically. MT4 data files are stored in a virtual drive inside Wine, typically located at ~/Library/Application Support/net.metaquotes.wine.metatrader4/drive_c/. When uninstalling MT4, make sure to delete this folder as well to ensure a clean reinstallation later.

Downloading MT4 on Android

MetaTrader 4 is also available for Android smartphones and tablets. The easiest way to download the Android version is through the Google Play Store.

System Requirements for Android

The Android version of MT4 runs on most modern Android devices. In general, the minimum requirement is an Android device running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later.

Step-by-Step Download and Installation

The simplest and safest method is to use the Google Play Store. Just search for “MetaTrader 4” and make sure the developer is listed as MetaQuotes Software Corp. Then tap the Install button.

After installation, open the app. On the first launch, the MT4 login screen will appear. If you already have a trading account, enter your server address along with your username and password. Otherwise, you can create a new demo account from the Accounts menu.

If, for any reason, you are unable to use Google Play, it is possible to download the APK (Android installer) file from reputable websites. In this case, you must enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your device’s security settings. This method carries higher risk and is not recommended unless you are absolutely sure about the source of the file.

Downloading MT4 on iOS (iPhone and iPad)

iPhone and iPad users can also use the iOS version of MetaTrader 4. The download and installation process is similar to Android, but it is done through Apple’s App Store.

System Requirements for iOS

The current iOS version of MT4 typically requires iOS 13.0 or later. Before installing, make sure your device is running at least iOS 13.0. For iPads, iPadOS 13.0 and later versions are supported as well.

Step-by-Step Download and Installation

To get started, open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad and search for “MetaTrader 4.” The official app published by MetaQuotes Software Corp will appear in the results. Tap on the MT4 icon and then select Get. You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID or confirm the download using Touch ID or Face ID.

Once the installation is complete, the MT4 icon will appear on your home screen. Open the app. If you already have a trading account, whether live or demo, enter your login details. Otherwise, you can create a new demo account.

How to Download MT4 Securely

Always download the MT4 software only from its official website or from authorized app stores such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. This is the most important security rule.

On Windows, after downloading the .exe installer file, right-click on the file and select Properties. In the Digital Signatures tab, you should see the name MetaQuotes Software Corp. By clicking on Details, you should also see a message confirming that the signature is valid, usually shown as “This digital signature is OK.” Any warning or error in this section indicates that the file may have been tampered with and poses a serious security risk.

Finally, never download MT4 from unfamiliar websites or from click-based advertising links. Such files may be modified or infected with malware and should be avoided at all costs.

Troubleshooting and Resolving Common Installation and Connection Issues

During the installation or use of MT4, you may encounter errors that are usually easy to fix. The table below reviews some of the most common issues related to installing and using MT4, along with their technical solutions.

To optimize performance and reduce chart freezing, it is recommended to limit the number of bars displayed on each chart. To do this, go to Tools, then Options, open the Charts tab, and reduce the value of Max bars in chart.

After Downloading: Initial Setup of MT4

Congratulations. The software is now installed on your system. But what should you do next to start trading? After successfully installing MT4, keep the following points in mind for your first use:

1. Launching the platform

Open MT4. A price chart window usually appears by default. Then, use File > Login to Trade Account in the Windows version, or the corresponding option on Android or iOS, to log in. You can obtain your login details, including the server, username, and password, from your broker.

2. Demo or live account

As mentioned earlier, MT4 allows you to create a free demo account. It is recommended to start with a demo account so you can practice trading without market risk. Once you feel confident, you can switch to a live account and invest real capital.

3. Selecting the broker’s server

Make sure you select the correct server when logging in. Some brokers provide multiple servers, such as demo and live servers or different regional servers. If you are unsure, confirm the exact server address with your broker’s support team.

4. Basic configuration

After logging in successfully, double-click the symbols you want to trade in the Market Watch window to open their charts. You can add indicators to the charts from the Charts or Tools menu. In the Terminal panel at the bottom of the screen, the Trade tab shows open positions, while the History tab displays your trading records.

5. Using an MT4 VPS

If you plan to use trading robots (Expert Advisors) or need a continuous connection, using a VPS service is highly recommended. A virtual private server allows you to run MT4 continuously without worrying about power outages or home internet disruptions. In other words, an MT4 VPS runs in a data center with a stable internet connection and can automatically reconnect after brief network interruptions.

6. Updating MT4

New versions of MT4 are released from time to time. When connected to the internet, MT4 usually prompts you to update at startup. If needed, you can also check manually by going to Help > Check for Updates in the desktop version to install the latest release.

7. Learning resources

Now that MT4 is installed, if you need more guidance on logging in or using the platform, you can read the article How to Login to MT4, which explains the account connection process step by step.

Now that MetaTrader 4 is installed and running on your device, you can begin trading or simply monitor the charts and market movements.

Install MT4 Safely and Trade Like a Pro

We’ve reached the end of this guide, and as you’ve seen, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Windows user, have a Mac, or mostly trade on mobile. MetaTrader 4 is available on all these platforms. If you follow the steps correctly, your platform will be ready for trading in no time. If you later decide to use trading robots, Expert Advisors, or trade 24/7 without interruptions, I highly recommend checking out our MT4 VPS service at 1Gbits. Using a VPS ensures that your MetaTrader is always running, maintains a stable internet connection, and that you never miss a trading opportunity due to system or internet downtime.