When an order fails on MetaTrader 4, it usually shows an error code — a number like 130, 134, or 136 — that tells you exactly what went wrong. The codes are built into the platform, so they mean the same thing on every broker. Below is a plain-English list of the common MT4 error codes, what each means, and how to fix it.
The errors people hit most
- Error 130 — invalid stops: your stop loss / take profit is too close to price. Fix it →
- Error 136 — off quotes: the broker rejected the price in a fast or thin market. Fix it →
- Error 134 — not enough money: not enough free margin for the trade size. Fix it →
- Error 4109 — trade is not allowed: automated/live trading is switched off. Fix it →
- Error 146 — trade context busy: another request is still processing. Fix it →
Full MT4 error code list
Connection & server
| Code | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Common error | A generic error — often a temporary server or request problem. Retry shortly. |
| 4 | Trade server is busy | The broker's server is overloaded. Wait a moment and try again. |
| 6 | No connection | MT4 can't reach the trade server. Check your internet and server name. |
| 64 | Account disabled | The trading account has been disabled. Contact your broker. |
| 65 | Invalid account | Wrong account number or server. Re-check your login details. |
| 128 | Trade timeout | The order request timed out before the server replied. Retry once. |
Price & order rejections
| Code | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 129 | Invalid price | The price sent is invalid or stale. Refresh quotes and retry. |
| 135 | Price changed | The price moved before the order filled. Retry, or allow deviation. |
| 136 | Off quotes | The broker wouldn't provide a valid price — common in fast or thin markets. |
| 138 | Requote | The broker offered a new price instead of filling yours. Accept or allow deviation. |
| 146 | Trade context busy | Another trade request is still processing. Wait, or disable conflicting EAs. |
Order parameters
| Code | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 130 | Invalid stops | Your stop loss / take profit is too close to price or inside the stops level. |
| 131 | Invalid trade volume | The lot size breaks the symbol's min, max, or step. Check the volume. |
| 145 | Modification denied | The order is too close to market to modify (freeze level). Wait or adjust. |
Market, money & permissions
| Code | Meaning | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 132 | Market closed | The instrument isn't trading right now. Check market hours. |
| 133 | Trade is disabled | Trading is turned off for this symbol or account. Contact your broker. |
| 134 | Not enough money | Insufficient free margin to open the trade. Reduce size or deposit. |
| 148 | Too many orders | You've hit the broker's limit on open and pending orders. |
| 149 | Hedging prohibited | Opening an opposite position isn't allowed on this account. |
| 150 | Prohibited by FIFO | The trade breaks the FIFO rule (first in, first out) on a US-style account. |
| 4109 | Trade is not allowed | Automated/live trading is disabled in the terminal or EA settings. |
| 4110 / 4111 | Longs / shorts not allowed | The EA is set to disallow buy or sell trades. Check its inputs. |
Linked codes have a full fix guide. This list covers the trade-server errors traders meet most; MT4 and MQL4 define many more internal codes for programming, which most traders never see.
How to read an MT4 error
When a trade fails, MT4 names the error in the order window and logs it in the Terminal panel
(press Ctrl+T). The Journal tab records platform and connection events; the
Experts tab logs anything an Expert Advisor reports, including the error number it received. Matching
that number to the list above usually tells you the fix in seconds.
The majority of these are order conditions (stops too tight, not enough margin) or execution and permission settings — not a broken install. If MT4 itself won't run or connect, start with MT4 not working and no connection.
Fewer execution errors start with the right broker
Persistent off quotes, requotes, or rejections on ordinary trades often point to execution. A raw-spread broker with deep liquidity rejects far fewer orders — test one on a free demo.
⚠ 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.
Related troubleshooting
Dig into the big ones: error 130, error 134, error 4109, off quotes (136), trade context busy (146), and market closed (132). Or see the full MT4 not working guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are MT4 error codes?
MT4 error codes are numbers the platform shows when an order or operation fails — for example, error 130 (invalid stops) or error 136 (off quotes). Each code maps to a specific cause, which makes them quick to diagnose once you know what they mean. They appear in the order window and in the Journal and Experts tabs.
What is the most common MT4 error?
Among order errors, 130 (invalid stops) and 136 (off quotes) are the ones traders hit most, followed by 134 (not enough money) and 4109 (trade not allowed, usually AutoTrading off). Each has a straightforward fix — see the linked guides above.
Where do I see the error in MT4?
When an order fails, MT4 shows the error in the order dialog and logs it in the Terminal window: the Journal tab records platform and connection events, while the Experts tab logs messages from Expert Advisors. Open them with Ctrl+T, then pick the tab.
What does error 130 mean in MT4?
Error 130 is 'invalid stops' — your stop loss or take profit is too close to the current price, on the wrong side of it, or inside the broker's minimum stops level. Move the stops further away and check the symbol's stops level. See our error 130 guide.
Are MT4 error codes the same on every broker?
Yes — these are platform-level codes built into MetaTrader 4, so the numbers and meanings are the same everywhere. What differs is the broker-specific settings that trigger some of them, such as the minimum stops level or whether automated trading is permitted.
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.