Most questions in our WhatsApp group during the first week of a batch are about MT5: "Which server?", "Where is Boom 1000?", "How do I set a stop loss?" This guide answers all of them in order.
Step 1: Create your Deriv MT5 account
Log in to Deriv and open the Trader's Hub. In the CFDs section, add a Deriv MT5 account — start with a demo. Choose the account type that includes the markets you want (for synthetic indices this is usually the Standard account). Set an MT5 password.
Step 2: Note your login and server
After creating the account, Deriv shows:
- MT5 login — a number that identifies your trading account.
- Server — the exact server name for your account.
Use the server name exactly as shown in your Deriv dashboard. Choosing a different server is the number one reason for "Invalid account" errors.
Step 3: Install MT5 and log in
On mobile (Android / iPhone)
- Install MetaTrader 5 from the official app store.
- Open Settings → New Account / Login to an existing account.
- Search "Deriv" and select the server that matches your dashboard.
- Enter your MT5 login and MT5 password.
On desktop or web
Download MT5 from your Deriv dashboard or use the web terminal link Deriv provides. Go to File → Login to Trade Account and enter the same login, password and server.
Step 4: Add Boom, Crash and volatility indices
New accounts show only a few symbols. To add more:
- Mobile: open Quotes, tap the + icon and search for the name, for example "Crash 1000" or "Volatility 75".
- Desktop: right-click inside Market Watch and choose Symbols (or Show All), then find and enable the indices you want.
Step 5: Check the specification
Before trading any symbol, open its Specification (desktop: right-click → Specification). Note the minimum volume, volume step and contract size. These differ between instruments and directly affect your risk.
Step 6: Place a trade with SL and TP
- Open the chart of the symbol and tap or click New Order.
- Enter the volume you calculated from your risk.
- Set the Stop Loss and Take Profit prices.
- Choose Buy or Sell.
You can also drag SL and TP lines on the chart after opening the trade. Confirm both are visible before you leave the screen.
Step 7: Set up your chart properly
- Use candlesticks and switch between H1, M15 and M5.
- Draw horizontal lines for key support and resistance.
- Keep indicators minimal — clean charts make clearer decisions.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely fix |
|---|---|
| Invalid account | Check the server name and use the MT5 password, not your Deriv password. |
| Symbol not found | Make sure your account type includes that market, then search the full name. |
| Invalid volume | Use the minimum volume and step shown in the Specification. |
| No balance in MT5 | Transfer funds from your Deriv account to the MT5 account. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Risk warning: trading derivatives carries a high level of risk. This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.