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Clearing the cache of MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) on a Mac is essential for maintaining your trading platform’s speed, performance, and accuracy. Over time, these applications collect significant data, such as historical price quotes and downloaded indicators, which can slow down your platform or even cause errors. Regular cache clearing can help your platform run smoothly and keep your trading environment clutter-free. This guide will walk you through clearing the MT4 and MT5 caches using the History Center and Terminal on a Mac.
Why Clear the Cache?
When trading on MT4 or MT5, price history, chart data, and custom indicators accumulate in the platform’s cache. Clearing the cache can:
- Improve performance: Excessive data stored over time can slow down your platform.
- Fix platform errors: Cache-related issues can cause indicators to malfunction, charts to display outdated data, or even cause the platform tofail.
- Ensure accurate trading information: A clean cache ensures the most recent and correct market data is used.
Steps to Clear MT4 and MT5 Cache on Mac
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to close your MT4 or MT5 platform to ensure that no cached data is being accessed while you attempt to delete it. Then, proceed with the following steps:
Step 1: Use Terminal to Remove MetaQuotes Application Support Files
The Terminal is a powerful tool on macOS that allows you to interact directly with system files. Follow these commands to remove the cached data related to MT4 and MT5.
- Open Terminal:
- Navigate to your
Applicationsfolder, then open theUtilitiesfolder, and finally, openTerminal.
- Navigate to your
- Run the Cache Removal Command: Type the following command into the Terminal:
sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/MetaQuotes
Press
EnterAnd provide your Mac’s administrator password when prompted. This command deletes all files related to MetaQuotes (the company behind MT4 and MT5), including downloaded data and historical files stored on your computer.Note: The “sudo” command gives you administrative privileges to delete essential files. Be cautious when using this command to ensure you are removing only the necessary cache files.
Step 2: Open Finder Preferences to View Hidden Files
Since some files associated with MetaQuotes may be hidden by default, you’ll need to adjust your Finder settings to make them visible.
- Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in your Dock.
- Access Preferences: In Finder, go to the top menu bar, click on
Finder, and then selectPreferences. - Enable Hidden Files: Click on the
Advancedtab and deselectShow all filename extensions. This step allows you to adjust the visibility of hidden files on your Mac.
Step 3: Remove Cache Files via Terminal
Now that hidden files are visible, use Terminal again to clean up cache files that may still be on your system.
- Run the Cache Deletion Command: In the Terminal, enter the following command:
rm -rf ~/cache/com.metaquotes.* && rm -rf ~/caches/*/com.metaquotes.*
Press
Enter. This command clears any remaining cache files associated with the MetaQuotes platforms (MT4 and MT5) stored in your system’s cache directories.
Step 4: Empty Trash
Once you’ve removed the cache files, you must ensure they are completely deleted from your system.
- Go to Trash: Click on the Trash icon located on the Dock.
- Select All Items: Inside the Trash folder, press
CMD + Ato select all items. - Empty Trash: Right-click and choose
Empty TrashOr use the shortcutCMD + Shift + Delete.
This final step will remove any remnants of the cache files from your system, ensuring your Mac is free of unnecessary data that could slow down MT4 or MT5.
Benefits of Clearing Cache on MT4 and MT5
- Improved Platform Speed: Removing outdated or unnecessary data allows the platform to run faster and more efficiently.
- Enhanced Chart Accuracy: Cache issues can result in discrepancies or incorrect price information. Clearing the cache ensures that you’re working with the most recent data.
- Resolve Indicator Malfunctions: Custom indicators and expert advisors can sometimes malfunction due to interference from cached data. Clearing the cache often fixes these issues.
- Prevent Crashes: A cluttered cache can cause MT4 or MT5 to crash or freeze, disrupting your trading activities. Regular clearing minimizes this risk.
When to Clear the Cache?
You don’t need to clear your MT4 or MT5 cache daily, but it’s advisable to do so in the following scenarios:
- After significant platform updates: When updated, old cached files can cause conflicts.
- If you notice performance issues, Slow platform performance, lagging charts, or freezing, there are signs that it’s time to clear the cache.
- Before adding new custom indicators, Clearing the cache ensures no previous data interferes with new indicators or expert advisors.
- Every few months: Regular maintenance, such as clearing the cache every few months, keeps your trading environment in optimal condition.
Final Thoughts
Clearing the cache of MT4 and MT5 on a Mac is a simple yet highly beneficial process for traders. Following the steps outlined above, you can maintain a faster and more reliable platform that accurately reflects real-time market data. Regular cache clearing is a part of good platform hygiene, ensuring your trading setup remains in peak condition.
He is an expert in financial niche, long-term trading, and weekly technical levels.
The primary field of Igor's research is the application of machine learning in algorithmic trading.
Education: Computer Engineering and Ph.D. in machine learning.
Igor regularly publishes trading-related videos on the Fxigor Youtube channel.
To contact Igor write on:
igor@forex.in.rs
