Download MT4Best BrokersXM ReviewWhat is MT4?Tools

Indicators · Setup

How to Install Indicators on MT4

Adding a custom indicator to MetaTrader 4 takes a minute: drop its file into the MQL4/Indicators folder, restart, and drag it onto a chart. Here's the full, safe process.

By Marcus Hale, Automation & Strategy Writer

MT4Download.com may earn a commission when you open an account with a broker through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our assessments — we only recommend brokers we consider reputable and regulated. See our full disclosure.

To install a custom indicator on MT4, you place its .ex4 or .mq4 file in the MQL4/Indicators folder, restart MetaTrader 4, and drag it onto a chart from the Navigator. This only works on the desktop terminal — mobile apps can't run custom indicators. Here's each step.

Install a custom indicator, step by step

  1. Get the indicator file

    Custom indicators come as .ex4 (compiled) or .mq4 (source) files. Download them only from a source you trust.

  2. Open the MT4 data folder

    In MT4, go to File ▸ Open Data Folder. This opens the exact folder MT4 reads from — more reliable than guessing the install path.

  3. Drop the file into MQL4/Indicators

    Open the MQL4 folder, then Indicators, and copy your .ex4 or .mq4 file in.

  4. Restart MT4 (or refresh the Navigator)

    Close and reopen MT4, or right-click in the Navigator and choose Refresh. Your indicator now appears under Navigator ▸ Indicators.

  5. Drag it onto a chart

    Drag the indicator from the Navigator onto any chart, set its inputs in the dialog, and click OK. It's now applied.

Adjust or remove an indicator

To change an indicator's settings, right-click the chart and choose Indicators List, select it, and open Properties. To remove it, select it in the same list and click Delete. The same flow works for the built-in indicators you add from the Insert menu.

Stay safe with custom indicators

Trust the source — and remember what indicators are

Only install indicators from sources you trust, and never one that asks for your trading password or login. An indicator is an analysis tool that describes price — it is not a signal service, a guarantee, or financial advice, and no indicator wins every time. Test anything new on a demo first.

Not sure which indicators to add?

Open a free MT4 demo and experiment with the built-in indicators using virtual money before adding custom ones.

Open a free MT4 demo → Best MT4 indicators

⚠ Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and most retail traders lose money. This is not financial advice.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you open a broker account through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Next steps

See the best MT4 indicators to know what's worth adding, set up your charts and timeframes, learn how to use MT4, or get the desktop terminal via MT4 for PC.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add a custom indicator to MT4?

Place the indicator's .ex4 or .mq4 file in the MQL4/Indicators folder (open it via File ▸ Open Data Folder), restart MT4 or refresh the Navigator, then drag the indicator from Navigator ▸ Indicators onto a chart and set its inputs.

Where is the MQL4/Indicators folder?

Don't hunt for it manually. In MT4, click File ▸ Open Data Folder — it opens the correct location, where you'll find the MQL4 folder and the Indicators subfolder inside it. This avoids putting files in the wrong copy of MT4.

Why isn't my indicator showing in MT4?

Usually because MT4 wasn't restarted or the Navigator wasn't refreshed, or the file went into the wrong folder. Confirm the file is in MQL4/Indicators of the data folder you opened from that exact MT4 install, then restart.

Can I install custom indicators on MT4 mobile?

No. The MT4 Android and iOS apps include standard indicators but can't run custom ones. Installing custom indicators needs the Windows desktop terminal.

Are .ex4 indicators safe?

A .mq4 file is human-readable source you (or a developer) can inspect; a .ex4 is compiled and can't be read, so you're trusting the source. Only install indicators from sources you trust, and never one that asks for your account password.

Trading foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You could lose some or all of your deposited funds; do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing on MT4Download.com is financial, investment, or trading advice. Consider your circumstances and seek independent advice if needed.