Checked on: 2026-08-11 | Broker terms, regulation, and pricing can change. Always verify at the official HFM site before opening an account.

Affiliate Disclosure: HNL Growth may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, at no additional cost to you. Risk Warning: CFDs and leveraged forex products are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 65-95% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs, depending on the HFM entity and account type. Trading forex and CFDs may not be suitable for all investors. Consider your objectives, experience, and risk appetite before trading, and ensure you understand the risks involved. Broker Disclosure: HFM (HF Markets Group) is a live, regulated multi-entity broker (not a simulated prop-firm evaluation) — trades are executed with real capital in live market conditions, subject to normal market risk. Protections vary significantly by the specific legal entity that onboards your account.

Trader Terminal Explained: MT4 vs MT5 vs WebTrader

A trader terminal is the software you use to execute, monitor, and manage trades with a broker. HFM (HF Markets) provides access to several terminal options through a single trading account: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), the HFM WebTrader browser platform, and the HFM mobile app. Each terminal connects to the same broker infrastructure but serves different workflows. MT4 remains the benchmark for forex-focused traders running Expert Advisors. MT5 adds multi-asset depth,21 timeframes, and an improved strategy tester. The WebTrader delivers instant browser access without installation, and the mobile app handles trade management on the go. All are included at no extra platform fee with any HFM account. The right choice depends on your trading style, device, and automation needs—and this guide will help you decide, download, and log in correctly.

Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you open an account through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Your Terminal Options at HFM

According to HFM's trading accounts page, every account type—InfinityX, Cent, Zero, Pro, and Premium—supports the same terminal suite: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, HFM WebTrader, mobile trading, and the HFM Platform.

Terminal	Platform	Best For	EA Support	Multi-Chart	Offline Charts	Cost
MT4 Desktop	Windows, macOS	Forex scalpers, EA traders	Yes (MQL4)	Yes	Yes	Free
MT5 Desktop	Windows, macOS	Multi-asset traders, backtesting	Yes (MQL5)	Yes (up to 100)	Yes	Free
HFM WebTrader	Browser	Quick access, no install	No	Limited	No	Free
HFM Mobile App	iOS, Android	Monitoring, on-the-go trades	No	No	No	Free

The Premium Trader Trade Terminal—a professional execution add-on with advanced deal tickets, scaling rules, and account metrics—is available separately through HF Markets UK and may not be accessible to all international clients. Check eligibility with HFM support if this interests you.

How to Download and Set Up Each Terminal

You need an HFM account before logging in to any terminal. If you have not opened one yet, open a demo HFM account to get immediate terminal access with virtual funds.

MT4 Desktop (Windows and macOS)

Windows:

1. Visit the HFM platforms section and download the MT4 installer.
2. Run the .exe file and follow the setup wizard.
3. Launch MT4. On the login screen, enter your HFM account number, password, and select the correct HFM server (provided in your account confirmation email).

macOS:

HFM provides a dedicated MT4 on Mac package. According to HFM's MT4 on Mac page, the installation involves downloading the macOS-specific build directly from the HFM platforms section and following the on-screen installer steps. Note that MT4 on Mac may run through a compatibility layer, so some Windows-specific features (such as certain custom indicator installations) may behave differently.

MT5 Desktop (Windows and macOS)

1. Download the HFM MT5 terminal from the HFM platforms section.
2. Run the installer and complete the setup.
3. Launch MT5 and log in using your HFM credentials and the server name from your account email.

HFM's MT5 terminal page confirms it supports21 timeframes,80+ built-in technical indicators, up to 100 charts simultaneously, one-click trading, hedging, and a built-in economic calendar.

HFM WebTrader (Browser-Based)

The HFM WebTrader runs directly in your browser—no download required. Access it through the HFM client area after logging in to your account. It supports core trading functions: chart viewing, order placement, and position management. It does not support Expert Advisors, custom indicator installation, or the full strategy tester available on desktop.

