Download & Install MetaTrader 5
If you don't already have MT5, download the platform from your broker's website or the official MetaQuotes site. Always use the version provided by your broker — it ensures your account credentials and server settings work out of the box.
- Visit your broker's downloads page (Exness, IC Markets, FBS, etc.) and download
MT5 Desktopfor your operating system. - Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Keep the default install path — it makes things easier later.
- Once installed, open MT5 and log in using the credentials your broker emailed you (Login ID, Password, Server).
Get Your ArkBot File
After your purchase is confirmed, you'll receive an email from us with your ArkBot algo file (with a .ex5 extension) along with your unique licence key. Download the file and save it somewhere easy to find — your Desktop works fine.
- Open the confirmation email from
support@arkbot.com. - Click the download link and save
ArkBot.ex5to your computer. - Note down the licence key — you'll need it during the bot's first run.
Open the MT5 Data Folder
This is where MT5 stores all of its custom indicators and expert advisors (EAs). Opening it from within MT5 ensures you land in the correct folder — even if your installation path is unusual.
- Inside MT5, click the
Filemenu in the top-left corner. - Select
Open Data Folder. A file-explorer window will pop up. - Inside the new window, double-click the
MQL5folder.
Drop ArkBot into the Experts Folder
Inside the MQL5 folder you'll find a folder called Experts — this is where MT5 looks for expert advisors. Copy your ArkBot file here.
- Inside
MQL5, open theExpertssub-folder. - Drag and drop your
ArkBot.ex5file into this folder (or right-click → paste). - Close the file-explorer window once the file is in place.
└─ 📁 MQL5
└─ 📁 Experts
└─ 📄 ArkBot.ex5 ← drop file here
Restart MetaTrader 5
For MT5 to register the new expert advisor, you need to fully close and reopen the platform. Closing the chart window alone is not enough — exit the whole application.
- Close MT5 completely (right-click the taskbar icon → Close window, or
File → Exit). - Reopen MT5 from your Desktop or Start menu.
- Log back into your trading account if prompted.
Enable Algorithmic Trading
By default, MT5 disables algorithmic trading for safety. You need to switch it on globally before any expert advisor — including ArkBot — can place trades.
- Click
Tools → Optionsfrom the top menu (or pressCtrl + O). - Switch to the
Expert Advisorstab. - Tick the following boxes:
- Allow algorithmic trading
- Allow DLL imports
- Allow WebRequest for listed URL (add your broker's URL if listed in the welcome email)
- Click
OKto save. - Look at the top toolbar — the
AlgoTradingbutton must be GREEN. If it's red, click it once to enable.
Attach ArkBot to a Chart
Now the fun part. Open a chart for the instrument you want to trade and drag ArkBot onto it.
- In the top-left
Navigatorpanel, expandExpert Advisors. You should now see ArkBot listed. - Open a chart for your chosen pair (e.g.,
EURUSD,XAUUSD,BTCUSD). Use the recommended M15 or H1 timeframe. - Drag the ArkBot name from the Navigator panel onto the chart. A settings dialog will open automatically.
Configure Your Trading Settings
This is the dialog that gives you control. Enter your licence key, choose your risk profile and trading rules, then activate.
- In the
Commontab, tick Allow algorithmic trading. - Switch to the
Inputstab. - Paste your Licence Key in the field provided.
- Set your preferred values for
Risk per trade (%),Risk-Reward Ratio,Max daily drawdown, andSession filter. - Choose
Trade Mode: Conservative / Balanced / Aggressive. - Click
OKto launch the bot on the chart.
Verify ArkBot is Live
The last check — confirm everything is running. Look at the top-right of your chart for the smiley icon.
- Top-right of the chart should show a 😊 blue smiley face — ArkBot is active.
- A frowny face means AutoTrading is off — recheck Step 6.
- Open the
Expertstab at the bottom of MT5 to see live ArkBot logs. - Wait for the next valid signal — the bot only enters when its rules are met. No signal is also a signal.