> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mt5-m0rpheu5.gitbook.io/mt5.m0rpheu5-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mt5-m0rpheu5.gitbook.io/mt5.m0rpheu5-docs/getting-started/first-signal.md).

# First Signal Test

After setting up your credentials, verify everything works before going live.

## Pre-Flight Checks

* [ ] MT5 is **closed** (start MT5 Link first, then open MT5)
* [ ] MT5 is logged into your **trading account**
* [ ] Account bar shows **MT5 status green** (connected)
* [ ] Account bar shows **Bot status green** (online)
* [ ] Account bar shows **Signal status green** (watching channel)

***

## Dry-Run Test (no real order)

1. Click **Test Signal** in the app
2. Paste a signal from your provider (any format)
3. Click **Run Test**
4. Verify the parser extracts:
   * Correct symbol (XAUUSD, EURUSD, etc.)
   * Correct action (BUY/SELL)
   * Entry price, Stop Loss, Take Profits
   * Calculated lot size
5. No real order is placed — this is a simulation

***

## Live Test

1. Send this in your signal channel (Telegram or Discord):

```
Pair: XAUUSD
Type: BUY
Entry: 4100.00
Stop Loss: 4090.00
TP1: 4110.00
TP2: 4120.00
```

2. **Watch the log** — you should see:
   * Signal received
   * Parsed fields
   * Order placed or skipped (with reason)
3. **Check MT5** — an order should appear in the Terminal

***

## Common Issues

### "MT5 not connected"

* Make sure MT5 is open and logged in
* Check that MT5 path is correct (Browse to terminal64.exe)
* Start MT5 Link first, then open MT5

### "No Stop Loss — refusing trade"

* MT5 Link requires a Stop Loss on every BUY/SELL signal
* Add SL to your signal: `Stop Loss: 4090.00`
* Cancel/close signals don't need SL

### "Symbol not found"

* Your broker may use a different symbol name (e.g. `GOLD` vs `XAUUSD`)
* Add a mapping in **Active Symbols** section
* Enter the signal name → the broker's actual symbol

### "Signal not recognized"

* Check [Signal Formats](/mt5.m0rpheu5-docs/getting-started/signal-formats.md) for supported layouts
* Try the **Test Signal** button to debug parsing
* Most structured formats (`Pair:` / `Type:` / `Entry:`) work automatically

***

## Going Live

Once dry-run passes and a real order places successfully:

1. **Start with small lots** — 0.01 to verify
2. **Monitor the first few trades** — watch the log
3. **Account bar shows equity balance** — confirm it updates
4. **Set your risk** — default is 1.5% per trade


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://mt5-m0rpheu5.gitbook.io/mt5.m0rpheu5-docs/getting-started/first-signal.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.