Set Up a VPS for 24/5 Uptime
An EA only works while MT5 is open and connected to the internet. If your computer shuts down, the power goes out or your connection drops, the EA stops and nobody is managing your open trades. (SL/TP already sent to the broker still apply.)
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a rented computer that stays on around the clock in a data center. Forex and gold markets are open 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, so a VPS keeps your EA running through every session without leaving your own computer on.
Three options
| Best for | Upside | Good to know | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQL5 Virtual Hosting | The simplest setup | Rent it from inside MT5 and move your EA over in one click | On-chart panels don't display on the VPS — follow results from MT5 on your computer or phone instead |
| Free VPS from your broker | Accounts that meet the broker's balance or volume requirements | No cost | Requirements vary by broker — check your broker's website |
| General Windows VPS | People comfortable with Remote Desktop | Full control, and on-chart panels display just like on your computer | You install MT5 and the EA yourself |
Option 1: MQL5 Virtual Hosting
- Attach the EA to a chart and finish setting it up in MT5 on your computer first (see Install a CLOUDPips EA).
- In the Navigator window, right-click your trading account number → Register a Virtual Server.
- Pick the server MT5 recommends (closest to your broker's server, with the lowest ping), then choose a plan and pay.
- Choose Migrate with Experts, indicators, charts to move your charts and EA to the VPS.
- Check the VPS Journal tab to confirm the migration succeeded.
Important: once you're on the VPS, any change to the EA's settings on your computer needs another Migrate — changes don't sync to the VPS on their own. Also turn off Algo Trading in MT5 on your computer, so the EA doesn't run in two places at once.
Option 3: General Windows VPS
- Rent a Windows VPS in a data center close to your broker's server (check your broker's website — often London or Amsterdam).
- Minimum spec for one MT5 terminal: 2 GB RAM or more.
- Connect with Remote Desktop from your computer.
- Install MT5 and the EA on the VPS, following Install MetaTrader 5 and Install a CLOUDPips EA. On the free version, remember to add the Allow WebRequest URLs in MT5 on the VPS too.
- When you leave Remote Desktop, just close the window (the ×). Don't Sign out or Shut down, or MT5 will close too.
Check that the VPS is working
- Open the MT5 app on your phone, log in to the same account, and check that new trades come in as usual.
- The ping in the bottom-right corner of MT5 on the VPS should be low — the lower the better.
- Check the VPS once a week, especially after Windows updates, which may restart it.
Still stuck? Email us at support@cloudpips.io and we'll help you sort it out.
