MT5 copy trading means copying trades into a MetaTrader 5 account — the trading platform offered by most forex brokers. It is usually done by a trade copier or an Expert Advisor (EA): a small program that runs inside the terminal and places orders on its own. This article explains how these work, how to install one, and the two settings that decide whether copying actually happens.
What is a trade copier?
A trade copier is software that reads trades from one account (the master) and writes them to another (the copy). It is the engine of copy trading on MetaTrader. There are two families:
- Local copiers — both accounts run on the same computer and the copier passes trades between the terminals. Fast, but both must be on the same machine.
- Remote copiers — the master's trades are published to a server, and an EA in each copy account fetches them. The accounts can be anywhere in the world. CopyTradingSystem works this way.
Expert Advisors in MT5, briefly
An Expert Advisor is a program written in MQL5 and attached to a chart. It can read prices, open and close orders, and — if you allow it — talk to a web address. A copy-trading EA does not need to analyse the market: it receives instructions and executes them, sized to your balance.
How to install an Expert Advisor in MT5
- In MT5, open File → Open Data Folder, then
MQL5 → Experts, and place the EA file there (or double-click a compiled.ex5). - Back in MT5, right-click Expert Advisors in the Navigator and choose Refresh.
- Open a chart (any symbol the EA asks for) and drag the EA onto it.
- In the EA's window, enable Allow Algo Trading and enter the inputs it needs — for our connector, the key from your dashboard.
- Make sure the Algo Trading button on the toolbar is green.
The setting most people miss: WebRequest
A remote copier needs to reach its server. MT5 blocks that by default. Go to Tools → Options → Expert Advisors, tick Allow WebRequest for listed URL, and add the copier's address. For CopyTradingSystem that is:
https://activate.copytradingsystem.com
Without it, the EA starts but cannot receive trades — the most common reason "nothing is happening".
Keeping MT5 online
An EA only runs while the terminal is open, logged in and connected. Close the laptop and copying stops. The usual answer is a VPS — a remote Windows server that runs MT5 around the clock. See do you need a forex VPS?
MT4 vs MT5 for copy trading
| Aspect | MT4 | MT5 |
|---|---|---|
| Language | MQL4 | MQL5 (not compatible with MQL4) |
| Position accounting | Hedging | Hedging or netting |
| Broker support | Shrinking | Standard at most brokers |
| Our connector | Not supported | Supported |
What our MT5 connector shows you
Once attached, the CopyTradingSystem EA shows the package status on the chart: Subscription enabled, the $50 target, the profit so far, what is left and the days remaining. At the target it shows Target filled and makes no further trades until the package ends. It reports your balance after every closed order, which is how your profit is counted. It never asks for your MT5 password. The four steps from sign-up to a running connector are on how it works.
Security tip: only install EAs from the service you are actually using, downloaded from inside your signed-in account. An EA can trade your account — treat it like a key to it. Read how to spot copy trading scams.
Troubleshooting: why is nothing being copied?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| EA attached, no trades ever | WebRequest not allowed | Add the copier's address under Tools → Options → Expert Advisors |
| EA icon shows it is not trading | Algo Trading switched off | Press the Algo Trading button; tick "Allow Algo Trading" in the EA |
| "Invalid key" or similar | Wrong or old key | Copy the key again from your dashboard |
| Trades on the master, none on yours, at night | The terminal closed or the PC slept | Keep MT5 running, or use a VPS |
| Some symbols not copied | Different symbol name at your broker (e.g. EURUSD.m) | Check the copier's symbol settings or contact support |
| "Not enough money" | Margin too low for the copied size | Add balance or reduce risk |
Symbol names differ between brokers
The same instrument can be called EURUSD, EURUSD.m, EURUSDm or EURUSD.raw depending on the broker and account type. A good copier maps these automatically; if trades on one pair never appear, the symbol name is the first thing to check.
Where to see what the EA is doing
- The chart — our connector writes its status in the corner.
- The Experts tab (Toolbox) — every message the EA prints.
- The Journal tab — connection and permission messages from MT5 itself.
- Your dashboard — the balance reported after each closed order and the profit counted so far.
Updating the Expert Advisor
When a new version is released, download it from inside your account, replace the old file in MQL5/Experts, refresh the Navigator and re-attach it with the same key. Never install a copy sent to you by chat or email.
Frequently asked questions
Does MT5 have built-in copy trading?
MT5 includes a "Signals" service run by MetaQuotes, which is one form of copy trading. Many brokers and services use their own EAs or apps instead.
Why is my EA not copying trades?
Check, in order: Algo Trading is on, the EA shows a smiling or active status, WebRequest allows the copier's address, the key is correct and the terminal is connected.
Can I use a trade copier on several accounts?
Yes. With our service each MT5 account gets its own key and its own package.
