MT4 For Mac: 7 Ways To Run MT4 on a Mac (inc. M1 & M2 Macs, Ventura & Monterey)

Although there’s no native version of MT4 for Mac, here we’ve looked at the best ways to run and install MT4 on a Mac including on the latest M1/M2 Macs and macOS Ventura and Monterey in 2023.

Before going through any of the workarounds we show you here, we strongly recommend taking a look at TradingView (FREE) as an alternative to MT4.

We found TradingView is even BETTER than MT4 for doing technical analysis of currency markets and day trading from your Mac desktop.

We also ranked it the best Forex trading platform due to its ease of use and powerful trading tools.

TradingView works in a browser so it works easily on both Intel and Apple Silicon M1/M2 Macs including the M2 MacBook Pro with M2 Pro and M2 Max chip.

You can even link TradingView to your trading account so that you can trade directly without leaving the app.

You can start using TradingView for free here to test it for yourself.

Is There MT4 For Mac & M1/M2 Macs?

A fully compatible native version of MT4 for Mac is not available but you can still download and install MT4 on a Mac thanks to Windows emulation software.

When you download and install the official MT4 for Mac application, it is bundled with a Windows emulation software called “Crossover” which is based on the open source “Wine” Windows emulation software.

This adapted version of MT4 works on Intel Macs and also the latest Apple Silicon M1 & M2 Macs including M1/M2 MacBook Pros.

However, we don’t recommend running MT4 on a Mac this way.

The main reason is because the Wine software that Crossover is based on can be very unstable.

This is particularly true on Apple Silicon M1 & M2 Macs so you’ll find that MT4 crashes a lot or doesn’t work well.

Some features also don’t work in this version of MT4 such as adding indicators and the application in general is very slow and looks dated.

You’ll also frequently see messages that “MetaTrader needs to be updated” which are quite annoying when running the official MT4 download on a Mac.

Why Doesn’t The Official MT4 Work Well On Macs?

The main reason the official MT4 download doesn’t work well on Macs is that MetaTrader is a 32-bit application and the latest versions of macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur and Apple Silicon M1/M2 Macs do not support 32 bit apps anymore.

The last version of macOS to support 32-bit applications was macOS 10.14 Mojave.

Since macOS 10.15 Catalina, Macs no longer support 32-bit applications so any downloadable versions of MT4 do not work well on Macs anymore.

However, Crossover and Wine along with a tool called Rosetta in macOS are able to translate MT4 to work on 64-bit systems but the process is complex and results in a lot of errors and instability.

Even MetaTrader states on its website:

Because of this, MetaTrader also provides an alternative to using Crossover to install MT4 on macOS Catalina onwards by using the PlayOnMac emulator instead.

Like Crossover, this does work on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs but we also do not recommend using PlayOnMac to install MT4 on a Mac because the installation process is long and complicated.

It is also subject to the same problems as Crossover including instability, crashes and a lack of full functionality.

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The good news is there are some much better ways to install or use MT4 on a Mac which provide much greater functionality and stability.

With this in mind, here then are the best ways to use MT4 on a Mac that work on the latest versions of macOS Ventura, Monterey and Apple Silicon M1/M2 Macs.

1. MT4 on a Mac with Parallels (Intel Macs Only)

If you’ve got an Intel Mac, by far the the best way to install the official Windows version of MT4 on a Mac is to first install Windows on your Mac and then use the Windows version of MetaTrader 4.

This gives you the full functionality of the Windows version with no limitations unlike the wrapped versions provided by MetaTrader which use Crossover or PlayOnMac.

There are various ways of running Windows on a Mac but we strongly recommend using Parallels to install MT4 on a Mac.

Parallels is the easiest way to install Windows on a Mac and it’s also regularly updated to work with each release of macOS.

Parallels allows you to run Windows and macOS simultaneously so that you can easily switch between the two operating systems at any time.

Parallels is the only way to run Windows on a Mac that is officially endorsed by Microsoft.

In Parallels, you can run either the standard Windows version of MetaTrader 4 or a branded version of MT4 that you’ve downloaded from a forex broker platform.

Note that although Parallels can also install Windows on Apple Silicon M1 & M2 Macs, it can only install the Windows ARM version of Windows on these systems which MT4 is not compatible with so this method of running MT4 does not work for M1/M2 Macs.

However, you can install MT5 on Apple Silicon M1 & M2 Macs using Parallels.

Here’s how to install MetaTrader 4 on a Mac using Windows in Parallels.

• Download Parallels for Mac. The setup process to install Windows is very easy and should take no more than 30 minutes.

• Once you’ve installed Windows on your Mac, download the Windows version of MT4. Then simply follow the installation instructions to install MetaTrader as if you were installing it on a PC.

Running MetaTrader on Mac this way gives you all the benefits of the Windows version of MetaTrader, including adding indicators and other add-ons such as MetaTrader Market.

We also recommend using Parallels because if you encounter any problems installing MetaTrader this way, you’ll get a certain amount of direct support from Parallels.

