How to Copy Trades from MetaTrader 4 to MetaTrader 5: Complete Guide

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on copying trades between MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. While this might seem straightforward at first glance, there are several nuances and setup requirements that traders frequently ask about. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully copy trades across these platforms using Local Trade Copier software.

Introduction

Copying trades from MetaTrader 4 to MetaTrader 5 is simpler than most traders initially think. The process is essentially the same as copying trades between two MT4 platforms or two MT5 platforms—the core mechanics remain identical. However, many traders encounter questions about this specific setup, particularly when dealing with symbol name mismatches and configuration details.

This guide covers four essential topics:

1. One-to-Many Copycat Setup – Understanding how to copy from one master account to multiple client accounts simultaneously
2. Linking MetaTrader Accounts – Properly connecting all platforms using Local Trade Copier software
3. Symbol Mapping – Handling situations where symbol names don’t match between platforms
4. Testing Your Setup – Verifying everything works correctly without risking real money

One-to-Many Copycat Setup Concept

The “one-to-many copycat setup” is a straightforward concept: you have one account acting as the master, and trades executed on this master account are instantly replicated across many other client accounts. This setup allows you to trade Forex and CFDs on one account and have those exact same trades appear in multiple other accounts in real-time.

How It Works

Here’s the basic structure:

• Master Account: One MetaTrader platform (can be MT4 or MT5) where you execute your trades
• Client Accounts: Multiple MetaTrader platforms that automatically copy every trading action from the master
• Same Computer Requirement: All platforms must run on the same computer, each logged into a different account

An important clarification: each icon in typical setup diagrams represents a separate MetaTrader platform instance running on the same physical computer, not different computers. For example, if you’re copying from MT4 to MT5, imagine the central platform is your MT4 account, and the surrounding platforms are all MT5 accounts on the same machine.

Platform and Account Requirements

You must log into each account on a separate MetaTrader platform running on the same computer. If you have 11 platforms in your setup, you need logins for 11 separate MetaTrader accounts. You cannot have two accounts active on the same platform simultaneously—only one account can be logged in per platform at any given time. This is why you need different platform installations for each account you want to include in your trade copying setup.

Tips:

• Plan your account structure before starting—know which account will be your master
• Each platform requires a separate installation folder on your computer
• Consider using descriptive names for your platform installations to avoid confusion

Local Trade Copier Package and Installation

After purchasing the software or registering for a trial license, you’ll download the Local Trade Copier package. This package contains several folders and files that might initially seem confusing, but understanding the structure is straightforward.

Package Contents

Inside the downloaded package, you’ll find:

• Documentation Folder: Contains instruction manuals, tutorials, and reference guides
• MQL4 and MQL5 Folders: These are for manual installation (explained in separate installation videos)
• Auto Installers: Four separate installation files that make the process much easier

Understanding Platform Versions

 

Here’s a critical point that confuses many users: there are two versions of Local Trade Copier—one for MetaTrader 4 and one for MetaTrader 5. These platforms are fundamentally different, similar to how Android and iPhone apps can’t be interchanged.

MetaTrader 4 and 5 are closely related platforms with similar interfaces, but their underlying code is different. Developers must create separate versions of any EA (Expert Advisor) for each platform, just like app developers create separate versions for Android and iOS. You cannot take an MT4 EA and use it directly on MT5.

Installation Process:

• Use the MetaTrader 4 copier installer for all MT4 platforms
• Use the MetaTrader 5 copier installer for all MT5 platforms
• Install the Server EA on master accounts
• Install the Client EA on client accounts

The package includes these as separate files right in front of you—don’t overlook them.

Tips:

• Keep the installation package in an easily accessible location
• Review the documentation folder before starting installation
• Follow the installation video if you need step-by-step visual guidance
• Remember: Server EA = Master Account, Client EA = Slave Account

Setting Up Master Account (Server EA)

The master account is where you’ll place your trades. This is the account you’ll actively trade from, and all other accounts will mirror its actions.

Installation Steps

1. Open Any Currency Pair – It doesn’t matter which pair you choose. USD/CHF works fine, but any pair will do.
2. Attach Server EA – Drag and drop the Server EA onto the chart
3. Use Default Settings – For basic setups, you don’t need to change anything. Just click OK and let it load with default settings.

