MetaTrader 5
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader (MT4 and MT5) was built for Windows. A Mac can still run it in several ways. Each way has trade-offs for charts, indicators and Expert Advisors.
The main routes at a glance
| Route | What you get | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| MT5 package for macOS from MetaQuotes | Desktop MT5 with charts, indicators, EAs | Runs through a compatibility layer, not as a true Mac app |
| WebTerminal in a browser | Trading and charts with no install | No EAs, no custom indicators |
| iPhone or iPad app | Mobile trading | Smaller feature set than desktop |
| Windows in a virtual machine | Full Windows MetaTrader | Needs a Windows licence and more memory |
- Download the app from the official app store or the broker's own website.
- Install it and open it.
- Find your trading server name in your personal area.
- Sign in with your trading account number and trading password.
- Add instruments to the watch list and open a chart.
Ready to try it on a real or demo account?
Partner link · trading carries a high risk of loss
MT5 for Mac: the desktop package
When people search "mt5 mac download", they usually want the desktop terminal. MetaQuotes, the company behind MetaTrader, has offered an MT5 installer for macOS on its official website. This package does not run MT5 natively. It wraps the Windows program in a compatibility layer based on Wine, which translates Windows calls for macOS.
General steps, which may change with new builds:
- Download the macOS installer only from the official MetaQuotes site or from your broker's official site.
- Open the file and drag the app into Applications, as with other Mac software.
- Start MT5. Choose File, then Login to Trade Account, and enter the login, password and server from your broker.
If a step or menu looks different on your Mac, follow the current instructions on the official site. Do not rely on old screenshots.
Limitations to expect:
- Platform files sit inside a hidden Wine folder. To add custom indicators, use File, then Open Data Folder inside MT5 to find the right place. See Custom indicators.
- Indicators or EAs that call Windows DLL files may not work.
- After a macOS update, the terminal can stop starting until a new package is released.
- Fonts and window behaviour can look slightly different from Windows.
MT4 for MacBook
MT4 is older. A macOS package for it may not be offered through official channels. Check the official MetaQuotes site and your broker's site for what is available now. If you cannot find an official MT4 build, you can use the WebTerminal or a Windows virtual machine. To compare the two platforms, see MT4 vs MT5.
WebTerminal: no install needed
The web version runs in Safari, Chrome or another modern browser. You log in with the same trading account details. It covers market orders, pending orders, stop loss, take profit and basic charting. It cannot run Expert Advisors, scripts or custom indicators. Details are on MT WebTerminal.
Mobile apps and Windows in a virtual machine
The MetaTrader apps for iPhone and iPad are available from the App Store. Install them only from the official store listing by MetaQuotes. See Mobile apps.
For full Windows compatibility, some traders run Windows inside virtualisation software on the Mac. MetaTrader then behaves exactly as it does on a PC, including DLL-based tools. You need a Windows licence and enough memory and disk space. On Apple silicon Macs, only the ARM version of Windows runs in a virtual machine. It emulates ordinary Windows programs, so test your setup on a demo account first.
Before you trade
The platform does not change the risk. Leveraged forex and CFD trading can lose money fast, including your whole deposit. Read Risk management before placing real trades.
Pakistani readers should also know the official position. Per the SBP, the purchase of offshore forex/margin/CFD products by Pakistani residents violates section 4(1) of FERA 1947. Per the SECP, offshore platforms have no Pakistani licence or oversight and offer no legal protection or recourse. More on this is in Law and regulators.
Frequent questions
Is there a native MetaTrader app for Mac?
No true native desktop version is known. The MT5 macOS package runs the Windows program through a Wine-based layer. The iPhone and iPad apps are native mobile apps.
Can I run Expert Advisors on a Mac?
Yes, in the MT5 macOS package or in a Windows virtual machine. EAs that depend on Windows DLLs work reliably only in the virtual machine. See Expert Advisors.
Where should I download MT5 for Mac?
Only from the official MetaQuotes website or your broker's official site. Avoid third-party download sites, which may bundle unwanted software.
MT5 will not open after a macOS update. What can I do?
Check for a newer package on the official site and reinstall it. Meanwhile, use the WebTerminal. For other problems, see MetaTrader errors.
Does the Mac version have the same features as the Windows version?
Mostly, yes. Charts, orders, indicators and the strategy tester are the same program. The differences come from the compatibility layer, mainly file locations, DLL support and occasional display issues.
