How to Download and Set Up XM MT4 (2026 Guide)

What is XM MT4?#

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is the most-used retail forex trading platform in the world, developed by MetaQuotes Software. XM offers MT4 free to all account holders, with full functionality across Forex, indices, commodities, metals, energies and crypto CFDs.

MT4 is favoured for its lightweight footprint, large library of Expert Advisors (EAs) and custom indicators, and stable, well-known workflow. While MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is newer and offers more features, MT4 remains the default choice for traders who want simplicity, EA compatibility and a familiar interface.

XM MT4 Key Features#

• 9 timeframes — M1, M5, M15, M30, H1, H4, D1, W1, MN
• 4 order types — market, limit, stop, stop limit
• 30 built-in indicators plus unlimited custom indicators via MQL4
• Expert Advisor (EA) support — full automated trading with MQL4
• Strategy Tester — back-test EAs against historical data
• Multi-language interface — 30+ languages
• One-click trading — fast execution from the chart
• Hedging support — hold long and short positions on the same instrument simultaneously

System Requirements#

MT4 has minimal hardware requirements — it runs comfortably on entry-level laptops and older mobile devices.

How to Download XM MT4 — Step by Step#

Step 1: Open or Verify Your XM Account

If you do not yet have an XM account, register at the official XM website. Complete the KYC process by uploading your ID and proof of address. If you already have a verified account, proceed to step 2.

For the full account-opening walkthrough: XM account opening guide step-by-step.

Step 2: Create an MT4 Trading Account

Log in to the XM Members Area. Under My Accounts, click Open Additional Account and select MetaTrader 4 as the platform. Choose your account type (Micro, Standard or Ultra Low), base currency and leverage level.

XM will email you the MT4 account number, password and server name (e.g. XMGlobal-MT4). Save these — you will need them at login.

Step 3: Download MT4 from XM

Go to the Platforms section on the XM website or Members Area and pick the version that matches your operating system:

• Windows — download the .exe installer
• macOS — download the .dmg file
• iOS — install XM MT4 from the App Store
• Android — install XM MT4 from Google Play

Always download from the official XM page. Avoid third-party download sites — modified MT4 builds can route credentials to malicious servers.

Step 4: Install and Log In

Run the installer (Windows) or drag the application into Applications (macOS). Once installed:

1. Open MT4
2. Click File → Login to Trade Account
3. Enter your account number and password
4. Select the correct server (e.g. XMGlobal-MT4) from the dropdown — it should auto-populate after the first login

If the server is not in the list, click the small + icon to add it manually. Server names are emailed to you when the account is created.

Step 5: Configure Charts and Market Watch

• Market Watch — Right-click the Market Watch panel → Show All to load every available symbol. To clean it up later, right-click → Hide All then drag back the symbols you actually trade.
• Charts — Drag a symbol from Market Watch onto the main chart area. Set timeframe (M15 / H1 / H4 / D1) using the toolbar.
• Indicators — Drag from Navigator → Indicators onto a chart, or use Insert → Indicators from the menu.
• Templates — Save your configured chart layout as a template (right-click chart → Template → Save Template) so you can apply it to any other symbol with one click.

Step 6: Place Your First Trade

• Press F9 or click New Order in the toolbar
• Select the symbol, lot size (start with 0.01 micro lots), stop-loss and take-profit
• Click Buy by Market or Sell by Market
• Confirm the position appears in Terminal → Trade tab

For position sizing, see: What is a lot in forex? and position size & lot calculator guide.

XM MT4 vs MT5 Comparison#

Most retail Forex traders pick MT4 for its simplicity and the enormous library of free EAs and indicators built up over the past 15+ years. MT5 is the better fit if you also trade stock CFDs, want a built-in economic calendar, or need MT5-specific EAs.

For a deeper comparison: MT4 vs MT5 — which platform to choose.

XM MT4 on Mobile#

The XM MT4 mobile app is available on both iOS and Android with full trading functionality:

• Real-time quotes with one-tap trading
• 30+ indicators and 24 graphical objects
• Push notifications for price alerts and order events
• Account management — deposit, withdraw, view trade history
• Biometric login (Face ID, fingerprint)

The mobile app uses the same MT4 account credentials as the desktop version. Open trades sync in real time across devices.

XM MT4 Web Trader#

If you prefer not to install software, MT4 Web Trader runs in the browser with no download required:

• Works on any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Same account credentials as desktop and mobile
• Full charting, indicators and order types
• Useful for shared computers, work environments where install is restricted, or when travelling

Web Trader is accessed from the XM website → Platforms → Web Trader.

Setting Up Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4#

Expert Advisors are MT4's most distinctive feature — automated trading scripts written in MQL4 that execute strategies without manual intervention.

To run an EA on XM MT4:

1. Enable Auto-Trading — Click the AutoTrading button in the toolbar (it must show as active/green)
2. Allow EA imports — Tools → Options → Expert Advisors → tick "Allow automated trading", "Allow DLL imports" (for paid commercial EAs that require it), and "Allow imports of external experts"
3. Install the EA — Copy the .ex4 or .mq4 file into MQL4/Experts in your MT4 data folder (File → Open Data Folder → MQL4/Experts)
4. Restart MT4 — The EA will appear in Navigator → Expert Advisors
5. Drag onto a chart — Drag the EA onto the chart of the instrument you want it to trade
6. Configure inputs — In the dialog, set lot size, risk parameters, and confirm "Allow live trading" is ticked
7. Verify — A small smiley face icon should appear in the top-right of the chart, indicating the EA is running

Always test EAs on a demo account first. Many EAs that look profitable in marketing materials fail on live data — the Strategy Tester helps validate before deploying real capital. See: XM demo account guide.

Troubleshooting Common MT4 Issues#

Tips for MT4 Beginners#

• Start on a demo account — XM offers free unlimited demo accounts with $100,000 virtual balance. Use it before risking real money.
• Learn the keyboard shortcuts — F9 (new order), Ctrl+T (terminal), Ctrl+M (Market Watch), Ctrl+N (Navigator), Ctrl+R (Strategy Tester).
• Use templates — Save your chart layout (indicators, colours, timeframe) as a template so you apply it to any symbol with one click.
• Set up alerts — Right-click a price level on the chart → Trading → Alert. Useful for swing setups where you do not want to watch the chart all day.
• Back up your settings — Your customisations live in the MT4 data folder. Copy MQL4/Indicators, MQL4/Experts and templates to back up your full setup.