You decide which account acts as master and which acts as client—you’re the manager of these platforms. The software doesn’t dictate this; you make the choice based on your trading strategy.

Tips:

• Start with default settings unless you have specific requirements
• The currency pair you attach the EA to doesn’t affect which pairs get copied
• Make sure “Allow Algo Trading” is enabled in MetaTrader (button in the toolbar)

Setting Up Client Accounts (Client EA)

Client accounts automatically replicate every trade from the master account. Setup is nearly identical to the master account.

Installation Steps

1. Open Any Currency Pair – Again, the specific pair doesn’t matter. Euro/Dollar works well.
2. Attach Client EA – Drag and drop the Client EA onto the chart
3. Verify Settings – You’ll see many configuration options, but for basic setups, default settings work perfectly

Don’t be overwhelmed by the number of settings. You don’t need to adjust anything for most cases, especially when starting out. Advanced settings are only necessary for specific requirements.

Money Management Modes

Each client account can use different lot sizes and money management approaches. The Client EA offers several modes:

• Balance-Based Adjustment (Default): Automatically scales lot sizes based on the difference between master and client account balances
• Same Lot Size: Copies the exact lot size from master (use with caution if account sizes differ)
• Fixed Lot Size: Uses a specific lot size regardless of master account trades
• Lot Multiplier: Multiplies the master’s lot size by a fixed number
• Risk Percentage: Calculates lot size based on risk percentage per trade

Balance-Based Example

If your master account is $10,000 trading 1 lot, and your client account is $20,000, the Client EA automatically adjusts to 2 lots (since the client is 20 times larger). Conversely, if the client account is $1,000 (10 times smaller), it automatically trades 0.1 lots (1 mini lot).

Tips:

• Default balance-based adjustment is the safest option for most traders
• Using the same lot size on accounts of different sizes can be risky—make sure you understand the implications
• Money management settings are covered in depth in separate training materials

Custom Symbol Mapping for Mismatched Names

This section is crucial when copying between MT4 and MT5, particularly for non-Forex pairs like CFDs, indices, and stocks.

Why Symbol Names Differ

Brokers use different naming conventions for the same instruments. For example, the Germany 40 index (previously DAX 30) might be called:

• GDAXI on one broker
• DE30 on another broker
• GER30 elsewhere

When the Client EA receives a trade for “GDAXI” but only sees “DE30” in its symbol list, it doesn’t understand they’re the same instrument. It will reject the trade saying it can’t find that symbol.

This happens because the Client EA doesn’t automatically know that GDAXI equals DE30, or that it might be Gold, Bitcoin, or Euro/Dollar. You need to explicitly tell it through custom symbol mapping.

Setting Up Symbol Mapping

The custom symbol mapping parameter tells the Client EA how to translate symbol names. The format is:

MasterSymbolName=ClientSymbolName

Real-World Examples:

• Gold: XAUUSD=GOLD
• S&P 500: SP500=US500
• DAX: GDAXI=DE30

You can also include contract size multipliers if needed (though this is advanced):

• GDAXI=DE30=0.1

Practical Application: S&P 500 Symbol Mapping

Consider a scenario where the master account has the S&P 500 listed as “US500.c” while the client account shows it as “SP500” (in brackets). Here’s how to resolve this:

1. Open the Client EA properties
2. Scroll down to find the “Custom Symbol Mapping” parameter
3. Enter: US500.c=SP500
4. Click OK

Immediately after setting up the mapping, the pending trade will copy successfully. From that point forward, any changes to the trade (modifications or deletions) will be automatically synchronized. Once custom symbol mapping is configured, you never need to change it again—it works permanently with those settings.

Bitcoin Example

Testing with Bitcoin (BTC/USD) reveals an interesting scenario:

• One client account (Admiral Markets) has “BTCUSD” and immediately copies the trade
• Another client account doesn’t have Bitcoin available at all, so it ignores the trade

When a symbol simply doesn’t exist on a client account, the EA will skip that trade. This isn’t an error—it’s working as designed.

