Summary: Fix “No history data” error in MT5 backtesting. This guide shows how to download tick data, enable symbols, and set date ranges so your EA can test without missing data errors.




Step 1: Identify the “No History Data” Error
Open MT5 Strategy Tester. Select your EA, symbol, and dates. Click Start. If you see “No history data” in the Journal tab, follow this guide. Screenshot: Journal tab showing the error message.
Step 2: Open Symbol Management Window
Right-click inside the Market Watch window (left panel). Select “Symbols”. Or press Ctrl+U. Screenshot: Market Watch right-click menu with Symbols highlighted.
Step 3: Enable the Symbol for Backtesting
In the Symbols window, find your trading symbol (e.g., EURUSD). Double-click it or click “Show Symbol”. The symbol will move to the right panel. Click OK. Screenshot: Symbols window with EURUSD moved to visible symbols.
Step 4: Download Tick Data for the Symbol
Open the Strategy Tester (Ctrl+R). Select the same symbol, any EA (e.g., Moving Average). Then click the “Open Data” icon (folder) next to the symbol dropdown. Alternatively, click the three dots “…” button. Screenshot: Strategy Tester with the data download button circled.
Step 5: Select Date Range and Download
A new “Symbols” window pops up. Select your symbol (EURUSD). On the right, choose “Tick data” (not minutes). Check the date range you need for backtesting. Click “Download”. Wait for completion. Screenshot: Tick data download window with date range selected.
Step 6: Verify Data Downloaded
After download, right-click the symbol in Market Watch. Select “Tick Chart”. You should see candlesticks. If empty, repeat step 5 with a wider date range. Screenshot: Tick chart showing price movements.
Step 7: Set Correct Backtesting Date Range
In Strategy Tester, set “From” and “To” dates that fall within the downloaded tick data range. Do not use dates before the downloaded data. Screenshot: Date range selection in Strategy Tester.
Step 8: Run Backtest Again
Click Start. The “No history data” error should disappear. The Journal tab will show “Test passed” or starting balance. Screenshot: Successful backtest running with progress bar.
Step 9: Save Data for Offline Use (Optional)
Click “File” > “Open Data Folder” > “bases” > “tickdata”. Copy the .hst files to backup. This prevents re-downloading later. Screenshot: Data folder path showing tickdata files.
Reference: MetaQuotes Help – Testing on History Data / MQL5 Documentation – Symbol Management.