Automated trading has become an essential part of modern strategy execution. Expert Advisors, or EAs, are a core feature in MetaTrader 5, allowing traders to automate entire systems without manual input. But what happens when you switch to the mobile version? Can you still enjoy the power of EAs while trading on your phone?
The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Understanding How EAs Work on the Main Platform
Expert Advisors are coded in MQL5 and run within the desktop version of MetaTrader 5. They follow instructions to open, manage, and close trades based on your chosen logic. You can automate anything from simple moving average crossovers to complex multi-strategy systems.
These EAs are managed through the Navigator panel, where you attach them to charts, adjust parameters, and monitor their performance. On the desktop, they operate seamlessly and continuously as long as the terminal is open or connected to a Virtual Private Server (VPS).
What the Mobile App Offers Instead
The mobile version of MetaTrader 5 does not support the installation or execution of Expert Advisors. There is no coding environment, script manager, or place to attach an EA within the app. This is a design limitation, not a technical one, and it applies to both iOS and Android versions.
The app is built for manual trading and analysis rather than automation. While this may seem restrictive, it is important to understand that the mobile app serves a different purpose than the desktop platform.
Monitoring Automated Trades from Mobile
Even though you cannot run EAs directly on your phone, the mobile app allows you to monitor the trades placed by them. If your Expert Advisor is running on your desktop terminal or VPS, those trades are synced to your account and will appear in the mobile app.
You can check trade status, modify stops and limits, or manually close positions initiated by the EA. This makes MetaTrader 5 mobile a useful tool for supervising your automated systems while you are away from your main workstation.
Using Push Notifications from EAs
An often overlooked feature of MetaTrader 5 is its ability to send push notifications from your EA to your mobile device. With a few lines of code, you can program your EA to alert you when it opens or closes trades, hits stop loss, or encounters an error.
This feature bridges the gap between desktop automation and mobile awareness. It helps keep you informed and ready to take manual action if something unexpected occurs.
Alternative Automation Options on Mobile
While native EA execution is not available on MetaTrader 5 mobile, some traders use external automation platforms or mobile-friendly third-party apps that communicate with their desktop terminals. However, these solutions require technical setup and are not officially supported within the app itself.
Another alternative is setting alerts and using semi-automated trading systems where you confirm actions manually. These setups allow for some automation without relying entirely on unattended trading.
While MetaTrader 5 mobile does not allow you to run Expert Advisors directly, it still serves as a valuable extension of your automated trading setup. By keeping you connected to your EA’s trades and offering real-time oversight, the app becomes a companion to your desktop terminal.
For full automation, you will still need to rely on the desktop or a VPS. But for staying informed and reacting when needed, the mobile app delivers the tools to remain in control, anytime, anywhere.