Important Considerations

For Forex pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, or USD/JPY, symbol names are typically identical across brokers. You won’t need custom symbol mapping 95% of the time with major Forex pairs—everything happens automatically.

However, for CFDs, indices, stocks, and exotic instruments, symbol mapping becomes more important when copying between MT4 and MT5.

Tips:

• Write down symbol names from both master and client accounts before configuring
• Test each instrument you plan to trade using pending orders (covered in next section)
• If contract sizes differ between brokers, the Client EA usually detects this automatically
• Keep a reference document with your symbol mappings for future troubleshooting

Testing Trade Copying Without Risk

This is called the “pending order copy test” and should be performed on each instrument you plan to trade. It’s the safest way to verify your setup works correctly without risking real money.

The Pending Order Method

Instead of opening live market orders, you place pending orders (sell limit or buy stop orders) far from the current price. These orders won’t execute immediately, giving you time to verify they copied correctly.

Testing Process:

1. Open the chart for the pair you want to test (e.g., GBP/USD)
2. Place a sell limit order well above the current price
3. Verify that both client accounts opened the same sell limit order at the same price
4. Check that all details match: price, lot size, order type
5. Modify the pending order on the master account
6. Confirm the changes replicate to client accounts
7. Delete the pending order on the master account
8. Verify deletion synchronized to all client accounts

When a sell limit order is placed on the master, both client accounts should instantly show the same order. Opening the pound/dollar charts on the client accounts makes this visually apparent—all three platforms should display identical pending orders.

Real-Time Synchronization

If you modify the pending order on the master (change price, stop loss, or take profit), the changes should instantly reflect on all client accounts. Similarly, deleting the pending order on the master should immediately remove it from all clients.

This confirms:

• The connection between master and clients is working
• Symbol names are correct (or properly mapped)
• Lot size calculations are functioning as configured
• Order modifications synchronize properly
• Order deletions synchronize properly

Tips:

• Always use pending orders for testing, never market orders
• Place pending orders far from current price to avoid accidental execution
• Test every instrument you plan to trade before going live
• Test modifications and deletions, not just order placement
• If a symbol doesn’t copy, check your custom symbol mapping

Advanced Filtering and Grouping

Once you have basic copying working, you might want more control over which accounts copy from which masters, or which symbols get copied.

Copy by Account Number Filtering

You can restrict a client account to copy only from specific master accounts by using the “Copy from selected accounts” option.

Here’s an example with two master accounts:

• Master 1: Account number 60055865
• Master 2: Account number 214695804

Configuration:

1. Open Client EA properties on the first client account
2. Change from “Copy from all accounts with active Server EA on this PC” to “Copy from selected accounts”
3. Enter the master account number: 60055865
4. Click OK

Repeat for the second client, but specify the second master’s account number: 214695804

Testing the Setup:

• Opening a GBP/USD pending order on Master 1 → Only Client 1 copies it
• Opening a EUR/USD pending order on Master 2 → Only Client 2 copies it

Each client now exclusively copies from its designated master, ignoring trades from the other master. This is useful when you want different trading strategies on different master accounts, each feeding specific client accounts.

Signal Provider ID Groups

Another method to control copying is using Signal Provider ID groups. This approach is simpler and more flexible than account number filtering.

How Groups Work

Every Server EA and Client EA has a “Signal Provider ID” parameter. By default, it’s set to “1”, meaning they all belong to Group 1. EAs only communicate with other EAs in the same group. If the IDs don’t match, they won’t see each other—they’re essentially in different groups.

Default Configuration:

• Master 1: Signal Provider ID = 1
• Master 2: Signal Provider ID = 1
• Client 1: Signal Provider ID = 1
• Client 2: Signal Provider ID = 1

All four EAs belong to Group 1, so both clients copy from both masters.

Creating Separate Groups

To create isolated copying relationships:

1. Change Master 2’s Signal Provider ID to “2”
2. Change Client 2’s Signal Provider ID to “2”
3. Keep Master 1 and Client 1 on Signal Provider ID “1”

Result:

• Master 1 (Group 1) → Client 1 (Group 1)
• Master 2 (Group 2) → Client 2 (Group 2)

Now, trades on Master 1 only copy to Client 1 because they’re in the same group. Trades on Master 2 only copy to Client 2. The groups are completely isolated.

