Summary: Your MT4 EA attaches to the chart but never opens a trade. This guide solves the top 5 reasons: gray smiley, AutoTrading off, wrong timeframe, missing DLL permissions, and log errors.
Step 1: Check the Smiley Face Icon
Look at the top-right corner of your MT4 chart. A gray or broken smiley means the EA is attached but disabled. A happy green smiley means active. Screenshot: chart corners showing gray vs green smiley.
Step 2: Enable AutoTrading Button
Find the ‘AutoTrading’ button on the MT4 toolbar (it looks like a blue play button). If it shows a red ‘X’, click it once. The red ‘X’ disappears. The button lights up. Screenshot: AutoTrading button with red X and after clicking.
Step 3: Verify EA Properties – Allow Live Trading
Right-click the chart where your EA is attached. Select ‘Expert Advisors’ → ‘Properties’. In the ‘Common’ tab, check ‘Allow live trading’. Also check ‘Allow DLL imports’ if your EA uses external libraries. Click OK. Screenshot: Common tab with both checkboxes checked.
Step 4: Check Timeframe Compatibility
Many EAs only work on specific timeframes (e.g., M1, H1, D1). Look at the chart’s timeframe button. Switch to the timeframe your EA was designed for. If unsure, try M15 or H1 first. Screenshot: timeframe toolbar on MT4.
Step 5: Open the Experts Tab to Read Errors
Press Ctrl+T to open the ‘Terminal’ window. Click the ‘Experts’ tab. Red error messages appear here. Common errors: ‘invalid lot size’, ‘not enough money’, ‘no connection’. Fix based on the error text. Screenshot: Terminal window with Experts tab showing red error.
Step 6: Remove and Re-attach the EA
Drag the EA off the chart. Then drag it back from the Navigator window. Check each step above again. Then wait for the next tick (new price) to see if the EA triggers. Screenshot: dragging EA from Navigator back to chart.
Reference: MetaQuotes Help Desk – Expert Advisors Not Trading.