Getting Started
Your Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these steps to connect your TradingView alerts to MetaTrader using PineConnector:
1. Verify System Compatibility
Ensure your system meets the following requirements:
- Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows: 10 and 11
- Windows Server: 2016, 2019, and 2022
- MacOS Users:
- While using the non-DLL EAs on MacOS is possible, it can be unstable. We strongly recommend using a Windows VPS for reliability.
- Tip: For navigating your Windows VPS from a Mac, use the Windows App for the best experience. Need help with VPS setup? View our VPS Setup guide.
- Unsupported Operating Systems:
- Windows 8 or older (Please upgrade to Windows 10 or 11).
- Windows Server 2012 or older (Please upgrade to Windows Server 2016 or newer).
- MetaQuotes VPS (This VPS type is not compatible. Please use an alternative VPS provider, like the PineConnector VPS).
- Press
Windows Key + R
to open the Run dialog. - Type
winver
and press Enter or click OK. The "About Windows" box will display your Windows version and build number.
2. Confirm Your TradingView Plan
To send webhook alerts from TradingView, you need an Essential, Plus, Premium, Expert, Elite, or Ultimate TradingView plan.
Check Your Current TradingView Plan →
3. Set Up the PineConnector EA on MetaTrader
With a compatible OS and the necessary TradingView plan, you're ready to install the PineConnector Expert Advisor (EA) on your MetaTrader terminal.
We strongly recommend using MetaTrader 5 (MT5) for the optimal PineConnector experience. Here’s why:
- Industry Direction: MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is being progressively phased out by MetaQuotes, the developers of both platforms.
- Optimized for MT5: PineConnector EA is fully optimized for the MT5 environment, generally offering better performance, stability, and speed.
- Focus on MT5: Our latest features, ongoing improvements, and primary support efforts are concentrated on the MT5 version of our EA.
While we still provide support for MT4, choosing MT5 will ensure you benefit from the latest advancements and the most robust performance. Please select the setup guide appropriate for your trading platform below. If your broker offers MT5, we encourage you to use it.
4. Send Your First Test Alert
After installing the PineConnector EA, it's crucial to send a test alert. This verifies your connection, ensures parameters are processed correctly, and helps you get familiar with the workflow before live trading.
Quick Test Example:
We recommend sending a simple buy order for EURUSD.
- Use the following syntax format:
LicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1
- Replace
LicenseID
with your actual ID. For example, if your License ID is6161199464661
, the alert message would be:6161199464661,buy,EURUSD,risk=1
- If successful, a 1-lot buy position for EURUSD should open in your MetaTrader terminal.
5. Understand PineConnector Syntax
Syntax refers to the specific format of your alert messages, which tells the PineConnector EA what actions to take (e.g., open a trade, set a stop-loss). Mastering the syntax is key to effective automation.
Key Syntax Components to Learn First:
- Market Order Commands:
buy
,sell
- Common Parameters:
sl=
(stop-loss)tp=
(take-profit)risk=
(volume/risk management)
Try Sending These Test Alerts: Experiment with different symbols available in your MetaTrader terminal's Symbol List.
YourLicenseID,buy,GBPUSD,risk=1
YourLicenseID,buy,BTCUSD,risk=1
YourLicenseID,buy,US100,risk=1
Add a stop-loss (SL):
YourLicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,sl=30
(e.g., 30 pips SL)
Add a take-profit (TP) – parameters like sl=
and tp=
can be in any order after the symbol:
YourLicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,tp=50
YourLicenseID,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,sl=30,tp=50
Try a different command:
YourLicenseID,sell,EURUSD,risk=1
6. Explore EA Options (Inputs Tab)
The PineConnector EA has various input settings (accessible via F7 on the chart) that control how signals are processed, allowing for flexible strategy implementation with minimal or no coding directly in your alerts.
130
(MT4) or 4756
(MT5). Refer to our Error Guide for troubleshooting. If issues persist, don't hesitate to chat with us! Frequently Used EA Options to Explore:
- Target Type: (How
sl=
andtp=
are interpreted – Pips, Price, Percentage) - Volume Type: (How
risk=
is interpreted – Lots, Dollar Amount, Percentage of Balance, etc.) - Close on Reverse: (How the EA handles opposing signals)
- Pyramiding: (Rules for opening multiple positions on the same symbol)
Experiment by changing these settings in the EA and sending test alerts to observe how trade execution is affected.
