MetaTrader 4 on Linux
Trade using MetaTrader4 (MT4) with us, and benefit from a range of features including 24-hour support, automated trading and advanced charting. Find out how to get started using MT4 on Linux.
Call 0800 195 3100 or email newaccounts.uk@ig.com to talk about opening an account.
MT4 on Linux: what you need to know
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a trading platform you can access via an online broker like us. With the correct compatibility layer tools, the platform is able to run on Linux, an operating system, similar to Windows, which enables communication between the hardware and software on almost all electronic devices.
That said, as the platform was designed for Windows, there may be some performance issues even with the compatibility layer tools.
With MT4, you can automate trades and customise the platform to fit your needs. Whilst it’s famous for forex trading there are a range of other markets available, including commodities and indices.
With us, you can access MT4 on Linux through your desktop or via a virtual private server (VPS).
How to download and install MT4 on Linux to your desktop
- Create a live trading account with us for spread betting or CFDs
- Go to your ‘My IG’ dashboard and select ‘Add an account’
- Choose an MT4 spread betting or MT4 CFD trading account
- Download a compatibility layer tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux
- Download MT4
- Move the MetaTrader 4 file from your downloads folder to your preferred location
- Sign in with your IG credentials
How to download and install MT4 on a Linux VPS
Downloading and installing MT4 on a Linux VPS follows a similar process to downloading it on a desktop. In fact, steps 1-3 are the same.
- Create a live trading account with us for spread betting or CFDs
- Go to your ‘My IG’ dashboard and select ‘Add an account’
- Choose an MT4 spread betting or MT4 CFD trading account
- Download PuTTY
- Run the MT4 VPS
- Download a compatibility tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux
- Open the MT4 app and select ‘Log in to an existing account’.
- Log into your account using your IG login, or practice first on your demo account
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How to place your first trade
Once on the MT4 platform, the easiest way to place a trade is to follow these few simple steps.
- Go to the market watch window on the left-hand side of the screen
- Right-click on the market you’d like to trade and select chart window
- Right click on the chart and select trading > new order
- Choose your position size and set your stops and limits
- Decide whether to ‘Buy’ or ‘Sell’ and place your trade
- Monitor your position
FAQs
What operating systems support MT4?
MT4 is supported by a range of operating systems including Windows, MacOS and Linux. As MT4 was designed for Windows, you’ll need to download a compatibility layer tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux if you want to run it on Linux.
How does the MT4 platform work?
MT4 is a trading platform, used across thousands of markets, which you can access via an online broker like us. By creating a trading account, you gain access to a range of tools including:
- Risk management
- Automated trading
- Market news and analysis
- Fundamental and technical analysis
How to install and launch MT4 on Linux
As the MT4 application was designed for Windows and Mac, to run it on Linux you’ll need to download a compatibility layer tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux. Once you’ve done this, you can download MT4, move the folder to your preferred location on your desktop and log in with your IG credentials after opening it.
How to launch and install Meta Trader 4 using PlayOnLinux
PlayOnLinux is a compatibility layer tool which enables you to run Windows software on Linux. To launch MT4 using this tool, first you must install PlayOnLinux. After this, you can install MT4 to your device and sign in using your IG credentials.
Which Linux is best for Forex?
Whilst all Linux distributions will support you when trading the two most popular are Ubuntu Linux and Linux Mint. If you have older hardware MX Linux is viewed as the best option.
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