Prerequisites
What you need before setting up PineHook.
Most traders already have the essentials. Here's what you need before starting.
What You'll Need#
| What | Why | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 5 | Runs the EA that executes your trades | metatrader5.com |
| TradingView Essential or higher | Required to send webhook alerts | tradingview.com |
| Stable Internet | Keeps your EA connected to PineHook | Your ISP or a VPS |
| PineHook Account | Relays signals from TradingView to MT5 | pinehook.io |
Required Components#
MetaTrader 5#
PineHook's EA runs inside MT5 and executes trades through your broker. You need:
- MT5 installed on Windows (MacOS and Linux are not supported).
- A demo or live account with any MT5 broker.
- Algorithmic trading enabled in MT5 settings.
PineHook works with any MT5 broker, no exceptions.
TradingView Essential or Higher#
TradingView is where your signals originate. Webhooks send alerts from your strategy to PineHook, and they require an Essential plan or higher.
Webhooks Required
Free TradingView accounts do not support webhooks. An Essential plan or higher is required.
Stable Internet Connection#
The EA holds a persistent WebSocket connection to PineHook's servers. If your terminal goes offline, signals queue on the server and can be recovered when it reconnects. For live trading, running MT5 on a VPS eliminates this concern entirely.
Recommended#
VPS#
Running MT5 on a VPS keeps your EA online around the clock without leaving your home computer on. Benefits:
- 24/7 uptime with no interruptions from power outages or home internet issues.
- Low latency to your broker.
- Minimal maintenance once set up.
- Typically $5 to $20 per month.
Popular options: Vultr, DigitalOcean, AWS LightSail, UpCloud, or broker-provided VPS services. Most offer one-click Windows setup.
Demo Account#
Test your full setup on a demo account before going live. Verify that signals arrive correctly, lot sizes are right, and SL/TP levels are accurate. Run it for at least a few days across different market conditions before trading real capital.
Broker Compatibility#
PineHook works with any MT5 broker. A few things worth checking:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Symbol names | Use your broker's exact symbol names in alerts (e.g., EURUSD, EURUSDm, EURUSD.raw). Check MT5's Market Watch for the correct format. |
| Execution speed | Brokers with servers near major financial centers generally fill faster. |
| Spreads | Compare spread costs across brokers, as they vary significantly. |
| EA permissions | Some brokers restrict algorithmic trading. Confirm it's allowed on your account. |
Non-Standard Symbols
If your broker uses custom symbol names, use the exact name in your TradingView alerts. There is no automatic symbol mapping.
Next Steps#
Head to the Installation Guide to set up PineHook.