How to Log Into MT4 for the First Time

Logging into MetaTrader 4 for the first time is a short process, but the first attempt is where most setup problems occur. The server name, login number, and password all have to be exactly right, and the platform needs to connect to the broker's server. This guide walks through the steps and explains how to resolve the most common issues.

The flow covered below applies whether you are logging into a demo account or a live account. The dialog is the same; only the credentials differ. The steps assume MT4 is already installed on your computer. If not, the platform can be downloaded from the TIOmarkets website.

Before You Start

A few things need to be in place before you log in.

The MT4 desktop application must be installed. Windows and macOS versions are available; the experience is similar on both.

A TIOmarkets account must be registered. Registration is completed on the TIOmarkets website. After registration, an email is sent with the credentials needed to log in.

The credentials needed are three pieces of information:

• Server name: the name of the TIOmarkets server to connect to. The exact server name is provided in the registration email.
• Login: the account number, typically a string of digits.
• Password: the master password used for trading.

Some registration emails also include an investor password (read-only access). This is optional; only the master password is needed for trading.

If you have not yet received these details, check the spam folder of the email address used at registration. If the email is not there, contact TIOmarkets to request the credentials.

Opening the Login Dialog

Launch MT4 from your applications folder or Start menu.

On first launch, some MT4 builds open an Open an Account wizard immediately. If this happens and you already have an account, close the wizard. Then go to File > Login to Trade Account from the menu bar. The login dialog opens.

If you do not see the Open an Account wizard, go directly to File > Login to Trade Account.

The login dialog can also be reached by right-clicking on the Accounts section in the Navigator window (Ctrl+N to open) and selecting Login to Trade Account.

Entering Your Credentials

The login dialog has three main fields.

Server: a dropdown listing servers MT4 has previously connected to. If the TIOmarkets server you need to connect to is not in the list, type its name into the field. If MT4 has not connected to it before, the platform will resolve the server name when you click Login. The server name must match exactly what is shown in your TIOmarkets registration email.

Login: enter the account number from your registration email. This is typically a string of digits with no spaces.

Password: enter the master password from your registration email. The password is case-sensitive. Use copy and paste from the email to avoid typos.

Save account information: tick this checkbox if you want MT4 to remember the credentials and log in automatically on next launch. On a shared or public computer, leave this unticked.

After entering the credentials, click Login.

Confirming the Connection

The bottom-right corner of the MT4 window shows the connection status.

A successful connection shows the words "Authorized" or "Connected" alongside a small bar graph indicator with full or green bars. The connection has been established and the account is logged in.

An unsuccessful connection shows messages such as "No Connection," "Invalid Account," or "Incorrect Account" with a red indicator. The platform was unable to log in.

It is normal for the connection to take a few seconds on the first attempt while MT4 resolves the server address.

What You See After Logging In

Once logged in, several things in the platform become active.

The Market Watch window (Ctrl+M to open) populates with symbols. Live bid and ask prices update in real time.

Charts can be opened. Use File > New Chart or drag a symbol from the Market Watch onto the workspace.

The Navigator window (Ctrl+N) shows the active account under the Accounts node. Expert Advisors, Indicators, and Scripts in the Navigator are now available to apply to charts.

The Terminal window (Ctrl+T) shows the account balance, equity, margin, free margin, and margin level at the bottom of the Trade tab.

Investor Password vs Master Password

Two passwords may be issued for each MT4 account.

The master password gives full access. With the master password, the account can place trades, modify positions, and operate normally.

The investor password gives read-only access. With the investor password, the account can be viewed (positions, balance, history) but no trades can be placed. The investor password is typically used to share account view with a mentor or analyst without giving them control.

When logged in with the investor password, MT4 displays "Trading disabled" in the One-Click Trading area and in the New Order dialog. The platform looks otherwise the same.

For normal use, log in with the master password.

Adding or Switching Between Accounts

To add another account (for example, a demo alongside a live account), go to File > Login to Trade Account again and enter the second account's credentials. The new account becomes the active one, and the previous account moves to the background.

To switch back to a previous account, expand the Navigator window > Accounts node. All accounts MT4 has logged into appear in the list. Double-click an account to switch to it, or right-click and select Login.

If Save account information was ticked at login, MT4 will remember the password for that account. Otherwise, you will be prompted to enter the password each time you switch.

Common Login Issues

A few issues come up frequently during first-time login.

Invalid Account: the most common error. Usually means the login number was entered into the wrong server, or the password is incorrect. Double-check the server name against the registration email, and verify the password (using copy-paste to rule out typos).

No Connection: typically a network issue. Check internet connectivity. If the connection is fine on other applications, the platform may be blocked by a firewall or VPN. Restart MT4 and try again.

Connection Failed: usually means the server name was typed incorrectly and cannot be resolved. Re-check the server name in the registration email and type it exactly. Server names include any hyphens or dashes shown in the email.

Old Version: rare, but the platform may need updating. MT4 typically updates itself; if not, reinstalling the latest version from the TIOmarkets website resolves it.

Trading Disabled: this is not a login error. It indicates the account was logged in with the investor password rather than the master password. Log out and log back in with the master password.

If a server name is missing from the dropdown and your account was created recently, the platform may need to be restarted to refresh the server list. Restart MT4, open the login dialog again, and try typing the server name.

Trading at TIOmarkets

TIOmarkets offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 on desktop, web, and mobile, across four account types. The Standard account is created automatically on registration with a minimum deposit of $20 or currency equivalent. The Raw and VIP Black accounts are opened separately through the client area. The Nano account is MT5 only with a $20 minimum deposit, USD only. Hedging is supported on all accounts. A swap-free Islamic account is available; contact TIOmarkets for eligibility and instrument requirements. Copy trading is available on both MT4 and MT5.

Orders are executed at the best available market price, which may result in positive or negative slippage. Demo accounts often execute instantly and may not fully replicate live slippage conditions. Spreads are variable and are typically higher than minimum figures shown. Leverage on each instrument is subject to change depending on market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements.