Summary: This tutorial covers practical steps to resolve "server not found" and connection timeout errors on MT4 mobile app, including a forced upgrade requirement from MetaQuotes.
I was out grabbing coffee last week when I opened my MT4 mobile app to check a pending order. The app just sat there spinning, and then threw up a "Connection Lost" message at the bottom of the screen. I tried re-logging, but then the server search came back empty—my broker's server just wasn't showing up in the list. It wasn't just me; a bunch of traders I know have run into this same mess over the past few months.
The Root Cause (What Nobody Told You)
MetaQuotes pushed out a mandatory upgrade requirement that caught a lot of people off guard. According to the official announcement, all MT4 platforms must be updated to Build 1440 or higher, and MT5 to Build 4755 or higher, otherwise the terminal won't be able to find the trading server at all . If your mobile app is stuck on an old version, the server list will come back empty.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Check Your App Version First
Before you try anything else, check if your MT4 app needs an update. On iOS, go to the App Store and see if an update is pending. On Android, open the Google Play store and check. If you're not on the latest build, that's almost certainly the issue .
2. Force a Server Rescan
If you're on the latest version but still can't find your broker's server, try this. In the app, tap the "No Connection" label at the bottom of the screen, then select "Rescan Servers" . The app will ping all available servers and refresh the list. If it doesn't work the first time, wait about 30 seconds and try again.
3. The Server Name Typo Trap
This one got me more times than I'd like to admit. The search function in the MT4 mobile app is case-sensitive and picky about exact matches. If you're typing your broker's name and nothing shows up, try switching your phone's keyboard to pure alphabetical mode, especially on iPhone . Sometimes the app's search bar interprets special characters or spaces weirdly.
4. Network Switching
If the server list is still empty, check your internet connection. Try switching from Wi-Fi to 5G or 4G, or vice versa . Some corporate or public Wi-Fi networks block certain ports used by MetaTrader. If you're traveling in certain regions, you might need a stable VPN to establish a connection .
5. Reinstall as a Last Resort
If none of the above works, uninstall the app completely and reinstall it from the official app store. This usually clears out any corrupted cache or database that might be blocking the connection .
A Personal Note on Device Compatibility
A friend of mine was using an older Android phone and had charts that just refused to load—no error message, just a static image. The fix turned out to be a specific app update that addressed that exact bug . If you're on a device that's a few years old and the app behaves weirdly, keep an eye on the MQL5 forums for version-specific issues.
Reference: MetaQuotes Upgrade Announcement via Mitrade (mitrade.com), MQL5 Forum - MT4 Android Issues (mql5.com).
This article was originally published on FXEAR.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.