The MT4 download for Mac is free, but it's less straightforward than on Windows — so it's worth knowing your real options before you start. There's no single universal Apple-silicon build of MetaTrader 4 from MetaQuotes; instead, Mac users get MT4 through a broker's macOS app, the browser-based WebTrader, or by running the Windows terminal on their Mac. All three work on modern Macs, including M-series chips.
Your options for MetaTrader 4 on a Mac
- Broker's macOS app — the easiest route if your broker offers one (often a Wine-based wrapper of the Windows terminal).
- MT4 WebTrader — runs in any browser, nothing to install; ideal for quick access.
- Windows MT4 via Parallels Desktop or CrossOver — the full desktop experience, including custom indicators and EAs.
- MT4 on iPhone or iPad — the mobile app is a solid companion; see MT4 for iOS.
Apple removed support for 32-bit apps in macOS Catalina (2019), and the classic standalone Mac MT4 was 32-bit. Use your broker's current Mac app, WebTrader, or the Windows terminal in Parallels/CrossOver instead.
How to get MT4 on your Mac
-
Open an account with a Mac-friendly broker
Pick a regulated broker that offers a macOS app or WebTrader, and open an account — a free demo is fine. They provide your download link and login details.
-
Download the broker's Mac app, or open WebTrader
Download your broker's macOS MetaTrader 4 app, or open their MT4 WebTrader, which runs in any browser with nothing to install.
-
Allow the app if macOS blocks it
If macOS warns that the app is from an unidentified developer, open
System Settings ▸ Privacy & Securityand click Open Anyway — only for an app you downloaded from your broker. -
Log in with your account number, password, and server
Open MetaTrader 4, choose your broker's server, and log in with your login number and password. You're ready to chart and place demo trades.
Indicators and Expert Advisors on Mac
If you rely on custom indicators or automated strategies, the desktop terminal is what you need. On a Mac, the most dependable way to run them is the Windows MT4 terminal inside Parallels Desktop or CrossOver. WebTrader and lightweight wrapper apps are great for charting and manual trading, but have limited support for custom code.
Start MT4 on your Mac
XM provides MetaTrader 4 across desktop and WebTrader plus a free demo and a $5 minimum — an easy way to get started on macOS.
⚠ Trading forex and CFDs is high-risk and most retail traders lose money. This is not financial advice.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you open a broker account through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Next steps
Practise on a free demo account with virtual money, compare brokers in our best MT4 brokers guide, or set up the full desktop version on Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a native MT4 for Mac?
There isn't a single universal native build from MetaQuotes for Apple silicon. In practice, MetaTrader 4 on Mac is provided as a broker-packaged app (often a Wine-based wrapper) or used through WebTrader in a browser. You can also run the Windows version via Parallels Desktop or CrossOver.
Does MT4 work on Apple silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. You can use your broker's Mac app, the browser-based WebTrader, or run the Windows MT4 terminal in a virtual machine such as Parallels or CrossOver. Charting and trading perform well on Apple silicon.
Can I use MT4 on a Mac without downloading anything?
Yes. MT4 WebTrader runs in any modern browser with no installation — your broker provides the link. It's the quickest way to use MetaTrader 4 on a Mac.
Why did my old Mac MT4 app stop working?
macOS Catalina (2019) removed support for 32-bit applications, and the classic standalone Mac MT4 was 32-bit. Switch to your broker's current macOS app, WebTrader, or the Windows terminal via Parallels/CrossOver.
Can I run Expert Advisors on a Mac?
Custom indicators and Expert Advisors need the desktop terminal. The most reliable way on a Mac is to run the Windows MT4 terminal inside Parallels Desktop or CrossOver.
Is MT4 for Mac free?
Yes. The MetaTrader 4 platform is free to download and use on Mac. You only need a funded broker account to trade live; a demo is free.
Trading foreign exchange and contracts for difference (CFDs) carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage can work against you as well as for you. You could lose some or all of your deposited funds; do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing on MT4Download.com is financial, investment, or trading advice. Consider your circumstances and seek independent advice if needed.