MetaQuotes Releases Urgent Update, Restores MT4/MT5 Server Access for Mainland China Users

Mainland China’s forex trading market has plunged into turmoil recently, with a large number of investors reporting that the MT4 and MT5 platforms have become inaccessible. Users were unable to search for brokers or connect to servers.

The connection issues began in late May, primarily affecting new users trying to sign up with forex brokers via MT4/MT5 mobile applications. Even existing users attempting to link to new brokerage firms encountered server “disappearance”. Learn more here.

Industry sources suggest that the incident, called the “MT4/MT5 collapse in China”, is not a coincidence but rather an enforcement action by Chinese authorities. The Chinese government has long cracked down on offshore leveraged forex trading, explicitly declaring that forex margin trading is an illegal financial activity and not protected under Chinese law due to its high risk and regulatory gaps.

While users in mainland China can still access MT4/MT5 platforms using virtual private networks (VPNs), this workaround sets up an additional barrier for new users trying to enter the forex market.

MetaQuotes Responds with Urgent Update

Amid mounting frustration, MetaQuotes released a critical update on May 30, aimed at restoring connectivity for mainland China users. According to an internal message sent to brokers, the company rolled out updates for MT4 Android build 1445 (IOS 4.0 1441 ) and MT5 Android build 4981 (IOS 5.0.4981). This move is viewed as a technical remedy to a week-long system outage.

Earlier, in mid-May, MetaQuotes previewed its technical upgrade route, requiring users to upgrade to MT4 Build 1440 or later and MT5 Build 4755 or later from July 1, 2025.

At present, this update is seen as a direct response to “China’s unique internet restrictions”, addressing the core issue of inaccessible servers. However, some analysts argue that the connectivity problem is merely a symptom of regulatory enforcement. Even if MetaQuotes restores server access, as long as China’s ban on forex margin trading remains, investors will still need to trade through foreign brokerages, exposing themselves to continued legal risks.