Summary: Based on 2025-2026 search data, this guide covers the three most frequent MT4/MT5 issues: server list empty (China region), Mac EA loading failures, and exporting account history for equity curve analysis. Step-by-step solutions included.




Based on 2025-2026 user search data and industry reports, these are the three most frequent MT4/MT5 issues that cause traders to get stuck.

1. MT4 Server Search Returns Empty (China Users - High Frequency)

Problem: When opening MT4 on iPhone (build 1470) or PC, searching for a broker returns an empty server list. New users cannot log in, but existing users with cached servers work fine.

Why This Happens: The broker server list node is periodically restricted. MT4 only searches for servers during the first connection. Once connected, the server address is saved locally.

Solutions:

Method 1: Update MT4 to Latest Version
  • iOS: Go to App Store, search "MetaTrader 4", tap Update (current version 1470+).

  • PC: Download the latest installer from your broker's website.


    • Method 2: Use Stable Network for First Connection
  • Ensure you are on a stable home or office network (avoid public Wi-Fi).

  • The first connection caches the server address. Once saved, you can use normal networks afterward.


    • Method 3: Manually Enter Server IP
  • In the login window, select "Add new server" or manually enter the broker's server IP address.

  • Save the server IP address of your broker in advance for emergency use.


    • When to Worry: Most cases are not broker issues or fund safety problems. Simply updating or using server IP login usually resolves it.

    *Reference: Industry incident reports from June 2025, January 2026, and February 2026 .*

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    2. EA Not Loading on Mac MT4 (Invalid EA Error)

    Problem: The EA cannot be dragged onto a chart, or shows "invalid EA" or "custom indicator not found" on Mac MT4.

    Common Causes:
  • Automated trading not enabled

  • EA files in wrong directory

  • 32-bit/64-bit incompatibility

  • Missing dependent custom indicators

  • EA compiled for Windows only (especially those calling external DLLs)


    • Step-by-Step Solutions:

    Step 1: Enable Automated Trading
  • Menu bar: Tools > Options > Expert Advisors tab

  • Check "Allow automated trading" (also called "Allow live trading")


    • Step 2: Verify File Placement
  • EA (.ex4 or .mq4) must be in: `/MQL4/Experts/`

  • DLL files (if any) must be in: `/MQL4/Libraries/`

  • Custom indicators must be in: `/MQL4/Indicators/`

  • After placing files, right-click in Navigator > "Refresh"


    • Step 3: Check EA Compatibility
  • Mac MT4 may not run EAs that call external DLLs or use Windows-specific functions.

  • Ask the EA provider about Mac compatibility before purchase.


    • Step 4: Review Logs for Error Codes
  • Press Ctrl+T to open Terminal

  • Click the "Experts" tab to view specific error messages

  • Common errors: "invalid EA" (file corruption or wrong format), "custom indicator not found" (missing dependency)


    • Step 5: Restart MT4
  • Completely quit MT4 and reopen. Re-attach the EA to the chart.


    • *Reference: CSDN Q&A community (2025) .*

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    3. Exporting Account History for Equity Curve Analysis

    Problem: Users want to export trading records to analyze performance and generate equity curves in Excel.

    Solution for MT4: Using ExportCSV Script

    Step 1: Download and Install ExportCSV Script
  • Download ExportCSV from MQL5 Market (free utility).

  • Place the script file in: `MQL4/Scripts/` folder via File > Open Data Folder.


    • Step 2: Run the Script
  • In Navigator window, find Scripts > ExportCSV

  • Drag it onto any chart

  • Set the export period using FromDate and ToDate parameters


    • Step 3: Locate the CSV File
  • The CSV file is saved to: `MQL4/Files/AccountHistory_full.csv`

  • Open in Excel for analysis.


    • Output Fields Include: Ticket, Type, Symbol, OpenTime, CloseTime, Lots, OpenPrice, ClosePrice, SL, TP, Profit, Commission, Swap, NetProfit, Pips, Magic, Comment.

    Alternative Method (Manual):
    1. Open Terminal (Ctrl+T) > Account History tab
    2. Right-click > "Save as Detailed Statement" (HTML with equity graph)
    3. Or "Save as Report" for another format

    Solution for MT5:
    1. View > History Center (Ctrl+U)
    2. Select symbol and timeframe
    3. Click "Download" from server
    4. For backtesting: Ctrl+R > Select EA > Set date range > Start

    *Reference: MQL5 Market (2025), IG guides .*

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    References:
  • MetaQuotes Help Desk (2025-2026)

  • Industry support centers and community-verified data (CSDN, Hmarkets, Orbex)