Is MetaTrader 4 free to download and install in the UK?

Yes. MT4 itself is free — you're not paying for the software. What you pay is the spread and/or commission your broker charges on trades, which is why it's worth checking those costs with PipTax's cost tool before you fund an account.

Do I need a broker account before I install MT4?

No, you can install the platform first using a generic download, but you'll need broker-issued login credentials (server, login number, password) to actually connect and trade — even on a demo account.

Can I use MetaTrader 4 with any UK broker?

Not all brokers offer MT4 — some, like IG, run their own proprietary platform and may only offer MT4 or MT5 as an option, or not at all. Always check the broker's own site or PipTax's brokers page to confirm before signing up.

What's the difference between installing MT4 via my broker's site versus the MetaQuotes site?

Downloading from your broker's site usually pre-configures the server connection, making login simpler. Downloading the generic version from MetaQuotes works too, but you'll need to manually search for and add your broker's server in the login window.

Is MT4 still worth installing given MT5 exists?

MT4 remains widely supported by brokers and popular for its simplicity and huge library of Expert Advisors and custom indicators. Check whether your chosen broker supports MT4, MT5, or both before deciding.

Can I install MT4 on my phone as well as my desktop?

Yes. MetaQuotes publishes MT4 apps for iOS and Android, and they sync with the same broker account as your desktop terminal, so your charts and trade history stay consistent across devices.

Home › Learn › Tutorials

How to Download and Install MetaTrader 4 in the UK

Updated 14 July 2026 · 8 min read · PipTax education

Trader installing MetaTrader 4 platform on a laptop with UK flag desk setup

If you want to download and install MetaTrader 4 in the UK, the process is straightforward once you know where to get the software and what login details you'll need from your broker. This guide walks through every step, from choosing a source for the download to connecting to a live or demo account with an FCA-regulated broker.

Why MetaTrader 4 Is Still Widely Used

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) has been around since 2005, and despite the newer MetaTrader 5 (MT5) being available, plenty of UK brokers still support it. Reasons traders stick with MT4 include:

Simplicity — a clean, familiar interface with four core chart timeframes commonly used for FX
Expert Advisor (EA) support — a huge existing library of automated trading scripts built for MT4's MQL4 language
Broad broker support — many FCA-regulated brokers, including Pepperstone, still offer MT4 alongside or instead of MT5
Custom indicators — thousands of free and paid indicators built specifically for MT4 over nearly two decades

That said, not every broker offers MT4. IG, for example, runs its own proprietary platform and may offer MetaTrader as an alternative option rather than its primary interface. Always confirm platform availability directly on the broker's website or via PipTax's [brokers page](/brokers/index.html) before assuming MT4 is on offer.

Step 1: Choose Where to Download MT4

You have two main options:

1. Download directly from your broker's website. This is usually the simplest route because the installer often comes pre-configured with your broker's server details, so you won't need to search for them manually at login. 2. Download the generic version from MetaQuotes (the software developer). This works with any broker that runs MT4 servers, but you'll need to manually locate your broker's server name during setup.

Either way, only download MT4 from your broker's official site or the official MetaQuotes platform pages — never from unofficial third-party download sites, which can bundle unwanted software or outdated, insecure builds.

Step 2: Install MT4 on Your Device

Once downloaded, installation is quick:

Windows desktop: Run the .exe installer, accept the licence terms, and choose an install location (the default is usually fine). The installer will finish by launching MT4 automatically.
Mac: MT4 isn't natively built for macOS, but most brokers provide a Mac-compatible wrapper, or you can run the Windows version via Wine/Parallels. Check your broker's download page for a Mac-specific installer.
Mobile (iOS/Android): Search "MetaTrader 4" in the App Store or Google Play, published by MetaQuotes Software Corp. Install as you would any app.
Web platform: Some brokers offer a browser-based MT4 that needs no installation at all — useful if you're on a locked-down work computer or unfamiliar device.

Whichever method you use, make sure you're installing the correct build — MT4 and MT5 icons look similar, so double-check before you proceed.

Step 3: Get Your Login Credentials from a UK Broker

To actually trade, you need account credentials issued by a broker — the software alone won't connect to any market. Opening an account with an FCA-regulated broker such as Pepperstone typically gives you:

A login number (your account ID)
A password (and often a separate investor/read-only password)
A server name (identifies which of the broker's MT4 servers your account sits on)

If you downloaded MT4 from the broker's own site, the server is often pre-listed in the login window. If you used the generic MetaQuotes installer, you'll need to search for your broker's server name manually under "Login to Trade Account" and select the correct entry from the list.

