Learn How to Create a MetaTrader 4 Account [6 Quick Steps]

Creating a MetaTrader 4 account involves two key elements. The first element is installing the actual MetaTrader 4 (MT4) platform. The second element is all about how to set up a trading account — with which you log in to MetaTrader.

This article will explain how to open a live and demo trading account on the MetaTrader 4 (MT4) trading platform. We will also take a look at other options available to you, such as how to create an MT4 test account, and how to install the software on different devices.

Trading With MetaTrader 4

To get started learning how to setup MetaTrader 4 and begin trading with a MetaTrader 4 account, you need to follow six simple steps:

1. Choose a MetaTrader 4 broker
2. Download MetaTrader 4
3. Create a MetaTrader 4 account
4. Log in to MetaTrader 4
5. Add Funds to Your Account

Now let's explore these steps in more detail:

1. Choose a MetaTrader 4 Broker - Which broker is best for MetaTrader 4?

The first step in the MetaTrader 4 setup and opening a MetaTrader 4 trading account, is to choose a Forex broker who offers the MT4 trading platform. Learning how to get a broker for MetaTrader 4 can be a daunting task due to the amount of choice out there. Make sure you do your research carefully and, if you need some assistance, check out our guide on 'How to Find the Best CFD & Forex Brokers', which will help with this process.

At Admirals, we offer our customers the ability to trade with both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 trading platforms absolutely free.

2. Download MetaTrader 4 - MetaTrader 4 Free Download

Whether you are considering opening a demo or live trading account, you will need to get the MetaTrader 4 download and install the MetaTrader 4 software on your computer.

If you are using Windows head over to the MetaTrader 4 download page, fill in your details and begin your download! At the moment we do not support Mac.

Once you have downloaded the installation file, open it to start the installation progress. Once the download has completed, move onto the next stage of our article to learn how to open a live account on MetaTrader 4.

Before moving on, if you haven't downloaded MetaTrader 4 yet, you can get a FREE download by clicking the following banner:

3. Create a MetaTrader 4 Account - How do I open a MetaTrader 4 account?

Now that you have downloaded MT4 for Windows, you will need to open an account with your chosen MetaTrader 4 broker.

For those who are completely new to trading, it is recommended to practice on a demo account before making the transition to a live MetaTrader 4 account. The process for opening a live account does not differ greatly from that of opening a demo account. Nevertheless, we will walk you through both processes in the following sections.

Opening a Demo Account - How do I create a MetaTrader 4 demo account?

The best way to learn how to trade with MetaTrader 4 is with a demo account because it allows you to see what works through trial and error, using virtual funds and by trading in a risk-free trading environment, without incurring losses with real money. If you are just a beginner, this is a great way to start, until you are ready to make a live account on MetaTrader 4.

To create a MetaTrader 4 account for demo trading, simply visit the demo account page on our website and complete the form. Once you have done this, you will receive an email with your trading account details, which you can then use to log in to MT4.

Opening a Live Account - How do I open a MetaTrader 4 account?

Next, we need to look at how to create a live account in MetaTrader 4. To make a live account on MetaTrader4, head to the 'Sign Up' page of your chosen MetaTrader 4 broker.

If your chosen broker is Admirals, once you have signed up you can follow these steps to apply for a live trading account:

1. Log in to the 'Dashboard'
2. Click the 'Open Live Account' button.
3. Add and verify your phone number.
4. Add your details over the following pages. These details will include contact information, tax identification details and your passport number.
5. Read and accept the confirmation notice.
6. Verify your identity by uploading the requested documents.

From here, Admirals will review your application, after which we will contact you by email with the results of your application.

You can see the full process for opening a live MetaTrader 4 account in the video below.

4. Log in to MetaTrader 4 - How do I login to my MT4 account?

Once you have successfully created your MetaTrader 4 account, you will receive your account details by email, including your account ID, password and account server. You will need these details to log into your MetaTrader 4 terminal.

To log in to MT4, open the program, click on the 'File' tab at the top of the terminal and select 'Log in to Trade Account'. This will open the following window:

Depicted: Admirals MetaTrader 4 - Login

Enter your login details, ensuring that you select the account server specified within the email from Admirals.

If you are wondering what the investor password is for, which should be included in your account details email, this allows access to view the account, but not to trade. So, you can see open positions, balances, live prices and even use Expert Advisors, but not trade. The investor password grants a MetaTrader 4 broker or trader the ability to let another person see how trading on MT4 works.

5. Add Funds to Your Account

If you opt to trade with Admirals, the best way to fund your MetaTrader 4 account is via the Dashboard. This offers a convenient way of managing your account and conducting money operations, such as withdrawing or depositing funds. To deposit or withdraw funds, scroll down to the account you would like to add funds to and click 'deposit'. Choose your preferred payment method and follow the prompts to make your deposit.

Depending on your payment method, funds may take up to three business days to clear. Once they have cleared, your account balance will appear in your Dashboard next to your live account details.

Note that you can also withdraw funds from the Dashboard. Both the deposit and withdrawal processes are outlined in the video below.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, now you know how to open both a live MetaTrader 4 account and a MetaTrader 4 demo account. We hope that you have found this discussion of getting started on the MT4 trading platform to be interesting, informative, and useful.

If so, you might also like to read our Guide to MT4 & MT5 Shortcuts, which teaches traders various shortcuts they can use to speed up the process of trading and make it much more user-friendly and, most importantly, a more enjoyable trading experience!

About Admirals

Admirals is a multi-award winning, globally regulated Forex and CFD broker, offering trading on over 8,000 financial instruments via the world's most popular trading platforms: MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Start trading today!

This material does not contain and should not be construed as containing investment advice, investment recommendations, an offer of, or recommendation for, any transactions in financial instruments. Please note that such trading analysis is not a reliable indicator for any current or future performance, as circumstances may change over time. Before making any investment decisions, you should seek advice from independent financial advisors to ensure you understand the risks.