The WebTrader is best treated as a complement to desktop terminals rather than a full replacement—ideal for checking positions from a work computer or placing quick orders when you cannot access your installed terminal.

HFM Mobile App (iOS and Android)

According to HFM's mobile application page:

1. Download the HFM App from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Register or sign in using your myHF account credentials.
3. Open a live or demo trading account within the app, or connect an existing one.

The app supports trade execution across forex, stocks, commodities, bonds, ETFs, and indices. You can manage deposits and transfers through the HF Wallet, access PAMM, use Copy Trading, and manage Partner accounts—all within the app.

Installation Requirements

Terminal	OS	Min. RAM	Disk Space	Internet
MT4 Windows	Windows 7+	1 GB	200 MB	Broadband
MT4 macOS	macOS 10.14+	2 GB	300 MB	Broadband
MT5 Windows	Windows 7+	2 GB	300 MB	Broadband
MT5 macOS	macOS 10.14+	2 GB	300 MB	Broadband
WebTrader	Any modern browser	N/A	N/A	Broadband
Mobile iOS	iOS 14+	N/A	~100 MB	Mobile data/WiFi
Mobile Android	Android 7+	N/A	~100 MB	Mobile data/WiFi

Requirements based on MetaQuotes specifications and HFM documentation. Actual needs may vary by build version.

MT4 MultiTerminal

HFM also offers the MT4 MultiTerminal, which allows you to manage multiple HFM MT4 accounts simultaneously from a single interface. According to HFM's MultiTerminal page, it provides the full MT4 environment with multi-account functionality. System requirements include Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/10 with a processor supporting SSE2 (Pentium 4/Athlon 64 or higher).

Your First Login: Server, Credentials, and Account Type

The most common reason traders fail to connect after installation is selecting the wrong server. Your HFM account confirmation email contains the exact server name and login credentials you need.

Demo vs. Live: Server and Credential Differences

Demo and live accounts use different server addresses. If you opened a demo account but select the live server in your terminal (or vice versa), login will fail.

• Demo accounts connect to HFM's demo server. These accounts use virtual funds and simulate market conditions for practice.
• Live accounts connect to HFM's live server. These accounts use real funds and execute actual market orders.

The server name format is specified in the welcome email you receive after account creation. Do not guess the server name—always use the one provided in your email.

First-login checklist:

1. Open your HFM account confirmation email.
2. Note the account number, password, and server name.
3. In your terminal, go to File → Login to Trade Account.
4. Enter the account number and password exactly as provided.
5. Select the server name that matches your account type (demo or live).
6. Wait for the connection status to show "Connected" in the bottom-right corner.

If the status shows "Invalid Account," verify all three fields: login number, password, and server name.

MT4 vs. MT5 vs. Web vs. Mobile: Full Feature Breakdown

Feature	MT4	MT5	WebTrader	Mobile App
Chart types	3 (bar, candlestick, line)	3+	Basic chart types	Candlestick, line
Built-in indicators	30+	80+	Limited	Limited
Custom indicators	Yes	Yes	No	No
Expert Advisors	Yes (MQL4)	Yes (MQL5)	No	No
One-click trading	Yes	Yes	Limited	Yes
Depth of Market	No	Yes	No	No
Trailing stops	Yes	Yes	Limited	Limited
Pending order types	4	6	Basic	Basic
Multi-chart layouts	Yes	Yes (up to 100)	Limited	Single chart
Strategy tester	Basic	Advanced (multi-currency)	No	No
Economic calendar	No	Built-in	Varies	Yes
Push notifications	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Timeframes	9	21	Standard set	Standard set

Charting Depth and Technical Analysis Tools

MT5 leads with 21 timeframes and over 80 built-in indicators compared to MT4's 9 timeframes and 30+ indicators. Both desktop terminals support custom indicator installation and multi-chart layouts. The WebTrader provides standard chart types with a reduced indicator selection, while the mobile app allows chart drawing and analysis but on a smaller screen with fewer tools visible simultaneously.

