How to Troubleshoot Issues on the MT5 Trading Platform

The MT5 platform is reliable. As a funded trader working with a prop company, it has all the tools you could possibly need and is quick and strong. However, even the best platforms have their unique features, and occasionally things simply don’t work out as they should. It’s possible that your deals are failing. Your charts might not be loaded. Or perhaps the platform is simply acting strangely.

Every second matters when trading with a prop business. When you are in the thick of a setup, you cannot afford for MT5 to behave up. Now, let’s examine how to solve the most frequent MT5 problems in a timely, efficient, and non-distracting manner. 

MT5 Won’t Connect to the Server

This is perhaps the most stressful situation you will encounter. When you launch the MT5 trading platform, the bottom right section displays “no connection” in red. The situation is one of panic. 

Step-by-step fix:

• Check your internet first. It sounds basic but you’d be surprised how often this is the issue. Restart your router if you need to.
• Make sure you’re using the correct login credentials. Funded accounts from prop firms often come with demo server logins during evaluations and different credentials for funded stages. Double-check what you’ve been given.
• Try switching servers. Right-click on the server status (bottom right corner), click Rescan Servers, and see if it connects to another one.
• Firewall or antivirus blocking MT5? It happens. Try disabling your firewall/antivirus temporarily or adding MT5 as an exception.

If all else fails then contact your prop firm’s support. Sometimes the server itself might be down which is rare but not impossible.

Charts Are Not Updating or Look Frozen

You’ve got your chart open but it’s not moving. No candles printing, no ticks, just stillness. That’s not ideal when you’re trying to scalp or catch a breakout.

Here’s what you can do:

• Make sure you’re connected first. Refer to the above if MT5 displays “No Connection.”
• Try altering the timeline. Sometimes the data will automatically update when you go from M15 to H1 or vice versa.
• Select “Refresh” with a right-click on the chart. Usually, it puts it back in gear.
• Reopen the chart. Reopen it from the Market Watch window after closing it.
• Verify that your market is indeed open. EUR/USD trading at midnight GMT? Perhaps you’re simply in a dead time.

Your prop company can assist in elevating the matter if it remains stalled, since it may be a broker-side problem. 

Can’t Place a Trade

This one hits hard when you’re watching price move exactly how you predicted but MT5 just won’t let you execute.

Try these fixes:

• Check if you’re logged into the correct account. You might be logged into a read-only or expired account.
• See if “One-Click Trading” is enabled. Go to Tools → Options → Trade, and enable it. Also, check the box on the chart.
• Symbol is grayed out? Go to Market Watch, right-click, and select “Show All.” Maybe the asset wasn’t visible by default.
• Is your order size allowed? Prop firms usually set strict lot sizes and risk rules. If your lot size is too big, the trade won’t go through.
• Margin? You might not have enough to cover the position. Even on funded accounts, you’re bound by strict equity rules.

Still can’t place a trade? The Journal tab in the Terminal window will usually tell you why the trade was rejected. Check that out—it’s super helpful.

MT5 is Lagging or Crashing

Try this:

• Reduce the number of charts open. Having 10 charts loaded with indicators and EAs can bog MT5 down fast.
• Clear the cache. MT5 stores a lot of historical data. Go to File → Open Data Folder → history, and clear old files (just don’t delete your current broker folder).
• Disable heavy indicators or EAs. Custom indicators and expert advisors can slow MT5 down massively, especially if they’re not optimized.
• Update MT5. Sometimes you’re just running an older version that doesn’t play nice with your OS.
• Use a VPS. Especially if you’re trading with EAs or scalping, a virtual private server can give you better performance and lower latency.

And hey, make sure your PC isn’t running 40 browser tabs and 6 background apps while you’re trading.

Indicators or EAs Not Working

Got a custom EA or indicator loaded up and it’s just… not doing anything? That’s frustrating.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Make sure “AutoTrading” is enabled. The little green play button at the top needs to be ON. If it’s red, your EA won’t work.
• Check the settings. Maybe your EA is coded to run only on certain timeframes or pairs. Read the instructions or manual that came with it.
• Did you allow DLL imports? Some EAs need this. Go to Tools → Options → Expert Advisors and check the appropriate boxes.
• See the Experts and Journal tabs. If your EA is throwing errors, these tabs will usually tell you what went wrong.

If you’ve added a new indicator and it doesn’t appear at all, make sure you put it in the right folder (MQL5/Indicators) and restart MT5 after that.