Most issues on MetaTrader 5 are related to terminal settings, Serial Key entry, or chart templates. Follow this fast guide to resolve them.
1. License & Activation Issues
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|
| "Unlicensed" text on chart | Serial Key missing, invalid, or expired | Open indicator settings (press Ctrl+I) $\rightarrow$ verify your Serial Key is entered correctly with no trailing spaces. |
| Indicators draw nothing | Terminal blocked connection to license server | Ensure MT5 has internet access. Go to Tools $\rightarrow$ Options $\rightarrow$ Expert Advisors $\rightarrow$ check Allow WebRequest for listed URL and add https://dlms.itradeaims.net. |
| "Duplicate indicator instance" alert | Multiple copies of the same indicator attached to one chart | Remove the duplicate copy from your chart (Ctrl+I $\rightarrow$ select duplicate $\rightarrow$ click Delete). |
2. Display & Template Issues
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Template loads colors but no indicators | Template file encoding issue or custom indicators folder moved | Right-click chart $\rightarrow$ select Templates $\rightarrow$ choose iTradeAIMS — The Confluence Stack (Dark). Ensure indicators exist in MQL5\Indicators\iTradeAIMS. |
| Dashboard HUD overlaps chart text | Initial X/Y coordinates collide with chart elements | Open Dashboard settings (Ctrl+I) $\rightarrow$ adjust InitialX or InitialY $\rightarrow$ or simply click and drag the HUD to an open space. |
| Wave count displays "—" (dashes) | Not enough historical candles loaded | Right-click the chart $\rightarrow$ click Refresh $\rightarrow$ press the Home key to scroll back and download historical bars from your broker. |
3. Signal & Verdict Questions
| Question | Explanation | Action |
|---|
| "Why is the Dashboard showing WAIT?" | One of the 4 layers has not satisfied its condition, or high-impact news is due. | Read the text next to WAIT (e.g. "WAIT: Box not broken" or "WAIT: Price overextended"). Follow the rule and wait for alignment. |
| "Why did an arrow not appear on an inside bar?" | The candle did not meet the qualified impulse or ATR filter thresholds. | The indicator filtered out the candle to protect you from entering a false pause. |
| "Why did a candle pierce the Box without alerting?" | The candle has not yet closed outside the box. | Wait for the candle to close. AIMS Box only alerts on confirmed closed breakouts (Bar 1). |
Still Need Help?
If you experience an issue not listed here:
- Verify that your MT5 build is updated to the latest version.
- Check the MT5 Journal and Experts tabs at the bottom of your screen for any error messages.
- Reach out to our dedicated support team at support@iTradeAIMS.net.