MetaTrader is one of the most popular platforms for retail and algorithmic traders — but most traders don’t realize how powerful it can be when combined with WebHooks.
In this guide, we’ll break down what MetaTrader WebHooks are, how to set them up, and how to use them to automate alerts, trigger bots, and even execute trades or actions across external platforms like Discord, Telegram, or your own trading infrastructure.
Table of Contents
What Are MetaTrader WebHooks?
WebHooks allow MetaTrader to send alerts or data to an external URL when specific conditions are met. Unlike email or SMS notifications, WebHooks are instant, lightweight, and programmable.
They’re commonly used for:
Triggering bots or scripts when a trading signal is generated
Sending alerts to Discord, Slack, or Telegram
Executing trades or workflows via platforms like n8n or Zapier
Integrating with custom trade copiers or risk monitoring tools
MetaTrader supports WebHooks natively in MT4 and MT5 when using trading alerts.
Why Use WebHooks Instead of Standard Alerts?
| Feature | Email / SMS | WebHooks |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower | Near-instant |
| Automation | Limited | Fully programmable |
| Integration | Basic | Any system via URL |
| Cost | May require SMS fees | Free and scalable |
If you’re building any kind of trading automation, WebHooks are the better choice.
How to Set Up WebHooks in MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
Setting up WebHooks in MT5 is straightforward:
Step 1: Open the Options Panel
Open MetaTrader 5
Go to Tools > Options > Notifications tab
Step 2: Enter Your WebHook URL
In the WebRequest for URL field, enter the domain or server URL you want to allow.
Example:
https://webhook.myserver.com/trade-alert
Step 3: Create a Trading Alert
Right-click on the chart and choose “Trading Alert”
Set the condition (price, indicator level, etc.)
In the alert action type, choose “Notification”
In the alert message, include a JSON string or plain text — this will be sent to your WebHook
Sample JSON message:
{
"symbol": "EURUSD",
"signal": "buy",
"price": "1.0845",
"time": "2025-05-15T14:00:00Z"
}
How to Use WebHook Alerts in Automation Platforms
Once your alert hits the WebHook, you can process it using:
Option 1: n8n (Open-Source Workflow Automation)
Create a WebHook node to receive the signal
Parse the data (e.g., extract symbol, direction)
Trigger downstream actions like:
Placing a trade via broker API
Sending a message to Telegram/Discord
Logging the alert in a database
Option 2: Zapier or Make (Integromat)
Use the WebHooks module to receive the alert
Connect to 1,000+ apps (e.g., Google Sheets, Email, Slack)
Best for non-technical users or marketing-focused tasks
Practical Use Cases for MetaTrader WebHooks
1. Triggering Trades on a Secondary Platform
Copy trades from MT5 to another broker or execution platform (e.g. cTrader, IBKR) using a WebHook + API integration.
2. Sending Trade Alerts to Discord or Telegram
Build a bot that posts every time an MT5 strategy generates a signal.
3. Logging All Signals to Google Sheets or a Database
Track all historical signals for analysis or strategy auditing.
4. Connecting to an AI Trading Assistant
Use the WebHook to send alerts to an AI engine (like one built in n8n with GPT-4) to get automated commentary or follow-up actions.
Best Practices for Using WebHooks with MetaTrader
Always test WebHooks in a demo environment before live trading
Secure your WebHook endpoints with authentication or tokens
Use clear and structured alert messages (prefer JSON format)
Monitor for failed requests — especially if your endpoint goes down
Run your automation system on a VPS for reliability and uptime
Example: Copying a MetaTrader Signal to Another Platform via WebHook
Let’s say your EA generates a “buy” signal on EURUSD. You can:
Trigger a WebHook from MT5 with the trade details
Receive the signal on your VPS
Translate it to an API request for cTrader, Interactive Brokers, or another platform
Place the trade — all within 1 second
Do You Need a VPS?
If you’re using WebHooks for automation, running MetaTrader on a dedicated trading VPS ensures:
No missed alerts
No disconnects during market hours
Ultra-low latency to broker servers
Reliable hosting for automation tools like n8n or custom APIs
Conclusion
MetaTrader WebHooks open up a powerful world of trading automation. Whether you’re sending alerts, triggering bots, or copying trades across platforms, WebHooks are faster, cleaner, and more customizable than traditional alerts.
Set them up properly, secure your endpoints, and you’ll have a highly flexible trading infrastructure that works while you sleep.
Need Help Setting It Up?
Our team can help you integrate WebHooks into your MetaTrader setup and connect it with automation platforms like n8n, Discord, or your broker’s API.
