MetaTrader 5 Trading Signals — Full Guide
For desktop (complete steps), plus a brief note on mobile viewing.
1. What are “Trading Signals”?
Trading Signals are MT5’s built-in copy-trading feature that lets you mirror other successful traders’ orders, enabling automated trading.
✅ Ideal for beginners or users who can’t watch the market all day
✅ System follows trades automatically — no manual orders needed
✅ Choose among different trading styles (conservative / aggressive)
2. Where do signals come from?
Signals are provided by global traders on the MQL5 Community. Each provider shows transparent metrics to help you evaluate:
Return
Cumulative percentage gain
Risk Level
Composite view of drawdown, leverage, etc.
Instruments
Markets traded (FX/Oil/Indices/Crypto, etc.)
Subscribers
Number of accounts copying the signal
Track Record
Winning trades, max drawdown, equity curve, etc.
3. How to subscribe (Desktop)
✅ Steps
1
Open MT5 → click the Signals tab at the bottom.
2
Browse the list (sort by return, subscribers, etc.).
3
Open a signal’s details (equity curve, rating, drawdown, etc.).
4
Click Subscribe → sign in to your MQL5 account → link your trading account and pay (some signals are free).
5
Set copy parameters: copy ratio, sync opening positions, copy SL/TP, etc.
6
Confirm → copying starts automatically.
Manage: Go to Tools > Options > Signals to manage all subscriptions.
4. Recommended copy settings
Max volume percentage
Keep around 0.5–1 (based on your risk tolerance).
Sync opening positions
✅ Enable to match the provider’s entry timing.
Copy SL/TP
Enable to replicate the provider’s risk controls.
Close existing positions before syncing
Enable to avoid conflicts with your current strategy.
Tip: Styles differ (conservative/aggressive). Start with a small copy ratio, observe for 1–2 weeks, then adjust.
5. Is mobile supported?
MT5 mobile doesn’t support subscribing directly, but you can monitor positions/history on a running copy-trading account. Do the subscription & parameter setup on desktop.
6. FAQ
How soon does copying start after I subscribe?
Immediately after configuration and successful connection.
If the provider loses money, will I also lose?
Yes. Copy-trading mirrors profits and losses. Set your copy ratio to match your risk tolerance.
Can I cancel a signal?
Yes, at any time. After cancellation, no further trades will be copied.
Will previous positions be closed automatically?
If “Close existing positions before syncing” is enabled, the system will handle them to avoid conflicts.
Subscribed on PC — can I see it on mobile?
Yes, as long as you log in to the same trading account.
Risk Warning: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Copy-trading is not capital- or profit-guaranteed and may lead to losses. Understand the product and strategy risks before use.