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MT5 copy-trading terminology

Source account vs follower account in MT5 copy trading.

Understand the four terms TradeMirror uses to describe an MT5 copy route—and the difference between a saved configuration, a running strategy, and an actual follower result.

Product scope reviewed
3 August 2026
Reviewed by
TradeMirror product team
Platform
MetaTrader 5
Reading time
5 minutes

The four TradeMirror terms

Source account
The MT5 account where the original trade event occurs. A copy strategy has one selected source account.
Follower account
A selected MT5 account that receives copy instructions from the source through a copy strategy.
Copy strategy
The saved configuration that contains one source, selected followers, one lot-sizing rule, and its start or stop state.
Copy route
The source-to-follower path defined by a copy strategy. It describes the configured path, not a guaranteed follower result.

These are account and configuration roles. TradeMirror is not a public trader marketplace and does not provide trading signals.

01 · SourceOne connected MT5 accountOriginal trade occurs here
02 · Sizing ruleMultiplier or fixed lotOne rule per copy strategy
03 · FollowersSelected MT5 accountsInstructions are sent to each
Configuration diagram: source account → sizing rule → selected follower accounts. It does not represent an execution receipt.

One source, selected followers

Each copy strategy starts with one source account. You then select the follower accounts that should receive eligible trade instructions, subject to the capacity available on your plan.

A follower in one strategy can be configured differently in another strategy only where the application and plan allow it. Always review the visible route before activation instead of assuming an account has the same role everywhere.

Configured does not mean running

Saving a source, followers, and sizing rule creates a configured copy strategy. The strategy must also show a running state before it can process new source events. A stopped strategy preserves its configuration but does not copy new source trades.

Check the state beside the strategy.

“Configured,” “Running,” and “Stopped” answer different questions. If runtime status is unavailable, refresh the page before relying on the route.

A sent instruction is not an identical outcome

TradeMirror can record that it processed or sent an instruction, but broker execution remains account-specific. Connectivity, symbol rules, available margin, spreads, liquidity, timing, and account settings can change or prevent a follower result.

Confirm the actual position in each follower account inside MT5. Do not treat an aggregate copied count as proof that every follower received the same fill.

Common role mistakes

  • Selecting the intended follower as the source.
  • Assuming a saved strategy is already running.
  • Applying a sizing rule without checking the follower.
  • Using an account you are not authorized to operate.
  • Assuming one aggregate event proves every follower result.

Continue the setup

Follow the complete MT5 account-copying guide to connect the accounts and build the route. Before activation, use the copy-strategy pre-flight checklist and review the risk disclosure.