What Happens With Mismatched Groups

Consider what happens when you move a client to a different group. After moving Client 2 from Group 2 to Group 1:

• Three EAs in Group 1: Master 1, Client 1, Client 2
• One EA in Group 2: Master 2 (alone)

Testing:

• Opening trades on Master 1 → Both Client 1 and Client 2 copy (all in Group 1)
• Opening trades on Master 2 → No clients copy (Master 2 is alone in Group 2)

Master 2’s Server EA is essentially “left alone” with no one listening to it in Group 2.

Tips:

• Account number filtering is more precise but requires knowing exact account numbers
• Signal Provider ID groups are easier to manage and more flexible
• You can use groups to separate different trading strategies
• Groups are particularly useful when managing many accounts
• Don’t change groups while trades are open—close all positions first

Bidirectional Copying (MT5 to MT4)

Everything discussed so far works in reverse. You can copy from MT5 to MT4 just as easily as from MT4 to MT5.

Quick Reversal Process

Here’s how to reverse the master-client relationship:

1. Set MT5 as Master – Attach Server EA to the MT5 platform
2. Set MT4 as Client – Attach Client EA to the MT4 platform

Now trades flow from MT5 → MT4 instead of MT4 → MT5.

Troubleshooting: Custom Suffix Detection

An issue can sometimes arise where the broker uses symbol names with specific suffixes (like “.f”), and the Client EA tries to add this suffix automatically when it shouldn’t.

The fix:

1. Open Client EA properties
2. Turn off “Custom Suffix Detection”
3. The trades should immediately start copying correctly

This highlights that sometimes broker-specific quirks require minor adjustments. The software usually detects these automatically, but manual overrides are available when needed.

Multiple Masters Simultaneously

You can have multiple masters running at the same time, regardless of platform:

Possible Setup:

• MT5 acting as Master
• MT4 acting as Master
• MT4 acting as Client
• MT5 acting as Client

When opening a USD/JPY trade, both clients (MT4 and MT5) would copy the trade regardless of which master it came from. The system could have:

• MetaTrader 4 Master
• MetaTrader 5 Master
• Both copying to MT4 Client and MT5 Client

You can configure it to work in both directions—however you want. The process is easy and straightforward once you understand the basic principles.

Tips:

• Always verify symbol names when reversing the setup direction
• Watch for broker-specific symbol suffixes or prefixes
• Test with pending orders after making directional changes
• Multiple simultaneous masters require careful account number or group management

Frequently Asked Questions

Several common questions arise when setting up trade copying between MT4 and MT5:

Q: Do I need different computers for each account? 

A: No, all accounts run on the same computer, just on different MetaTrader platform instances.

Q: Can I use the same lot size on all accounts? 

A: Yes, but it’s risky if account sizes differ. The default balance-based adjustment is safer.

Q: Will Forex pairs need symbol mapping? 

A: 95% of the time, major Forex pairs have identical names across brokers and won’t need mapping.

Q: What if my broker doesn’t have a symbol that the master is trading? 

A: The Client EA will simply ignore trades for symbols that don’t exist on the client account.

Q: Can I copy from multiple masters at once? 

A: Yes, either by using the same Signal Provider ID group or by not restricting account numbers.

Q: Does this work with hedging and netting accounts? 

A: Refer to separate documentation for hedging vs. netting account copying considerations.

Wrapping Up

Copying trades from MetaTrader 4 to MetaTrader 5 (or vice versa) is fundamentally no different from copying within the same platform. The key requirements are:

1. Install the correct version of Local Trade Copier (MT4 or MT5) on each platform
2. Set up Server EA on master accounts and Client EA on client accounts
3. Configure custom symbol mapping when symbol names differ
4. Test everything with pending orders before going live
5. Use account filtering or Signal Provider ID groups for advanced setups

The process is straightforward once you understand these core principles. With proper testing and configuration, you can reliably copy trades across any combination of MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.

Next Steps:

• Install Local Trade Copier on your platforms
• Start with a simple one-master, one-client setup
• Test with pending orders on each instrument
• Gradually add more client accounts as you become comfortable
• Explore advanced features like filtering and grouping once basics are mastered