Common MT5 errors and how to fix them

When MT5 rejects an action it shows a short message in the order window, and the Journal tab of the Toolbox keeps a log with the details. Expert Advisors report the same problems as numbered trade server return codes in the Experts tab. Most errors come from a few causes: the connection, the symbol's trading rules, your free margin or a switch that is off.

MT5 · Guide 10/10 2 min read · Platform menus checked against official help: October 2026

⚠️ Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex are complex instruments with a high risk of losing money rapidly. Most retail accounts lose money. This content is education only, not investment advice or a recommendation.

Common MT5 return codes (drawn mock-up)Trade server return codes10016Invalid stops10019Not enough money10018Market is closed10014Invalid volume10030Invalid filling type10027Autotrading disabledOK
Common MT5 return codes (drawn mock-up) — Drawn mock-up for illustration, not a screenshot. Names may differ slightly between versions and brokers.

Where to look first

  1. Read the Journal. Open the Toolbox (Ctrl+T) → Journal. Each line shows the time and what the platform tried to do and why it failed.
  2. Read the Experts tab for EAs. Messages and errors from Expert Advisors and scripts appear in the Experts tab, often with a return code such as 10016.
  3. Check the symbol's rules. Right-click the symbol in Market Watch → Specification. It shows the minimum volume, volume step, stops level, allowed fill policies and trading sessions.
  4. Check the connection. The status bar in the bottom-right corner shows the connection. “No connection” or “Invalid account” means the problem is the login, not the order.

Order errors and fixes

  1. Invalid stops (10016). Your stop loss, take profit or pending price is too close to the current price. Move it outside the Stops level shown in the Specification, and remember buys use the Ask, sells the Bid.
  2. Not enough money (10019). Free margin is too low for this volume. Reduce the volume, close another position or check your leverage.
  3. Market is closed (10018). The symbol is outside its trading session, for example at the weekend. Check the sessions in the Specification.
  4. Invalid volume (10014). The lot size is below the minimum, above the maximum or not a multiple of the volume step. Use a value allowed by the Specification.
  5. Invalid order filling type (10030). The order's fill policy is not allowed for this symbol. Choose one of the policies listed in the Specification, such as Fill or Kill, Immediate or Cancel or Return.
  6. Requote (10004) or No quotes (10021). The price moved or no price was available. Wait for a fresh quote and try again; avoid trading in the seconds around major news.
  7. Trade is disabled (10017). Trading is switched off for this symbol or for your account. Also check that you did not log in with the investor password, which is read-only; otherwise ask the broker.

Common problems

No connection / Invalid account
See the MT5 login guide: check the login number, the password and the exact server name from your broker.
Prices changed (10020)
The price moved while the order was sent. Send it again at the new price.
Too frequent requests (10024)
An EA or script is sending orders too fast. Stop it and check its code or settings.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Invalid stops" mean in MT5?

The stop loss, take profit or pending order price is too close to the market. Each symbol has a minimum distance, the Stops level, shown in its Specification.

Why does MT5 say "Not enough money"?

The free margin on the account is less than the margin needed for the order. Reduce the volume or free up margin.

Where do I see MT5 error messages?

In the Toolbox: the Journal tab for the platform, and the Experts tab for Expert Advisors and scripts.

Sources (official help pages)