Order Types and Execution Workflow

MT5 supports six pending order types (including Buy Stop Limit and Sell Stop Limit) compared to MT4's four. Both desktop terminals offer full one-click trading and trailing stops. The WebTrader and mobile app handle basic market and pending orders but lack the advanced order templates and batch management available on desktop.

Expert Advisors and Custom Indicators

This is where terminal choice matters most for automated traders. MT4 uses MQL4; MT5 uses MQL5. These are distinct languages—MQL4 Expert Advisors do not run natively on MT5, and MQL5 programs do not run on MT4.

Terminal	Language	EA Support	Custom Indicators	Scripts	Signal Copying
MT4	MQL4	Full	Full	Yes	Yes (MQL4 signals)
MT5	MQL5	Full	Full	Yes	Yes (MQL5 signals)
WebTrader	N/A	None	None	None	No
Mobile App	N/A	None	None	None	No

If you already have MQL4-based EAs, MT4 is your terminal. If you are building new strategies or need multi-currency backtesting, MT5's strategy tester is significantly more capable.

Mobile Terminal: Capabilities and Limitations

The HFM mobile app is a capable companion but not a desktop replacement. Here is a transparent feature gap assessment:

Feature	Desktop (MT4/MT5)	Mobile App	Notes
Full charting toolbar	Yes	Limited	Fewer drawing tools visible
EA installation	Yes	No	Automation requires desktop
Custom indicators	Yes	No	Desktop-only feature
Multi-chart workspace	Yes	No	Single chart view on mobile
Strategy backtesting	Yes	No	Requires desktop terminal
One-click trading	Yes	Yes	Available on both
Trade management	Full	Core functions	Modify/close positions on mobile
Push alerts	Yes	Yes	Mobile excels at real-time alerts
Copy Trading	Via signals	Yes	Fully available on HFM App
Deposit/withdrawal	Via client area	Yes	HF Wallet integration in-app

The mobile app works best as a monitoring and quick-action tool—checking positions, responding to alerts, and managing open trades—while desktop handles analysis, automation, and strategy development.

Which Terminal Matches Your Trading Style?

Trader Profile	Primary Terminal	Secondary Terminal	Key Reason
Forex scalper	MT4 Desktop	Mobile App	One-click trading, tight spread execution, EA scalpers
Multi-asset trader	MT5 Desktop	HFM WebTrader	More instruments, depth of market, 21 timeframes
EA/algorithmic trader	MT4 or MT5 Desktop	MT4 MultiTerminal	Full MQL support, strategy tester
Swing trader	MT5 Desktop	Mobile App	Advanced charting for analysis, mobile for position monitoring
Mobile-first trader	HFM Mobile App	HFM WebTrader	Full account management on mobile, WebTrader for larger-screen review
Beginner (demo)	HFM WebTrader	MT4 Desktop	Lowest barrier to entry, then graduate to desktop

If you are unsure, start with MT4. It has the largest EA marketplace, the most third-party tutorials, and the widest broker compatibility if you ever switch. Move to MT5 when you need multi-asset access or advanced backtesting.

Open a free HFM demo account to test your chosen terminal with virtual funds before committing capital.

Combining Terminals: The Multi-Terminal Workflow

Many active traders run more than one terminal for different purposes:

• MT4 Desktop for EAs: Run your automated strategies on a desktop or VPS with stable connectivity. MT4's established MQL4 ecosystem makes it the default for most retail EAs.
• Mobile app for alerts and monitoring: Set push notifications on desktop MT4/MT5, which forward to your HFM mobile app. Use mobile to check positions and react to market events away from your desk.
• WebTrader for quick access: When you are on a device where you cannot install software, the WebTrader provides browser-based access to your account for position checks and basic order management.
• MT4 MultiTerminal for multiple accounts: If you manage several HFM accounts (personal, PAMM, or copy trading), the MultiTerminal consolidates them into one interface.

