How to Change Time Settings in MetaTrader 4
Master time zone configuration, server time adjustment, and display preferences in MT4 for better trading analysis
Understanding MT4 Time Settings
Server Time
MT4 displays server time by default, which is set by your broker. This affects when daily candles close and when trading sessions begin.
Local Time
You can adjust MT4 to show your local time zone for easier analysis and coordination with your trading schedule.
Display Options
Customize how time is displayed in charts, market watch, and terminal for optimal trading experience.
Important Note
Remember that changing time display doesn't affect the actual trading hours or market sessions. It only changes how time is shown on your platform.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to change time settings in your MetaTrader 4 platform
Access Tools Menu
Open the main menu and navigate to the Tools section to access platform options.
How to do it:
- • Click on "Tools" in the top menu bar
- • Select "Options" from the dropdown menu
- • Alternatively, press Ctrl+O as a shortcut
Navigate to Charts Tab
In the Options window, find the Charts tab where time display settings are located.
Location:
- • Look for the "Charts" tab in the Options window
- • Click on it to reveal chart-related settings
- • This is where time display options are configured
Adjust Time Zone Offset
Set the time zone offset to match your local time or preferred trading time zone.
Settings to modify:
- • Find "Show time shift" option
- • Check the box to enable time offset
- • Enter your desired offset in hours (e.g., +3, -5)
- • Use + for ahead, - for behind server time
Configure Display Format
Choose how you want time to be displayed across the platform interface.
Display options:
- • Select 12-hour or 24-hour format
- • Choose date format (DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY)
- • Enable/disable seconds display
- • Set time zone abbreviation display
Apply and Verify Changes
Save your settings and check that the time is displaying correctly across all windows.
Final steps:
- • Click "OK" to apply changes
- • Check chart time axis for new time display
- • Verify Market Watch shows correct time
- • Restart MT4 if changes don't appear immediately
Popular Trading Time Zones
Common time zone offsets used by traders worldwide for different market sessions
Eastern Time
EST/EDT
Greenwich Mean
GMT/UTC
Japan Standard
JST
Central European
CET/CEST
Australian Eastern
AEST/AEDT
Moscow Time
MSK
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Quick solutions to common problems when changing time settings in MT4
Time Not Updating
If the time display doesn't update after applying changes:
Solutions:
- • Restart MT4 to refresh settings
- • Ensure your platform is connected to the broker's server
- • Check if the "Show time shift" option is enabled
- • Verify your offset value is correct
Incorrect Time Zone
If the displayed time doesn't match your intended time zone:
Solutions:
- • Double-check the offset value (e.g., +2 or -5)
- • Account for Daylight Saving Time (DST) if applicable
- • Compare with your computer's system time
- • Contact your broker to confirm server time
Chart Time Misalignment
If chart time doesn't align with Market Watch or Terminal:
Solutions:
- • Right-click chart and select "Refresh"
- • Ensure all charts use the same time settings
- • Reopen the chart or switch timeframes
- • Clear cache in Tools > Options > Charts
Pro Tips for Time Management
Enhance your trading experience with these expert tips for managing time in MT4
Use Indicators
Add a time zone indicator to display multiple time zones on your charts for global session tracking.
Sync with Broker
Confirm your broker’s server time to accurately align your trading with market open/close times.
Automate Adjustments
Use scripts to automatically adjust for DST changes to save time and avoid errors.
Label Time Zones
Enable time zone abbreviations on charts for quick reference during fast-paced trading.
Monitor News Events
Align your time settings with economic calendars to stay ahead of high-impact news releases.
Test Settings
Verify time settings on a demo account before applying them to live trading to avoid confusion.
Get Started with MT4 Tools
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MetaTrader 4
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Sync time settings with economic calendars for news event tracking.
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