cannot add the TradeRequest with server API in MT5

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05-10-2024

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Trouble Sending Trade Requests in MT5: A Guide to Debugging and Solutions

Problem: You're facing difficulty sending trade requests (orders) from your MetaTrader 5 (MT5) strategy to your server's API. This can be frustrating, leaving you unable to execute trades according to your strategy's logic.

In Simple Terms: Imagine trying to place an order for a new pair of shoes online. You fill out the order form, but it keeps getting rejected without any explanation. That's what happens when you can't send trade requests from MT5 – your strategy can't communicate with the server to execute your trades.

Scenario & Code:

Let's assume you're using a simple strategy that opens a buy order when the price crosses a certain threshold. Your code might look like this:

void OnTick()
{
   if (iClose(Symbol(), PERIOD_CURRENT, 1) > MyBuyLevel)
   {
      OrderSend(Symbol(), OP_BUY, 0.1, Ask, 3, 3, "My Buy Order", 0, 0, 0, "My Trade Comment");
   }
}

But you receive an error message like "Trade request rejected" or "OrderSend failed" in the MT5 tester or on your live account.

Understanding the Root Causes:

There are several reasons why your trade requests might be failing:

1. Invalid or Missing Credentials: Ensure you're using the correct account credentials (login, password, server address) for your brokerage account in your MT5 terminal and in your code.
2. Insufficient Margin: Check your account balance and available margin to ensure it's enough to cover the required margin for the trade you're trying to place.
3. Server Issues: There might be temporary problems with the server API. Contact your broker to check for any known issues.
4. Incorrect Parameters: Review the parameters you're passing to the OrderSend function. Pay attention to things like:
   • Symbol: The trading symbol must be correctly specified.
   • Order Type: Make sure it's OP_BUY or OP_SELL depending on the desired order type.
   • Lots: The order volume should be within the acceptable range for your account and the specific trading instrument.
   • Slippage: Specify an acceptable level of slippage to prevent orders from failing due to price gaps.
5. Account Restrictions: Your brokerage account may have restrictions on order types or trading strategies, like limitations on Expert Advisors (EAs).
6. Broker's Security Measures: Your broker might have implemented security measures that could prevent unauthorized trade requests.
7. Connection Issues: Network problems or unstable internet connections can disrupt the communication between MT5 and the server API.

Troubleshooting and Solutions:

• Check Error Codes: Examine the error code returned by OrderSend. Use the GetLastError() function to retrieve the specific error code, then refer to the MT5 documentation for details on what the code means.
• Log Data: Use the Print() function or a dedicated logging mechanism to record important information about your trade request, including the parameters used and any error messages. This helps you identify patterns in your trade failures.
• Test Thoroughly: Use the MT5 tester to test your strategy with historical data. This allows you to eliminate code errors and ensure your logic works as intended.
• Contact Your Broker: If the issue persists, contact your broker's support team. They can assist you in identifying any account-specific restrictions or server-side problems.
• Consult MT5 Documentation: Thoroughly read the documentation for the OrderSend function and other related functions in the MT5 Help section.

Additional Tips:

• Simplify Your Strategy: Start with a simple strategy and gradually increase complexity as you gain confidence.
• Use a Debugging Tool: Use a debugger like the one integrated in MT5 to step through your code line by line and understand what is happening.
• Consider Alternative Solutions: Some brokers offer alternative APIs or methods for sending trade requests, such as REST APIs.

Remember: Patience and a systematic approach are crucial when debugging trading issues. By meticulously analyzing your code and understanding the underlying mechanisms, you can resolve trade request failures and ensure your MT5 strategies execute seamlessly.