What Time Zone does MT4 / MT5 use?
- CPP Trading
- Oct 26, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 7
You most likely wondered about the time zone in MetaTrader (MT4 / MT5). It's a common question, and this article will clear things up. Let's look at what determines the time zone
–learn why it's important to know, what the time zone is based on, and if you can change it.
We've all been there, scratching our heads and wondering why our MetaTrader charts and their timestamps don't match up. It's a commonly asked question that often lacks a straightforward answer. This article is here to clarify the topic and provide a clear explanation once and for all. By the end of it, you'll have a solid understanding of what's truly happening with those time zones in MT4 / MT5.
Why Is the Time Zone in MT4 / MT5 so Important?
Ever wondered about the time zone in MetaTrader (MT4 / MT5) and what it's all about? You're not alone; this question has crossed the minds of many traders. Various answers are out there, and they all seem to point to different time zones. Surprisingly, they're all kind of right. So, why and how does this happen? Well, it turns out not every trader sees the same time zone on their MT4 / MT5 broker account, and there's a good reason for it. Let's find out why it's essential to know your time zone.
When you are trading, understanding which time zone your charts are set to is crucial, especially in relation to the major trading sessions such as New York, London, Sydney, and Tokyo. This knowledge plays a significant role in timing your trades effectively, understanding market volume, and staying on top of economic events and news releases. Even when you're backtesting and reviewing your trades, being aware of the actual time relative to the forex sessions is a must. So, let's look at the mystery behind the MetaTrader time zone and what you can do about it.
What Determines the Time Zone in MetaTrader?
Above, we learned that different traders can see a different time zone in their MT4/MT5 accounts, and they can all be correct. For example, one person might see GMT +2 in MetaTrader, while someone else's trading account shows GMT +0. How is that possible? The answer is simple: the time zone each person sees in their MT4 or MT5 account is determined by their broker. The broker's server location determines the time zone, so if a broker is in GMT +2, that's the time zone reflected in your MetaTrader account. A common time zone that many people will encounter in MetaTrader is GMT +2/GMT +3, as many Forex and CFD brokers have their headquarters and servers located in Cyprus. If you are unsure about the time zone in your MT4/MT5 account, you can simply check where your broker's server is located, usually indicated on their website, or you can contact them directly and inquire.
Can I change the Time Zone in MetaTrader (MT4 / MT5)?
The simple answer to the question of whether you can change the time zone in MetaTrader (MT4 / MT5) is no. This is because the actual time zone is tied to your broker's server location, and to modify it, you would require access to your broker's server along with the ability to change its location, which, unfortunately, is not something within our control.
However, there are alternative solutions and tools available. Both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 offer a range of Expert Advisors, also known as EA's, which can be of great assistance. You'll find EAs in the MQL4 and MQL5 databases that are designed to display the various trading sessions, simplifying the task of keeping track of timestamps in MetaTrader. While you may not have control over the server's location, you can effectively reduce time zone confusion and adjust the time to match your current location or synchronize it with one of the major trading sessions such as New York, London, Sydney, or Tokyo.
Stay tuned for an upcoming article that will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install and use Expert Advisors (EAs) in MetaTrader.
At CPP Trading, we learn, earn, and grow together as a community!
Have questions or thoughts? Leave them in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you! If you found this post helpful, give it a like and make sure to stay tuned for more content.
Trade safe.
Ian - CPP Trading