Step 4: Open a Demo Account First

Before connecting to a live account, it's worth opening a demo account with your chosen broker. This lets you:

Practise navigating the MT4 interface, chart tools and order types
Test any Expert Advisors or custom indicators without financial risk
Get comfortable with order execution speed and platform quirks specific to that broker

Most FCA-regulated brokers, including Pepperstone and IG, offer free demo accounts alongside live ones. Use the demo to confirm everything works as expected before funding a real account. Remember: trading forex carries genuine risk of loss, and a demo environment (with instant fills and no slippage) won't always reflect live market conditions perfectly.

Step 5: Connect to Your Live Account

Once you're satisfied with the demo, funding a live account and connecting is simple:

1. Complete your broker's account verification and funding process 2. Open MT4 and go to File > Login to Trade Account 3. Enter your live login number, password and server name 4. Click OK — you should see your account balance appear in the Terminal window

If you can't find your broker's server, contact their support team directly — they'll confirm the exact server name to search for.

Checking Costs Before You Trade Live

Installing MT4 is only half the job — understanding what you'll actually pay to trade matters just as much. Spreads, commissions and overnight swap rates vary by broker and even by account type within the same broker. Rather than relying on marketing claims, use PipTax's [cost tool](/audit.html) to compare all-in trading costs across FCA-regulated brokers before you commit real funds. It's also worth checking current [swap and rate data](/rates.html) if you plan to hold positions overnight.

Remember that FCA rules cap retail leverage at 30:1 on major FX pairs — this applies regardless of which platform (MT4, MT5, or a broker's own system) you use to trade.

Final Checklist

To download and install MetaTrader 4 successfully in the UK:

[ ] Confirm your chosen broker actually offers MT4 (check their site or PipTax's [brokers page](/brokers/index.html))
[ ] Download the installer from the broker's site or official MetaQuotes pages only
[ ] Install on your desktop, mobile, or use the web platform
[ ] Open a demo account and test thoroughly before going live
[ ] Get your live login, password and server details once ready
[ ] Compare all-in trading costs with the [cost tool](/audit.html) before funding
[ ] Brush up on trading basics via PipTax's [school section](/school/index.html) if you're new to forex

Getting MT4 installed correctly is a small technical step — the bigger job is choosing a broker whose costs and execution genuinely suit your trading style, which is exactly what PipTax's tools are built to help you check.

Key takeaways

You can download and install MetaTrader 4 either directly from your broker's website or from the official MetaQuotes platform pages, then log in with credentials issued by an FCA-regulated broker such as Pepperstone or IG.
Always confirm with your broker whether they offer MT4, MT5, or both — some brokers such as IG run their own proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader, so check platform availability before opening an account.
A demo account is the safest way to test your MT4 setup, chart layout and any Expert Advisors before risking real money.
FCA rules cap retail leverage at 30:1 on major FX pairs, regardless of which platform you trade on.
Use PipTax's cost tool to compare live spreads and commissions across brokers before funding a live MT4 account.
Mobile and web versions of MT4 sync with your desktop terminal, so your charts and open trades stay consistent across devices.

Want the real number for how you trade? Audit your MT4/MT5 statement free — see your true all-in cost and the genuinely cheapest broker for your style.

Frequently asked questions

Is MetaTrader 4 free to download and install in the UK?: Yes. MT4 itself is free — you're not paying for the software. What you pay is the spread and/or commission your broker charges on trades, which is why it's worth checking those costs with PipTax's cost tool before you fund an account.
Do I need a broker account before I install MT4?: No, you can install the platform first using a generic download, but you'll need broker-issued login credentials (server, login number, password) to actually connect and trade — even on a demo account.
Can I use MetaTrader 4 with any UK broker?: Not all brokers offer MT4 — some, like IG, run their own proprietary platform and may only offer MT4 or MT5 as an option, or not at all. Always check the broker's own site or PipTax's brokers page to confirm before signing up.
What's the difference between installing MT4 via my broker's site versus the MetaQuotes site?: Downloading from your broker's site usually pre-configures the server connection, making login simpler. Downloading the generic version from MetaQuotes works too, but you'll need to manually search for and add your broker's server in the login window.
Is MT4 still worth installing given MT5 exists?: MT4 remains widely supported by brokers and popular for its simplicity and huge library of Expert Advisors and custom indicators. Check whether your chosen broker supports MT4, MT5, or both before deciding.
Can I install MT4 on my phone as well as my desktop?: Yes. MetaQuotes publishes MT4 apps for iOS and Android, and they sync with the same broker account as your desktop terminal, so your charts and trade history stay consistent across devices.

Keep going: Audit Index Index Rates