With other ways of installing Windows on Mac such as with Wine or VirtualBox, you’ll have to rely on the support of forum members and fixing problems with MT4 on Macs can be quite complex.

You can download Parallels for Mac now to start using MT4 on Mac.

You can also check out our full review of Parallels for more.

Pros:

• Easy to install and setup
• Allows you to run Windows and macOS simultaneously
• The best way to run Windows on a Mac
• Runs both Windows 10 and Windows 11
• Allows you to use all MT4 features like Windows users

Cons:

• After Parallels free trial requires an annual subscription
• Doesn’t work on M1 & M2 Macs
• No 24 hour trading unless you leave MT4 open on your Mac 24/7

2. MT4 on a Mac Using Boot Camp (Intel Macs Only)

Boot Camp is a free utility in macOS that also allows you to install Windows or an older version of macOS on a separate partition on your Mac hard drive.

Like Parallels, once you’ve installed Windows using Boot Camp, you can install the Windows version of MT4 on your Mac.

This isn’t as convenient as using Parallels however as you can’t run Windows and macOS at the same time. You have to boot your Mac in either macOS or Windows to use it.

Boot Camp also is also not available for Apple Silicon M1/M2 Macs.

Unlike Parallels though, Boot Camp is free to use and allows you to install Windows 10 for free on a Mac and run Windows 11 for free on a Mac.

You can find full instructions on how to install Windows on a Mac using Boot Camp here.

Pros:

• Boot Camp is free to use
• Allows you to install Windows 10 and Windows 11 for free
• Allows you to run the Windows version of MT4

Cons:

• Does not allow you to run macOS and Windows simultaneously
• Not available for Apple Silicon M1/M2 Macs
• No 24 hour trading unless you keep MT4 running on your Mac 24/7

3. MT4 On a Mac With a VPS Server

There are several companies such as VPSForexTrader that offer Virtual Private Servers (VPS) which allow professional traders to trade faster using dedicated 24/7 servers.

Since you’re connecting to MT4 remotely, it doesn’t matter whether you have an Intel or M1/M2 Mac as VPS servers works on both.

This provides a direct ISP connection to a private server so you can enjoy better hardware to trade faster, without any interruptions 24 hours a day.

These servers are private and for your use only so you don’t have to share bandwidth or processing power with other users, thus providing a faster and more stable trading environment.

VPS servers also allow you to run MetaTrader in the cloud so all you need to do is subscribe to one of their plans and then use a remote desktop software to connect to MetaTrader remotely.

A VPS provider usually charges a monthly fee for use of a virtual private server and the cost differs depending on the power of the servers you subscribe to.

The more powerful the server, the more instances of MetaTrader you can install and the more processing power you have.

Here’s how to run MetaTrader on a Mac using a VPS Server.

• Sign-up for VPS server such as VPSForexTrader.
• Download a remote desktop application. There are many different remote desktop tools for Mac users but you can use the free Microsoft Remote Desktop tool for connecting to a VPSForexTrader server.
• When you sign-up for a VPSForexTrader account, you’ll be sent an IP address with a port, username and password that you need to enter into the Microsoft Remote Desktop settings.

• Then simply click “Start” at the top of the app.

• You’ll then see your VPS Server desktop where you’ll be able to install and run multiple versions of MetaTrader depending on the account you’ve signed-up for.

Pros:

• Hosted in the Cloud so nothing to install
• Allows you to run multiple versions of MT4 and MT5
• Works on M1/M2 Macs
• Allows you to trade 24/7

Cons:

• Requires a subscription to a VPS
• Requires remote desktop software

4. MT4 on a Mac with Milton Prime

Milton Prime is a broker which offers a custom installation of MT4 for Mac which works on the latest versions of macOS Ventura, Monterey and M1/M2 Macs.

However, it does require you to have a Milton Prime account in order to trade with it.

Some of the advantages of Milton Prime include the ability to Trade over 50 currency pairs on MT4, trade stocks, trade gold, silver or oil and trade the indices of the major stock exchanges.

Milton Prime’s MT4 app features Expert Advisors such as back-testing strategies and setting trading parameters. Milton Prime also allows hedge trading too.

You can find full instructions how to install Milton Prime MT4 on a Mac here.

Pros:

• Works on M1/M2 Macs
• Works on the latest versions of macOS
• Includes Expert Advisor (EA) feature

Cons:

• Requires a Milton Prime account to trade

5. MT4 on a Mac with XM Markets

You can also install MT4 on a Mac thanks to the free XM Markets MT4 app although it only works up to macOS Big Sur and does not support Apple Silicon Macs.

XM is one of the best forex trading software for Mac around and the XM MT4 app is exactly the same as the Windows version.

Some of the advantages of XM are over 1000 trading instruments, including Forex, CFDs and Futures, spreads as low as 0 pips, Full EA (Expert Advisor) functionality and 1 Click Trading.

XM MT4 For Mac also has technical analysis tools with 50 indicators, 3 Chart Types, Micro Lot Accounts and Hedging Allowed.

