# Installation

## Requirements[​](#requirements "Direct link to Requirements")

* MetaTrader 5 (any recent build) from a supported broker
* A valid Banana EA MT5 license key
* **BananaEA-Auto.ex5** (and optional `.set` presets) from [**Latest Downloads**](https://my.itradeaims.net/latest-downloads/) on your [member dashboard](https://my.itradeaims.net/)
* AutoTrading enabled in your MT5 terminal
* Windows (MT5 desktop client)

Download from your dashboard first

Sign in at [my.itradeaims.net](https://my.itradeaims.net/), open **Latest Downloads**, and download the Banana EA MT5 files before copying them into your data folder.

![Banana EA attached to MetaTrader chart with on-chart dashboard](/img/indicators/banana-ea/docs-banana-ea-mt4-docs-v5-intro/banana-ea-inbox-shot.png)

After attach — confirm the on-chart dashboard and EA icon (smiley) in the chart corner.

***

## Step 1 — Open your MT5 data folder[​](#step-1--open-your-mt5-data-folder "Direct link to Step 1 — Open your MT5 data folder")

In MetaTrader 5 go to **File → Open Data Folder**. This opens the directory where MT5 stores all Expert Advisors, indicators, and scripts.

***

## Step 2 — Copy the EA file[​](#step-2--copy-the-ea-file "Direct link to Step 2 — Copy the EA file")

Download `BananaEA-Auto.ex5` from [**Latest Downloads**](https://my.itradeaims.net/latest-downloads/) on your [member dashboard](https://my.itradeaims.net/), then copy it into:

```
<Data Folder>\MQL5\Experts\
```

If you received a preset file (`.set`), copy it into:

```
<Data Folder>\MQL5\Presets\
```

***

## Step 3 — Refresh the Navigator[​](#step-3--refresh-the-navigator "Direct link to Step 3 — Refresh the Navigator")

Back in MT5, press **F5** or right-click inside the **Navigator** panel and choose **Refresh**. The EA will appear under **Expert Advisors**.

***

## Step 4 — Attach to a chart[​](#step-4--attach-to-a-chart "Direct link to Step 4 — Attach to a chart")

1. Open a chart for your chosen pair and timeframe (e.g. EURUSD, H1).
2. Drag **BananaEA Auto** from the Navigator onto the chart, or double-click it.
3. The EA inputs dialog opens. Enter your **License Key**.
4. Review inputs and click **OK**.
5. Confirm the EA icon appears in the top-right corner of the chart (smiley face = running).

***

## Step 5 — Enable AutoTrading[​](#step-5--enable-autotrading "Direct link to Step 5 — Enable AutoTrading")

Make sure the **AutoTrading** button in the toolbar is active (green). Without it the EA cannot place any orders.

AutoTrading

If you see a red/disabled AutoTrading button, click it to enable. The EA checks this on every tick — no trades will be placed while it is off.

***

## Verifying the EA is active[​](#verifying-the-ea-is-active "Direct link to Verifying the EA is active")

Once attached, the **Banana EA dashboard** appears on the chart showing:

* Session status (Active / Inactive)
* Account balance and equity
* Open trade count
* License validation status

If the dashboard is blank or shows a license error, see [Licensing](/banana-ea/mt5/docs/getting-started/licensing.md).

***

## Account type note[​](#account-type-note "Direct link to Account type note")

MT5 brokers operate either **netting** (one position per symbol) or **hedging** (multiple independent positions) accounts. Banana EA MT5 supports both account types. Check with your broker which model your account uses — this affects how simultaneous signals on the same pair are handled.

Broker symbol names

If your broker appends a suffix to symbol names, use the exact symbol name from Market Watch when selecting charts and portfolio symbols.