Lesson 9. Mobile + Automation — What's Real, What's Not
MT5 Mobile does not run EAs. It's for monitoring, adjusting SL/TP, and closing positions. Learn push notifications, safe remote access to your VPS/PC, and the limits of mobile control. Build a practical 'travel mode' checklist.
9.1. Reality check: What mobile can and cannot do (MT5 Mobile capabilities)
MT5 Desktop vs MT5 Mobile vs VPS (remote)
| Capability | Desktop MT5 | Mobile MT5 | Remote (VPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run EAs | Yes | Mobile app cannot execute Expert Advisors | Via RDP/VNC controlling Desktop |
| Monitor open positions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Modify SL/TP / Close positions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Set price alerts | Yes | Price notifications | Yes |
| Change EA inputs | Yes | No | You're on Desktop remotely |
| Review logs (Experts/Journal) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Start/Stop AutoTrading | Yes | No | Yes |
Run EAs
Monitor open positions
Modify SL/TP / Close positions
Set price alerts
Change EA inputs
Review logs (Experts/Journal)
Start/Stop AutoTrading
Mobile = monitor and manual adjustments; Remote = control your Desktop; EAs run on Desktop/VPS only.
9.2. Push notifications: get alerts from your terminal
Set up MT5 Desktop → Mobile push notifications
On your phone: Install MT5 Mobile, open Settings → Messages → copy your MetaQuotes ID.
On MT5 Desktop (Toolbox/Terminal): Tools → Options → Notifications → check 'Enable Push Notifications.' Paste your MetaQuotes ID; click 'Test' (you should receive a test message on your phone).
In your EA or via alerts: EAs can send Alert() or SendNotification() when events occur (e.g., new trade, SL moved). You can set price alerts (right-click on chart → Trading → Alert) which will push to mobile if Notifications are enabled.
- • Reliable Internet on both sides required.
- • Keep notifications concise (avoid spamming; group high-priority events only).
- • Security tip: do not share your MetaQuotes ID publicly.
9.3. Remote access to VPS/PC (safe control on the go)
Control your trading terminal remotely — safely
RDP (Windows Remote Desktop)
- • Native on Windows Server
- • Secure passwords
- • 2FA/VPN preferred
- • Restrict IPs if possible
VNC (e.g., TightVNC)
- • Cross-platform
- • Must secure with strong credentials
- • Tunnel via VPN
Broker-hosted VPS panels
- • Simplified access
- • Features vary
- • Still secure properly
Security Best Practices:
- • Use long, unique passwords; enable MFA where available.
- • Consider VPN or IP whitelisting to limit access.
- • Never grant remote access to unknown persons; no 'support' via AnyDesk/TeamViewer to strangers.
What you can do remotely:
- Toggle AutoTrading
- Stop an EA instance
- Change EA inputs
- Review logs
- Restart MT5
9.4. Mobile limitations and safe habits
What to avoid (and what to do instead)
Do
- ✓Use mobile to monitor equity, positions, SL/TP, and get push alerts.
- ✓Close positions in emergencies; reduce risk when away (via remote access if needed).
- ✓Keep a 'travel mode' plan (reduced risk, blackout windows around news/rollover).
Don't
- ✗Don't try to 'run' EAs on mobile — it's not supported.
- ✗Don't change strategy logic ad-hoc from the phone; plan changes at Desktop with testing.
- ✗Don't grant remote access to unknown 'helpers'.
9.5. 'Travel Mode' control checklist (24/5 reliability on the move)
9.6. Cost/benefit: When to move to VPS for mobile oversight
VPS When Calculator (simple heuristic)
Recommendation:
Complete all fields to see recommendation.
9.7. Practice: set up notifications and your control routine (10–15 min)
Lesson 9 Quiz
Test your understanding with 3 questions. Pass with 2/3 correct.