How to Install MetaTrader on Mac OS

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The trading platform can be installed and used on computers that run Mac OS using Wine. Wine is a free and open source software application that aims to allow applications designed for Microsoft Windows to run on Unix-like operating systems. One of the Wine versions is designed for Mac OS.  These instructions can also be found here on the MetaTrader 5 website.

Note that Wine is not a fully stable application. This means that some functions in the applications you start under it may work improperly or not work at all.

To install the platform on Mac OS, we recommend that you use the open source software PlayOnMac. PlayOnMac is a Wine-based free software providing easy installation and use of Windows applications on Mac OS.

PlayOnMac Installation

To install PlayOnMac, go to its official website, open the Downloads section and click the link to download the latest version.

Download PlayOnMac

Run the downloaded DMG package from the Downloads section of your system:

Run DMG to install PlayOnMac

This opens the PlayOnMac first launch window. Upon clicking "Next" the installer starts checking and installing various components required for operation.

Wait for PlayOnMac installer to check and install components

The first required component is XQuartz. This is a software tool for using X Window System on Mac OS. X Window System provides standard tools and protocols for building a graphical user interface on UNIX-like OS.

Follow the wizard prompts to install XQuartz

If you have already installed XQuartz or want to install it later, select "Don't install XQuartz for the moment" or "I've downloaded file by myself", respectively.

XQuartz is installed in several stages. First of all, read the important information (Read Me) and accept the license terms.

Follow the wizard prompts to install XQuartz

Before the installation, Mac OS security system requests your account password:

Confirm the installation of XQuartz by entering Mac OS account password

Wait for the installation to complete. For the changes to take effect, restart your computer.

Wait for XQuartz to install

After system restart, launch PlayOnMac from the setup file in the Downloads folder. The first launch window will appear again. This time, the installer will offer to install MS Windows fonts required for proper operation.

Follow the wizard steps to install MS Windows fonts, required for correct operation

Accept the license agreement terms and complete the installation. After that, PlayOnMac is ready for use:

PlayOnMac is ready for use

Updating Wine

Wine v. 1.4 is installed together with PlayOnMac. The latest stable version is Wine 1.4.1. Wine 1.5.21 beta release containing many improvements is also available for download. However, it may be less stable. It is recommended to install the latest version of Wine.

To update Wine to the latest version, open the top menu of PlayOnMac and select "Manage Wine Versions":

Open a dialog for managing Wine versions

The window with Wine versions available for installation will open. Select the latest version (currently 1.5.21).

Select the latest version of Wine

Move the latest Wine version to the right side of the window. The installation process starts after that.

Follow the wizard prompts to update Wine to the latest version

After installation, the new version of Wine will appear in the left pane of PlayOnMac Wine versions manager. You can then close the window and install the trading platform.

Platform Installation

To install the platform, download its installer "mt5setup.exe". When the download completes, run the setup file. The file is automatically opened by PlayOnMac.

Run the platform installer mt5setup.exe

This will launch the standard installation process, go through all its stages:

Follow the platform installation wizard prompts

After installation PlayOnMac prompts you to create shortcuts for the platform components, including the trading platform, MetaEditor and MetaTester:

Create shortcuts for the platform components

Once the necessary shortcuts are created, you can start using the platform. Double click on it in PlayOnMac window to run the platform.

The trading platform is installed and ready for use, run it by double clicking

Known Issues

As mentioned above, Wine is not a completely stable application. Thus, some functions of the platform may work improperly. The following issues have been discovered:

Except for the above problem, you can enjoy all the features of the trading platform on Mac OS.

Platform Data Directory

PlayOnMac creates a separate virtual logical drive with necessary environment for each installed program. The default path of the installed platform's data folder is as follows:

Library\PlayOnMac\WinePrefix\Client_Terminal_\DriveC\ProgramFiles\Client Terminal