You can find full instructions how to install MT4 for Mac with XM here.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require any third party software such as Boot Camp or Parallels
• Includes Expert Advisor (EA) feature

Cons:

• Requires an XM Markets account to trade
• Doesn’t work on M1/M2 Macs
• Only works up to macOS Big Sur

6. Use MetaTrader 4 WebTrader

Important update: The MetaTrader 4 web platform is no longer available but the link now takes you to the MetaTrader 5 web platform which has replaced it.

If you don’t need MetaTrader 4 installed on your Mac desktop, an easy way to use MT4 on a Mac is to use the MetaTrader 4 web platform which is the Cloud version of MetaTrader.

Although you won’t have MT4 installed on your Mac desktop, you get all the functionality of MetaTrader and it works instantly in any web browser including on Apple Silicon M1/M2 Macs.

Please note however that MT4 for the web has been replaced by MT5 for the web.

MetaTrader 5 for the web allows you to do all the things you can do in the desktop version including placing any type of market and pending orders, trade currencies, stocks and futures.

You can also do in-depth market analysis with 30 technical indicators and 24 graphical objects to choose from.

You can choose to use a demo account or you can also link it to your broker account with a username and password.

Other features of the web version of MetaTrader 5 include:

• Real and demo accounts
• Netting and hedging position accounting systems
• Pending and stop orders
• 3 chart types and 9 timeframes
• Real-time quotes in Market Watch
• Dark theme

You can start using MetaTrader 5 for the web on your Mac now in any browser.

Pros:

• MT5 web version doesn’t require any installation
• Works in any browser on any version of macOS
• Works on M1 & M2 Macs
• Links to broker accounts
• Allows you to trade with a demo account

Cons:

• Can’t be used offline

There are also broker branded versions of the original MetaQuotes web trader platform which you can download. These are exactly the same as MetaTrader for the web but feature the design and branding of the broker you downloaded it from.

Most Forex platforms offer their own custom web version of MT4 but the best ones we’ve tried on macOS are as follows:

FXTM

FXTM is a professional forex trading platform that offers tight spreads, fast execution of trades and lots of tutorials to help get you started.

FXTM MT4 WebTrader works in a browser on any version of macOS including on M1 Macs.

You can open a free FXTM demo account.

XM WebTrader

XM MT4 WebTrader is a web based version of MT4 which works on Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur and M1/M2 Macs.

XM MT4 WebTrader works in a browser on any version of macOS including on M1 Macs.

XM MT4 WebTrader allows you to select multiple time frames in the History tab, allows you to view active orders, close multiple trades and edit the properties of graphical objects.

You can start using XM MT4 WebTrader on your Mac now.

IC Markets

IC Markets is one of the biggest MT4 Forex CFD providers in the world and offers extremely fast and reliable trading with tight spreads.

IC Markets offers some of the lowest spreads in the industry and uses data centers in New York and London with enterprise grade hardware to offer fast and reliable trading.

You can open a free IC Markets demo account to practice trading with MT4 webtrader on a Mac first.

Hugosway

Hugosway is a fresh ECN broker which offers leverage of up to 1:500. Hugosway is a true STP broker with fast ECN connectivity to MT4. Hugosway also supports cryptocurrency trading.

If you already use another broker or are already trading with a different broker’s MT4 web platform, you can also connect it to Hugosway.

You can open a free Hugosway demo account to paper trade first.

Fortrade

Fortrade is a well regulated Forex broker that’s allows you to buy and sell CFDs on hundreds of products. It offers users lots of training courses and a day trading strategy tutorials to help you get the most out of your trades.

You can open a free demo Fortrade account.

This is just a small selection of brokers that offer an online version of MT4 WebTrader but there are other brokers out there that offer online MT4 platforms.

7. MT4 on a Mac Desktop via a Broker

Apart from the web version of MT4, some brokers provide their own branded version of MT4 that work on Macs although they use the same Crossover or PlayOnMac Windows emulator as the one available from the MetaTrader website.

The reality is that most of these have the same instability and functionality issues on Mac as the original MT4 download on the MetaQuotes website but they have just been given broker branding.

Unfortunately many of them have not been updated for the latest versions of macOS but XM Markets and Milton Prime both offer versions of MT4 that work on the latest versions of macOS and Apple Silicon Macs.

Other examples include forex trading platforms IC Markets, FXTM and Hugosway all of which, apart from offering MT4 WebTrader, also allow you to download their own branded version of MT4 for Mac although they don’t work on the latest versions of macOS or Apple Silicon Macs.

These broker versions of MT4 for Mac also have limitations compared to installing MetaTrader in Windows on your Mac with Parallels.

These include instability, incompatibility with future releases of macOS, no developer support and lack of certain features such as MetaTrader Market.

Since they’re emulating a Windows environment within macOS, they can also be quite slow to use and don’t exactly look good on Mac with a very dated Windows style interface.

Pros:

• Free to download and use
• Allows you to instantly download and install MetaTrader on your Mac desktop

Cons:

• Many broker versions of MT4 only work on macOS Mojave or earlier
• Some MetaTrader features won’t work
• Some versions haven’t been updated for M1/M2 Macs
• Usually require opening a broker account first