Install the MT4 EA — legacy reference

For a self-hosted MT4 setup

This preserves the published PineConnector v3 for MetaTrader 4 installation workflow. Use it when your account requires an MT4 terminal that you manage yourself. For the recommended new setup, start with Edge-hosted MT5 or the self-hosted MT5 guide. Edge does not host MT4.

The original screenshots show earlier versions and interface labels. Use the MT4 package available in your Portal. A PineConnector v2 installation has different instructions; ask Support before changing an existing v2 setup.

Before starting, install your broker’s MT4 terminal, sign in to the intended demo account, and have an available PineConnector instance and License ID. The published Windows compatibility list is Windows 10/11 or Windows Server 2016/2019/2022; use an environment maintained by you or your provider.

Published PineConnector MT4 v3 setup walkthrough

Original MT4 walkthrough. Follow the written version-specific instructions below; historical account details and interface labels may appear in the video.Watch on YouTube

Written summary

Download the MT4 EA, place its EX4 file in this terminal’s Experts folder, allow DLL imports and the MT4 WebRequest URL, enable AutoTrading, attach the EA, enter your License ID and confirm the connection in Portal.

1. Download PineConnector EA

Open Downloads in PineConnector Portal and download the MetaTrader 4 EA. Select the MT4 package rather than the MT5 package.

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Choose the MT4 download. The pictured v3.09 release is historical; use the package offered for your setup in Portal.

Choose the MT4 download. The pictured v3.09 release is historical; use the package offered for your setup in Portal.Open original Close Esc

2. Access the Experts Folder

In the MT4 terminal you are configuring, open:

1. File
2. Open Data Folder
3. MQL4
4. Experts

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Open the folder from the intended terminal so the EA goes into the correct installation.

Open the folder from the intended terminal so the EA goes into the correct installation.Open original Close Esc

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Open MQL4.

Open MQL4.Open original Close Esc

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Then open Experts.

Then open Experts.Open original Close Esc

3. Add PineConnector EA

Place the downloaded EA in MQL4 → Experts. Its file type is EX4 File. Extract it first if the download is packaged in a ZIP; keep the supplied filename and extension.

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The published example shows an EX4 file. Its version number is not a required filename for your current download.

The published example shows an EX4 file. Its version number is not a required filename for your current download.Open original Close Esc

4. Allow DLL Imports & Configure Webrequest

1. Open Tools → Options → Expert Advisors.
2. Enable Allow DLL imports.
3. Enable Allow WebRequest for listed URL and add this exact address:

MT4 WebRequest URL

Add this to MetaTrader 4's allowed WebRequest list, not TradingView's alert settings.

4. Select OK to save the options.

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The published guide illustrates these permission controls. Labels and nearby options can differ by terminal version.

The published guide illustrates these permission controls. Labels and nearby options can differ by terminal version.Open original Close Esc

WebRequest and webhook are different destinations

WebRequest above is the MT4 v3 setup permission. The webhook address is where TradingView sends alert messages. Do not swap them. The current MT5 installation guide does not require a WebRequest URL.

5. Enable Auto Trading

Enable AutoTrading on the MT4 toolbar. The published example shows its green indicator when active.

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The terminal's AutoTrading control must be active as well as the EA's own permissions.

The terminal's AutoTrading control must be active as well as the EA's own permissions.Open original Close Esc

6. Attach PineConnector EA

1. Open Navigator with Ctrl + N.
2. Right-click Expert Advisors and select Refresh.
3. Find the PineConnector MT4 EA, right-click it and select Attach to a chart.

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Refresh after adding the file so the terminal can find the EA.

Refresh after adding the file so the terminal can find the EA.Open original Close Esc

One connected EA can process symbols available in that terminal’s Symbol List. You do not need another copy on every symbol or timeframe. Review multi-strategy scope before intentionally adding separate EA instances.

7. Allow Live Trading and DLL Imports

In the EA properties window, select Common and enable Allow live trading and Allow DLL imports. The MT4 label “live trading” is its automated-trading permission; keep your first verification on the intended demo account.

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Check both required permissions in the EA's own properties.

Check both required permissions in the EA's own properties.Open original Close Esc

8. Input License ID

Copy the License ID for your intended connection from Portal Connections. In the EA properties, open Inputs, paste the complete ID into License ID, then select OK.

Use the PineConnector License ID, not your broker account number. Check every account assigned to that ID; a signal addressed to a shared ID can reach all of them.

9. Check Connection

The published successful connection displays “Successfully connected to PineConnector’s Server” on the chart, together with the trading account number, License ID and expiry date. Compare those details with the intended account.

If it does not connect, read View → Terminal → Experts first. Confirm the Windows environment, EA file, License ID, DLL permissions and WebRequest entry. Check for unintended duplicate EAs or another EA interfering with this setup.

The source guide also recommends restarting the computer or VPS after those checks. Review any active automation before restarting; afterwards confirm MT4 and the PineConnector EA are running again. Use the MT4 error reference or Support when the full message still indicates a problem.

10. Check Updated License Details

Return to Portal and confirm that the correct trading account is connected under the intended License ID. Older Portal layouts call this the Licensing Dashboard; current connection details are in Connections.

Licences are not permanently tied to one trading account. Switching to another supported account requires an available instance and valid subscription access. See accounts, instances and licence allocation.

Connection is one checkpoint. Before relying on an alert, follow the demo-test verification sequence using a message compatible with your installed MT4 EA version. Check the actual account, symbol, volume, stops and any duplicate. Do not assume an older EA supports every newer explicit parameter; the legacy parameter reference preserves setting-dependent messages.