You’re standing in line for coffee, or maybe you're stuck in the back of an Uber, and the NFP data drops. The market is moving fast. Ten years ago, you’d be sweating, wishing you were at your desk. Today? You just pull out your phone. Honestly, for most of us, MetaTrader 4 iPhone/ipad ios has become the primary way we actually interact with the charts.
It’s kind of funny because MT4 is technically "old" software. The desktop version looks like it was designed for Windows 95, yet the mobile app feels surprisingly snappy. Even after the whole drama a couple of years back where it vanished from the App Store for a bit, it came back stronger. People simply refused to switch.
Why? Because it just works. You don’t need a degree in computer science to open a position. You tap a pair, you hit trade, and you’re in.
What’s the deal with MetaTrader 4 on iPhone/iPad iOS?
If you're new to this, you might wonder why everyone is obsessed with an app that hasn't changed its core look since 2011. The reality is that the MetaTrader 4 iPhone/ipad ios ecosystem is the backbone of the retail forex world. Most brokers—whether it's IG, IC Markets, or Pepperstone—plug directly into it.
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The iPad version is actually a hidden gem. While the iPhone is great for checking a price, the iPad version gives you a proper workspace. You get the sidebar with your "Market Watch" and the large-format charts that don't make you squint like a maniac.
Getting it onto your device in 2026
Back in late 2022, there was a massive panic. Apple pulled MT4 and MT5 from the App Store. New traders couldn't download it, and everyone thought the world was ending. Luckily, MetaQuotes (the developers) sorted out whatever compliance issues were bothering Apple, and it’s been fully reinstated since March 2023.
Installing it is straightforward now:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for "MetaTrader 4."
- Look for the blue icon with the number 4 (don't accidentally get MT5 unless you specifically want that version).
- Download it. It’s free.
One thing to keep in mind: MetaQuotes stopped supporting "ancient" versions of the app in mid-2025. If you’re running a super old iPhone or haven't updated the app in years, you’ve basically got to update to at least Build 1440 or newer to keep the connection to your broker alive.
Using the app without losing your mind
Let's be real—the first time you open the app, it’s a bit overwhelming. You see a bunch of red and blue numbers flashing at you.
The bottom bar is your navigation hub. You’ve got Quotes, Charts, Trade, History, and Settings.
Most of your time is spent in the Charts tab. On iOS, you can use "Force Touch" (or a long press on newer models) to bring up the circular menu. This is where you swap timeframes from $M1$ (one minute) all the way up to $MN$ (monthly).
Technical Analysis on a small screen
Can you actually do technical analysis on an iPhone? Sorta.
You aren't going to be drawing complex harmonic patterns with ease, but the app comes with 30 built-in indicators. We’re talking the classics:
- Moving Averages
- RSI (Relative Strength Index)
- Bollinger Bands
- MACD
Adding them is simple. Tap the "f" icon at the top of the chart. If you're on an iPad, the interface is much more generous, allowing you to have multiple indicator windows open without the chart becoming a tiny sliver of pixels.
The big "No-Go": Custom EAs and Indicators
Here is where I have to be the bearer of bad news. If you’ve spent $500 on a "Super-Profit-Global-Bot" (please don't do that, by the way) or a custom indicator that draws arrows on your desktop, it will not work on the MetaTrader 4 iPhone/ipad ios app.
The mobile app is a closed environment. You can’t drag and drop .ex4 files into it.
Does that mean you can't use automated strategies? Not exactly. You can still run your EAs on a desktop or a VPS (Virtual Private Server). Once the trade is opened by the bot on your computer, it will show up in the "Trade" tab on your iPhone. You can then modify the Stop Loss or close the trade manually from your phone while you're at the gym. It’s a hybrid way of working that most pros use.
Managing your trades like a pro
The "Trade" tab is the heart of the app. It shows your Balance, Equity, and Margin.
When you want to enter a position, you have two main choices:
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- Market Execution: You buy or sell at the current price right now.
- Pending Orders: You tell the app, "Hey, if the price hits 1.1050, then buy for me."
The app supports Buy Limit, Sell Limit, Buy Stop, and Sell Stop. This is crucial for anyone who has a day job. You set your levels in the morning, put in your Take Profit and Stop Loss, and then put the phone back in your pocket.
Pro Tip: To quickly modify a trade, just swipe left on the open position in the Trade tab. It reveals icons to close the trade, modify the levels, or add more to the position. It’s much faster than tapping and holding.
Why people still choose MT4 over MT5 on iOS
It’s 2026, and MetaTrader 5 is objectively "better" in terms of features. It has more timeframes and more indicators. Yet, MetaTrader 4 iPhone/ipad ios usage is still through the roof.
The reason is compatibility. Thousands of brokers built their entire infrastructure around MT4 over the last two decades. For a lot of traders, MT4 feels "lighter." It doesn't have the extra fluff. If you are just trading Forex and maybe a bit of Gold or Oil, MT4 is all you need.
Common headaches (and how to fix them)
"Common Error" or "Invalid Account" are the two phrases that haunt traders' dreams.
If you get these, it’s usually one of three things. First, check your internet. MT4 is sensitive to spotty Wi-Fi. Second, make sure you selected the right server. When you log in, you have to search for your broker (e.g., "Oanda-Live 2"). If you pick "Live 1" but your account is on "Live 2," it won't work.
Lastly, check your password. Remember that MT4 passwords are case-sensitive. "Trader123" is not the same as "trader123."
Security: Don't be "that" person
Since the app handles your money, please use the security features.
- Enable the passcode or FaceID lock within the app settings.
- Never share your "Investor Password" with people promising to trade for you.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) if your broker supports it through the MQL5 integration.
Trading is risky enough without someone hacking into your phone and closing your winning trades for fun.
Actionable Steps for Mobile Traders
If you want to get the most out of MetaTrader 4 iPhone/ipad ios, here is exactly what you should do next:
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- Download the App: Get it from the official Apple App Store only.
- Open a Demo Account: Don't put real money in yet. Most brokers let you open a demo directly inside the app. Practice swiping to close trades and setting "Limit" orders.
- Sync Your Desktop: If you trade on a PC, go to Settings -> Journal on your desktop MT4 to see your MetaQuotes ID. Enter this ID into your iPhone app under Settings -> Messages to get push notifications when your desktop alerts are triggered.
- Customize Your Colors: The default green-on-black is a bit harsh. Go to Settings -> Charts -> Colors and change it to something that suits your eyes. A white background with black/red candles is usually much easier to read in daylight.
- Master the Crosshair: Tap the crosshair icon at the top. Use one finger to move it and another finger to tap elsewhere on the screen. This allows you to measure the distance in pips between two points—essential for calculating your risk-to-reward ratio on the fly.
Trading on mobile isn't about being fancy; it's about being efficient. Keep it simple, watch your margin, and don't overtrade just because the app is always in your pocket.