MT4 User Guide: How to Use MetaTrader 4 for Beginners From A–Z

Last updated: 30/12/2025

How to use MetaTrader 4 — MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is considered a “legend” in the financial investment world. Whether you trade Forex, Gold (XAUUSD), or CFD Stocks, mastering MT4 is the first mandatory step.

This article will guide you through the most detailed MT4 usage instruction, helping you go from knowing nothing to confidently placing a trade order after just 5 minutes of reading.

See more:

1. What is MetaTrader 4 (MT4)? Why should traders use it?

Huong Dan Su Dung MT4 2 1
What is MetaTrader 4 (MT4)?

Before getting into the details of how to use MetaTrader 4, you need to understand that this is the platform connecting you and the market.

  • Advantages: Lightweight, stable, supports thousands of indicators and trading robots (EA).
  • Popular: Most reputable brokers worldwide provide MT4.

2. How to download and log in to MT4 correctly

Huong Dan Su Dung MT4 5 1

Many beginners often download the wrong version. To ensure proper server connection, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the software

Do not download from the MetaQuotes homepage. Visit the website of the Broker where you opened your account and find the “Download Platform” or “Download MT4” section.

Step 2: Log in to your account

After installation, open the software and do the following:

  1. Choose File in the upper left corner -> Login to Trade Account.
  2. Enter the information sent by the broker to your email:
    • Login: Account number (ID).
    • Password: Trading password (Master Password).
    • Server: Select the correct server name (Very important).

Huong Dan Su Dung MT4 4 1
Login to the account

Note: If you are a beginner, start with a DEMO account to practice skills without worrying about losing real money.

3. Get familiar with the MT4 interface on desktop

The MT4 interface may look confusing at first. You only need to focus on the 4 main areas below to master how to use MT4:

Huong Dan Su Dung MT4 1 1
Get familiar with the MT4 interface

  1. Market Watch: Located on the left, displaying currency pairs and current Bid/Ask prices. Press Ctrl + M to hide/show.
  2. Navigator: Located below Market Watch, used to manage accounts and add technical indicators. Press Ctrl + N to hide/show.
  3. Chart Window: The largest area in the middle, displaying price movements.
  4. Terminal: Located at the bottom, the most important place to view Balance and manage running orders. Press Ctrl + T to hide/show.

4. Set up clean and clear candlestick charts (Clean Chart)

By default, MT4’s dark background is difficult to analyze. Set it up to a professional interface like Pro Traders:

  • Switch to Japanese candlesticks: Press Alt + 2 or select the candlestick icon on the toolbar.
  • Adjust colors: Press F8 (or right-click -> Properties). In the Colors tab, choose Scheme: Black on White.
    • Adjust Bull Candle: Green/Blue.
    • Adjust Bear Candle: Red.
  • Timeframe: Choose M15, H1, H4, or D1 on the toolbar to view charts by minutes, hours, or days.

5. Instructions for placing Buy/Sell orders on MT4

This is the most important part of the MT4 user guide. To enter an order, press F9 or double-click the currency pair.

Huong Dan Su Dung MT4 3 1
Instructions for placing Buy/Sell orders on MT4

Required fields in the order panel:

  • Symbol: Trading pair (e.g., EURUSD, XAUUSD).
  • Volume: Measured in Lots. Beginners should trade small (0.01 – 0.05 lot).
  • Stop Loss: Price level that automatically closes the order to protect capital when the market moves against you. Must have.
  • Take Profit: Price level that automatically closes the order to realize profit.

Two types of orders:

  1. Market Execution: Executes immediately at the current price.
  2. Pending Order: Executes only when price reaches your preset level (Buy Limit, Sell Limit, etc.).

After filling in the details, click BUY (if expecting price to rise) or SELL (if expecting price to fall).

6. How to close orders and view trading history

When your order is running, manage it in the Terminal at the bottom.

  • To close an order manually: Click the “x” next to the Profit column, or right-click the order and select Close Order.
  • View history: Switch to the Account History tab to see profit/loss summaries by day/month.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about MT4

Which is better, MT4 or MT5? MT4 is best suited for Forex trading with massive support tools and great stability. MT5 is a newer version that supports stock trading better. For beginners, MT4 is still the No.1 choice.

Is using MT4 free? MT4 software is completely free. You only pay Spread or Commission to the broker when placing trades.

What if I forget my MT4 password? You cannot retrieve the password directly on the software. Log in to your account management page on the Broker’s website to change (Reset Password).

See more:

Join Our
Trading Team!

Start Your Challenge

Star Star Star Star Star Transparency Partner FXVERIFY

WeMasterTrade Reviews Verified by FXVerify

Clients are provided with an account containing virtual funds as part of our funded trading model. Their trading activity on the virtual account is replicated in real-time by our exclusive algorithms to our live firm trading account, generating actual cash flow.

Hypothetical Performance Closure

Hypothetical performance results have many inherent limitations, some of which are described below. No representation is made that any account will likely achieve performance-based rewards or losses similar to those shown. There are frequently sharp differences between hypothetical performance results and the actual results subsequently achieved by any particular trading program. One of the limitations of hypothetical performance results is that they are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. In addition, hypothetical trading does not involve financial risk, and no hypothetical trading record can completely account for the impact of financial risk on actual trading. For example, the ability to withstand losses or to adhere to a particular trading program despite trading losses is a material point, which can also adversely affect actual trading results. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results, and all of which can adversely affect trading results. Testimonials appearing on this website may not represent other clients or customers and are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Hypothetical Performance Disclosure – CFTC Rule 4.41

Simulated or hypothetical trading results have inherent limitations. Unlike actual performance records, they do not represent real trading activity and may be designed with the benefit of hindsight. No representation is being made that any account will, or is likely to, achieve profits or losses similar to those shown or implied.

Risk Disclosure

This is not an investment opportunity. You do not deposit any funds for investment. We do not ask for any funds for investment. At no time do you risk your own capital. There are no promises of rewards or returns. Trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one's financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading, and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Customer Compensate Disclosure

All trades presented for customer compensation should be considered hypothetical and should not be expected to be replicated in a simulated trading environment. All accounts in the WeMasterTrade program may represent simulated trading accounts. Payments are collected and facilitated by Wecopy Fintech LTD (Company Number: 14905703), 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ, acting as a Payment Agent on behalf of WeMasterTrade, with the applicable entity determined based on the user’s location and selected payment method.

Complaint Resolution Process

If you believe you are entitled to compensation due to a platform error or system malfunction, please contact support@wemastertrade.com within 7 days of the incident. Our team will review and respond within 5 business days. If the complaint is valid, compensation will be processed within 14 business days.

Compensation is limited to the value of the service fee paid for the affected account. WeMasterTrade is not liable for losses resulting from market conditions, user error, or third-party service interruptions.

Restricted Countries

WeMasterTrade does not provide trading accounts service to residents of the Vietnam, Israel, Russia, North Korea, Iran and some other countries.

Metatrader 5 platform does not provide trading accounts service to residents of the Vietnam, USA, Canada, Israel, Russia, North Korea, Iran and some other countries.

Chat
Complaint & Review Form