7. Implement a Sample Strategy: SuperTrend
Not to get started! Many indicators like SuperTrend are freely available in TradingView's "Community Scripts," and you can create alerts directly from their visual plots. Our guides show how to do this without coding. While knowing some Pine Script™ is helpful for customization or creating complex unique conditions, it's not a prerequisite to automate many common indicators with PineConnector.
The SuperTrend strategy is a popular trend-following system, excellent for understanding how PineConnector automates signals. It's versatile for various trading styles, from short-term scalping to longer-term approaches. This hands-on exercise provides a solid foundation for your automation journey.
SuperTrend Strategy Implementation Guide →
8. Activate Tasks & Set Up Telegram Notifications (Recommended)
During your 14-day trial (and with paid plans), you have access to Premium Tasks like "Signal Error" and "Connection Lost" notifications. These alert you to issues such as insufficient margin, invalid volume, EA disconnections (e.g., terminal closed, internet loss), and more.
We advise activating both "Signal Error" and "Connection Lost" tasks. While email notifications are available, Telegram is highly recommended for speed and convenience.
If you need any help, here are some useful documentation links about Tasks:
9. Set Up a Secret Key for Enhanced Security (Recommended)
The Signal Authentication feature uses a "secret key" to ensure that only signals originating from your authorized TradingView alerts are processed by your MetaTrader terminal.
Your signals are already secured by your unique License ID, which prevents unauthorized use. The Secret Key provides an additional layer of security. It ensures that even in the unlikely event your License ID is exposed, signals would still require this matching Secret Key to be processed by your EA. It’s an extra safeguard for maximum peace of mind, particularly if you manage multiple trading accounts or trade with a large capital.
If enabled in the PineConnector Portal, you must add this secret key to your alert message syntax.
- Example Syntax:
YourLicenseID,command,symbol,risk=1,secret=YourSecretKey
- If your License ID is
6161199464661
and your secret key isPineApple
, the syntax becomes:6161199464661,buy,EURUSD,risk=1,secret=PineApple
- Note: The Secret Key is case-sensitive.
pineapple
orPINEAPPLE
would not be accepted if the key isPineApple
.
In the following example, we have added PineApple
as the secret key.
10. Configure Your TradingView Scripts and Alerts
Once you're comfortable with the EA options and PineConnector syntax, it's time to set up your own TradingView indicators/strategies and create the corresponding webhook alerts.
If you've implemented the SuperTrend strategy, consider enhancing it, exploring community scripts on TradingView, or developing your own unique systems!
Helpful Alert Setup Guides:
- Automating Alerts (No Script Access): No-Code Guide
- Automating Alerts (With Script Access): Low-Code Guide
11. Fine-Tune, Monitor, and Grow
Getting started is just the beginning! True progress in automated trading comes from ongoing refinement, monitoring, and adaptation.
- Monitor Your System: Regularly check the PineConnector Signal Logs (in the Portal) and your MetaTrader "Experts" and "Journal" tabs to ensure smooth operation.
- Adjust as Needed: Experiment with EA settings (risk levels, volume types, etc.) and syntax parameters to optimize for your strategy.
- Evolve Your Strategy: Continuously revisit your TradingView scripts and alert conditions. Small tweaks can lead to significant improvements.
Initially, you'll naturally want to monitor things closely. As you build confidence in your setup, you can allow the automation to handle more, freeing up your time. Trading is dynamic, and PineConnector is built to adapt with you. Keep testing, learning, and evolving your system!
On this page
- Getting Started
- Your Step-by-Step Setup Guide
- 1. Verify System Compatibility
- 2. Confirm Your TradingView Plan
- 3. Set Up the PineConnector EA on MetaTrader
- 4. Send Your First Test Alert
- 5. Understand PineConnector Syntax
- 6. Explore EA Options (Inputs Tab)
- 7. Implement a Sample Strategy: SuperTrend
- 8. Activate Tasks & Set Up Telegram Notifications (Recommended)
- 9. Set Up a Secret Key for Enhanced Security (Recommended)
- 10. Configure Your TradingView Scripts and Alerts
- 11. Fine-Tune, Monitor, and Grow