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Is Server Time the Same as Broker Time?

Learn whether Server Time means Broker Time in MT5, how it differs from Local Time, and why trading logic should usually follow the broker’s MT5 server clock instead of your computer, laptop, or VPS time.

Yes. In Profectus and MT5, Server Time means your broker’s server time.

You may also see users call this:

  • broker time

  • MT5 server time

  • chart time

  • trading server time

In normal MT5 usage, these usually refer to the same practical thing: the time used by your broker for candles, sessions, and trade execution.


Server Time vs Local Time

Server Time / Broker Time
This is the time from your broker’s MT5 server. It is the safest reference for trading logic because your candles and broker execution environment are based on it.

Local Time
This is the time from your own computer, laptop, or VPS. It depends on your device settings and local timezone. It can behave differently if your computer timezone changes, your VPS is in another country, or daylight saving time shifts.

For trading logic, use Server Time / Broker Time unless you have a specific reason to use Local Time.


Simple example

If your broker’s MT5 server time is 08:00, then Server Time is 08:00.

Even if your laptop shows 06:00 or 09:00, the EA logic using Server Time follows the broker’s MT5 server clock, not your laptop clock.


Key takeaway

Server Time = Broker Time.

Use Server Time/Broker Time for trading logic.

Do not rely on Local Time unless you specifically want the EA to follow your computer or VPS clock.

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