How to Download MT4 on Mac

Roberto Rivero

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a Forex and CFD trading platform popular with traders around the world. With Admirals, traders can download and use MetaTrader 4 on both Mac and Windows operating systems. In this guide, we’ll explain how to download MT4 on Mac.

The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

How to Install MetaTrader 4 on Mac

Although traders can use MT4 on Mac, a native desktop version of the trading platform doesn’t actually exist. Instead, traders have the choice of either: 

  1. Downloading a modified version of MetaTrader 4. 
  2. Download the Windows version of MT4 using a virtual machine, such as Parallels. 

Of these two options, the first is definitely the most straightforward; however, some users express a preference for running MT4 using a virtual machine. To cover all bases, we’ll explain how to do both! Let’s look at the more straightforward option first. 

1. Register with Admirals

The modified version of MT4 is able to run on Mac by using Wine – a compatibility layer which allows Windows applications to work on other operating systems. This version is developed by MetaTrader developer, MetaQuotes, and is available from Admirals. 

In order to start your download, you’ll need to register with Admirals and log in to the Dashboard

2. Download the Installation Package

Once you’ve logged into the Dashboard, navigate to the MetaTrader page which can be found in them menu on the left-hand side of the screen.  

In this section, you will find the download packages for MetaTrader 4, as well as a link for the web-based version of the platform.  

You’ll also see download links for the MT4 Research Terminal and the MT4 Supreme Edition, add-ons for the trading platform which are designed to enhance your trading experience. 

Click on the link for MetaTrader 4 for MacOS which will start the download of the installation package.

3. Open the Installation File

Once downloaded, open the file and follow the steps on your screen. You will need to read and agree to the terms of the software license agreement, and then the installer will start.

4. Installation Complete!

And that’s it! Once the download has completed, you’ll see a confirmation message and MetaTrader 4 should open automatically. 

If, for some reason, the trading platform does not open, you can locate the icon in your Launchpad. 

Now you can get started and explore the various features the platform has to offer. If you are looking for some help with using MT4, check out our guide: How to Use MetaTrader 4

Depicted: Admirals MetaTrader 4. Date Captured: 28 August 2025. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Download MetaTrader 4 for Mac with Parallels 

As we noted already, although the download option we’ve just explained is more straightforward, some Mac users have expressed a preference for running the Windows version of MT4 using Parallels. 

Parallels allows users to create a virtual machine on their computer, which is essentially a computer within a computer. 

On this virtual machine, you can run the Windows operating system and, consequently, download and use Windows applications on your Mac. 

Parallels for Mac requires an annual subscription or a one-time purchase. However, subject to certain eligibility requirements, Admirals clients can get three months of Parallels Pro for free. 

1. Open a Live Account with Admirals

To get your three months free of Parallels Pro, you’ll need to register with Admirals, open a live account and maintain a minimum live account equity of 3,000 euros (or equivalent). 

Once done, you will need to head to the Parallels page on our website and request a license for the software. This request will be reviewed by the Admirals team and, subject to approval, you will receive a license key by email. 

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can purchase the software directly from Parallels

2. Download Parallels for Mac and Create a Virtual Machine

After step one is complete, head to the Parallels website and download the software, following the instructions in the installation file. 

Once the software has downloaded, you’ll be prompted to enter a license key and then you’ll be able to create a virtual machine. You’ll be presented with a screen similar to the one below, click the option for downloading Windows and the installation process will start. 

Be patient as this process might take a while! 

After it’s completed, you’ll be asked to accept the terms of the Windows license agreement before you’re forwarded to a page asking you to activate your new copy of Windows.  

If you already have a license, you can enter these details. Alternatively, you can buy a new one. 

3. Download MetaTrader 4

You can now use the Windows operating system directly from your Mac! Open the internet browser and head to the Admirals website.  

Log into your Dashboard and select MetaTrader from the menu on the left of the screen. From here, you can download the installation file for MetaTrader 4 for Windows.  

After the download is complete, open the installer and follow the instructions on screen; you’ll need to read and accept the software licence agreement before the download begins.  

Once your downloads finished, MetaTrader 4 should open automatically, and you can get started on the platform!

Learn to trade with virtual funds

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does MT4 not work on Mac?

Whilst there is no native desktop version of MetaTrader 4 for MacOS, MT4 can still be used on Mac by using a modified version of the trading platform. Alternatively, traders can also download MetaTrader 4 for MacOS by using Parallels. 

How to uninstall MT4 on Mac? 

MetaTrader 4 can be uninstalled by locating the icon in your Applications folder, clicking it and dragging it in to the Bin in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

INFORMATION ABOUT ANALYTICAL MATERIALS:

The given data provides additional information regarding all analysis, estimates, prognosis, forecasts, market reviews, weekly outlooks or other similar assessments or information (hereinafter “Analysis”) published on the websites of Admirals investment firms operating under the Admirals trademark (hereinafter “Admirals”) Before making any investment decisions please pay close attention to the following:

  • This is a marketing communication. The content is published for informative purposes only and is in no way to be construed as investment advice or recommendation. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and that it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
  • Any investment decision is made by each client alone whereas Admirals shall not be responsible for any loss or damage arising from any such decision, whether or not based on the content.
  • With view to protecting the interests of our clients and the objectivity of the Analysis, Admirals has established relevant internal procedures for prevention and management of conflicts of interest.
  • The Analysis is prepared by an analyst (hereinafter “Author”). The Author Roberto Rivero is a contractor for Admirals. This content is a marketing communication and does not constitute independent financial research.
  • Whilst every reasonable effort is taken to ensure that all sources of the content are reliable and that all information is presented, as much as possible, in an understandable, timely, precise and complete manner, Admirals does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained within the Analysis.
  • Any kind of past or modelled performance of financial instruments indicated within the content should not be construed as an express or implied promise, guarantee or implication by Admirals for any future performance. The value of the financial instrument may both increase and decrease and the preservation of the asset value is not guaranteed.
  • Leveraged products (including contracts for difference) are speculative in nature and may result in losses or profit. Before you start trading, please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.
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