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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

MetaTrader 4 on Linux

Trade using MetaTrader4 (MT4) with us, and benefit from a range of features including 24-hour support, automated trading and advanced charting. Find out how to get started using MT4 on Linux.

Call 0800 195 3100 or email newaccounts.uk@ig.com to talk about opening an account.

Contact us 0800 195 3100

Get info fast via our instant help and support portal. Available for account queries, ProRealTime, product info and more.

Visit help and support for more information.

Get info fast via our instant help and support portal. Available for account queries, ProRealTime, product info and more.

Visit help and support for more information.

Call 0800 409 6789 or email helpdesk.uk@ig.com if you have any questions about trading or investing. We’re available from 9am to 5pm (UK time), Monday to Friday.

Contact us 0800 409 6789

Call 0800 195 3100 or email newaccounts.uk@ig.com to talk about opening an account.

Contact us 0800 195 3100

Get info fast via our instant help and support portal. Available for account queries, ProRealTime, product info and more.

Visit help and support for more information.

Get info fast via our instant help and support portal. Available for account queries, ProRealTime, product info and more.

Visit help and support for more information.

Call 0800 409 6789 or email helpdesk.uk@ig.com if you have any questions about trading or investing. We’re available from 9am to 5pm (UK time), Monday to Friday.

Contact us 0800 409 6789

MT4 on Linux: what you need to know

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a trading platform you can access via an online broker like us. With the correct compatibility layer tools, the platform is able to run on Linux, an operating system, similar to Windows, which enables communication between the hardware and software on almost all electronic devices.

That said, as the platform was designed for Windows, there may be some performance issues even with the compatibility layer tools.

With MT4, you can automate trades and customise the platform to fit your needs. Whilst it’s famous for forex trading there are a range of other markets available, including commodities and indices.

With us, you can access MT4 on Linux through your desktop or via a virtual private server (VPS).

How to download and install MT4 on Linux to your desktop

  1. Create a live trading account with us for spread betting or CFDs
  2. Go to your ‘My IG’ dashboard and select ‘Add an account’
    Screenshot of the MyIG trading platform showing how to create a spread betting or CFD trading account on our platform
  3. Choose an MT4 spread betting or MT4 CFD trading account
    MyIG screenshot showing how to select an MT4 spread betting or CFD trading account through our platform
  4. Download a compatibility layer tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux
  5. Download MT4
  6. Move the MetaTrader 4 file from your downloads folder to your preferred location
  7. Sign in with your IG credentials

How to download and install MT4 on a Linux VPS

Downloading and installing MT4 on a Linux VPS follows a similar process to downloading it on a desktop. In fact, steps 1-3 are the same.

  1. Create a live trading account with us for spread betting or CFDs
  2. Go to your ‘My IG’ dashboard and select ‘Add an account’
  3. Choose an MT4 spread betting or MT4 CFD trading account
  4. Download PuTTY
  5. Run the MT4 VPS
  6. Download a compatibility tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux
  7. Open the MT4 app and select ‘Log in to an existing account’.
  8. Log into your account using your IG login, or practice first on your demo account

24-hour support

Speak to one of our MT4 platform specialists from anywhere in the world whenever you need

Free add-ons and Indicators

Access 12 popular MT4 add-ons and six free technical indicators by downloading MT4 through us

99%+ server uptime

Access a reliable platform to enable your algorithms to operate in the best conditions1

Premium service

Use our very own institutional-grade technology for pricing, liquidity and execution

Automated trading

Automate your trading using algorithms that monitor markets 24/7 and execute trades for you

Advanced charting

Use technical analysis to help spot trading opportunities and set up trading alerts when these occur.

How to place your first trade

Once on the MT4 platform, the easiest way to place a trade is to follow these few simple steps.

  1. Go to the market watch window on the left-hand side of the screen
    Screenshot of the MyIG trading platform showing how to create a spread betting or CFD trading account on our platform
  2. Right-click on the market you’d like to trade and select chart window
    Screenshot of the MyIG trading platform showing how to create a spread betting or CFD trading account on our platform
  3. Right click on the chart and select trading > new order
    Screenshot of the MyIG trading platform showing how to create a spread betting or CFD trading account on our platform
  4. Choose your position size and set your stops and limits
    Screenshot of the MyIG trading platform showing how to create a spread betting or CFD trading account on our platform
  5. Decide whether to ‘Buy’ or ‘Sell’ and place your trade
    Screenshot of the MyIG trading platform showing how to create a spread betting or CFD trading account on our platform
  6. Monitor your position

FAQs

What operating systems support MT4?

MT4 is supported by a range of operating systems including Windows, MacOS and Linux. As MT4 was designed for Windows, you’ll need to download a compatibility layer tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux if you want to run it on Linux.

How does the MT4 platform work?

MT4 is a trading platform, used across thousands of markets, which you can access via an online broker like us. By creating a trading account, you gain access to a range of tools including:

How to install and launch MT4 on Linux

As the MT4 application was designed for Windows and Mac, to run it on Linux you’ll need to download a compatibility layer tool such as Wine or PlayOnLinux. Once you’ve done this, you can download MT4, move the folder to your preferred location on your desktop and log in with your IG credentials after opening it.

How to launch and install Meta Trader 4 using PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux is a compatibility layer tool which enables you to run Windows software on Linux. To launch MT4 using this tool, first you must install PlayOnLinux. After this, you can install MT4 to your device and sign in using your IG credentials.

Which Linux is best for Forex?

Whilst all Linux distributions will support you when trading the two most popular are Ubuntu Linux and Linux Mint. If you have older hardware MX Linux is viewed as the best option.

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99.74% MT4 platform uptime per six months from 1st December 2023