The key is assigning each terminal a clear role rather than expecting one to do everything.

Common Setup Problems and Fixes

Problem	Likely Cause	Fix
"Invalid Account" on login	Wrong server selected	Check your confirmation email for the exact server name. Demo and live accounts use different servers.
Terminal will not connect	Firewall blocking ports	Ensure your firewall allows outbound connections on ports 443 and 8443. Add MT4/MT5 as an exception.
Missing instruments in Market Watch	Account type mismatch	Right-click in Market Watch → Show All. If instruments are still missing, your account type may not support them. Check HFM's account comparison.
EA will not load on MT5	MQL4 vs. MQL5 incompatibility	MQL4 Expert Advisors do not run on MT5. You need the MQL5 version or must recompile the code.
MT4 on Mac crashes or freezes	Compatibility layer issue	Restart the application. If problems persist, try the HFM WebTrader as a browser-based alternative.
Charts not loading on WebTrader	Browser incompatibility	Use an up-to-date version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Clear browser cache and disable ad blockers.
Outdated terminal build	Auto-update disabled	Download the latest version from the HFM platforms section. Keeping your terminal updated ensures access to current instruments and security patches.
Cannot find HFM server in dropdown	First-time login	Manually type the server address from your confirmation email, or scan for available servers in the login dialog.

Open an Account and Start Trading

Every HFM terminal requires an HFM account. The process is straightforward:

1. Register on the HFM website with your email and basic details.
2. Verify your identity by uploading the required documents.
3. Choose an account type (Cent, Zero, Pro, Premium, or InfinityX) or open a demo account first.
4. Fund your live account (minimum deposits start from $0 on Cent, Zero, and Premium accounts, $100 on Pro, and $500 on InfinityX, according to the published account comparison).
5. Download your chosen terminal and log in with the credentials from your confirmation email.

Open a live HFM account and download your terminal today.

Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex products are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Consider whether you understand how these products work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your capital. Check the entity, terms and protections that apply in your jurisdiction before trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the HFM trader terminal free to download? Yes. MT4, MT5, the HFM WebTrader, and the HFM mobile app are all free to use with any HFM account. There are no platform fees for terminal access.

Can I use MT4 and MT5 at the same time? Yes. You can install both terminals on the same computer and run them simultaneously. Each connects to a separate HFM trading account—one MT4 account and one MT5 account.

Do my MQL4 Expert Advisors work on MT5? No. MT4 and MT5 use different programming languages (MQL4 and MQL5). An EA written for MT4 must be converted to MQL5 to run on MT5, and vice versa.

Which terminal should a beginner start with? The HFM WebTrader is the lowest-friction option—no installation required, accessible from any browser. Once comfortable, most beginners move to MT4 Desktop for its extensive tutorial resources and EA marketplace.

Can I trade from my phone without a desktop terminal? Yes. The HFM mobile app supports full trade execution, account management, deposits, Copy Trading, and PAMM access. However, advanced features like EA automation, custom indicators, and strategy backtesting require a desktop terminal.

Why does my terminal show "Invalid Account" when I try to log in? The most common cause is selecting the wrong server. Demo and live accounts use different server names, both provided in your HFM account confirmation email. Match the server exactly, and ensure your login number and password are correct.

Is the MT4 MultiTerminal a separate product? The MT4 MultiTerminal is a variant of MT4 that lets you manage multiple HFM accounts from a single application window. It uses the same MT4 interface and features but adds multi-account functionality. It is available for download from the HFM platforms section.

Does HFM offer a web-based terminal for trading without installation? Yes. The HFM WebTrader is a browser-based trading platform accessible through your HFM client area. It supports core trading functions including charting, order placement, and position management, though it lacks EA support and advanced desktop features.

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Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex products are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with most providers; the exact percentage varies by HFM entity and account type. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Check the entity, terms and investor protections that apply in your jurisdiction before opening an account or trading.