Summary: Your MT4 EA is attached but not trading? Check AutoTrading button, common settings, and expert advisor permissions. This guide fixes the ‘greyed out’ problem fast.
Step 1: Check the AutoTrading Button in MT4
Look at the top toolbar of MT4. Find the “AutoTrading” button (icon with a smiling face). If it shows a red “X” or is gray, click it once to enable. The icon should turn green. Screenshot: MT4 toolbar with AutoTrading button highlighted green.
Step 2: Verify EA is Properly Attached to Chart
Drag your EA from the Navigator window (Ctrl+N) onto the chart. You should see the EA name appear in the top-right corner of the chart. If the name shows a sad face or gray dot, the EA is not active. Screenshot: Chart top-right corner showing EA name with green checkmark.
Step 3: Open EA Properties and Allow Live Trading
Right-click on the chart → “Expert Advisors” → “Properties”. Go to the “Common” tab. Check these boxes: “Allow live trading”, “Allow DLL imports” (if EA needs DLL), “Allow WebRequest” (if needed). Click OK. Screenshot: EA properties window with Common tab and three boxes checked.
Step 4: Disable ‘Enable News Trading’ Option
In the same Common tab, make sure “Enable News Trading” is NOT checked. This option can pause EA trading during news events, causing it to appear stuck. Screenshot: Common tab with Enable News Trading unchecked.
Step 5: Check Expert Advisors Global Settings
Press Ctrl+O to open Options. Click the “Expert Advisors” tab. Make sure “Allow automated trading” is checked. Also check “Allow DLL imports” and disable “Confirm DLL function calls” if you trust the EA. Click OK. Screenshot: Options window, Expert Advisors tab with correct settings.
Step 6: Refresh the Chart
Sometimes the EA needs a chart refresh. Change the chart timeframe (e.g., from H1 to M15) then back. Or press F5 to refresh. Watch if the EA smiley face turns green. Screenshot: Chart timeframe dropdown menu.
Reference: MetaQuotes Help Desk – Expert Advisor does not start on chart.