Summary
This guide shows how to install MetaTrader 5 on Mac, find the MT5 data folder, add your exported EA files, and import tick data for backtesting.
Use this if you are searching for:
MT5 Mac setup
where to put EX5 files on Mac
cannot find
net.metaquotes.wine.metatrader5import EA into MT5 Mac
add Expert Advisor on Mac
import tick data on Mac
MT5 Strategy Tester on Mac
MetaQuotes provides a macOS installer for MT5 that installs the platform with the required Wine setup in the background. (MetaTrader 5)
1. Download MetaTrader 5 for Mac
Download MT5 from either:
your broker’s website, or
the official MetaTrader 5 website
Make sure you download the Mac version.
After downloading, install the app and open MetaTrader 5.
2. Create or log in to an account
When MT5 opens, you can either create a demo account or log in to an existing broker account.
For a demo account:
Choose Open Demo Account
Fill in the required details
Save your login ID, password, and server
Log in with those credentials
After this, you should be inside MT5.
3. Find the MT5 data folder on Mac
This is the step where many Mac users get stuck.
You need the MT5 data folder because this is where EA files are stored.
Recommended method: open the folder directly from MT5
In MT5, go to:
File → Open Data Folder
Then open:
MQL5 → Experts
This is where your EA files should go.
If this works, use this method. It is the easiest and avoids searching manually through hidden Mac folders.
Alternative method: find the folder manually
Open Finder, then use:
Shift + Command + G
Paste this path:
~/Library/Application Support/net.metaquotes.wine.metatrader5/drive_c/Program Files/MetaTrader 5
Then open:
MQL5 → Experts
Some broker-specific MT5 installations may use a slightly different folder path. If you cannot find net.metaquotes.wine.metatrader5, first try File → Open Data Folder from inside MT5. Broker guides also commonly point Mac users to the same Application Support/net.metaquotes.wine.metatrader5/.../MQL5/Experts folder for installing EAs. (IC Markets)
4. Add your EA files
Your exported EA file usually ends with:
.ex5
To add it to MT5 on Mac:
Open the Experts folder
Copy or drag your
.ex5file into that folderRestart MetaTrader 5
After restarting, your EA should appear in:
Navigator → Expert Advisors
If you do not see it, right-click inside Navigator and click Refresh.
Screenshot placeholder
[Screenshot placeholder: Finder showing MQL5 → Experts folder on Mac]
Caption:
Place your exported .ex5 EA file inside the MQL5 → Experts folder. Restart MT5 or refresh the Navigator afterward.
5. Add the Experts folder to Finder Favorites
To avoid searching for the folder again:
Open the Experts folder
Drag it into your Finder sidebar under Favorites
Now you can quickly access it every time you export a new EA.
6. Common Mac setup issues
I cannot find net.metaquotes.wine.metatrader5
Try this first:
MT5 → File → Open Data Folder
If the folder still does not appear, check:
MT5 was installed and opened at least once
you are using the desktop MT5 app, not only the web/mobile version
your broker’s MT5 version may use a different folder name
you are looking inside the Mac user Library, not the system Library
The Mac Library folder is often hidden. Using Shift + Command + G in Finder is usually faster than clicking through folders manually.
My EA does not appear in MT5
Check:
The file is inside
MQL5 → ExpertsThe file ends with
.ex5MT5 was restarted after adding the file
Navigator was refreshed
You are using the same MT5 installation where you copied the file
I added the file, but the EA does not trade
Check:
Algo Trading is enabled in MT5
The EA is attached to a chart
EA permissions are enabled
You are logged into the correct demo/live account
The MT5 Journal does not show an error
For execution issues, check the MT5 Journal first.
7. Import tick data into MT5 on Mac
Use this if you want to import historical tick data for higher-quality backtesting.
Step 1: Save the tick data file
Download your tick data file and save it in your Mac Downloads folder.
Step 2: Open Symbols in MT5
Open MT5 and press:
Ctrl + U
Or click the Symbols icon in the top bar.
Step 3: Create a custom symbol
In the Symbols window:
Open Forex
Select the pair you want to use, for example
EURUSDClick Create Custom Symbol
Rename it, for example:
EURUSD.tick
Click OK
Step 4: Select the custom symbol
In the Symbols list:
Go to Custom
Find your new custom symbol
Select it
Step 5: Import the tick data
Go to the Ticks tab.
Then:
Click Import Ticks
Click Browse
Open My Computer
Open the
Z:driveGo to:
Z: → Users → [Your Mac Username] → Downloads
Select your tick data file
Click OK
The import will start.
Step 6: Add the custom symbol to Market Watch
In the Custom Symbols list, double-click your custom symbol.
It should now appear in Market Watch.
You can now select it in the Strategy Tester for backtesting.
Screenshot placeholder
[Screenshot placeholder: MT5 Symbols window → Custom symbol → Ticks tab → Import Ticks]
Caption:
On Mac, your Mac Downloads folder is usually accessed through Z: → Users → [Your Mac Username] → Downloads inside MT5.
Conclusion
For most Mac users, the key step is finding the correct MT5 data folder.
Use:
File → Open Data Folder → MQL5 → Experts
Then copy your .ex5 file into the Experts folder, restart MT5, and check Navigator → Expert Advisors.
For tick data, create a custom symbol first, then import the tick file from your Mac Downloads folder through the Z: drive.