How to Create Time-Based Licenses for Your Expert Advisor (EA) in MetaTrader 4

Well · Dec 16, 2024

Looking to add an extra layer of protection to your EA? A time-based license is a great way to ensure your Expert Advisor only runs for a specific period, such as a subscription duration or trial period. This guide will show you how to implement time-based licensing in MQL4.

Time-based licensing allows you to:

Offer a trial period for new users.
Set up subscription-based access to your EA.
Revoke access after the license expires.

This approach provides flexibility for both you and your users while ensuring control over how your EA is used.

You compare the current server date (TimeCurrent()) to a pre-set expiration date.

If the current date exceeds the expiration date, the EA stops working.

Here’s a simple code example to add a license expiration date:

Code:

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You can also show users how many days they have left on their license:

Code:

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Make the expiration date customizable by using an external input:

Code:

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This approach allows you to easily change the expiration date without modifying the code.

For greater control, validate the license period through a server:

Store the user’s account number and license period on a remote database.
When the EA starts, send the account number to the server to verify if the license is still active.
Allow or block access based on the server response.

To make your EA even more secure, combine time-based licensing with account locking.

This ensures the EA only works on authorized accounts for a limited time:

Code:

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Final Thoughts
Time-based licensing is an effective way to protect your EA while offering flexibility to your users. Combined with other security measures, it ensures your hard work stays protected.

Have you tried implementing time-based licenses in your EA? Let’s discuss your experiences or challenges below!

How to Create Time-Based Licenses for Your Expert Advisor (EA) in MetaTrader 4

Well

Moderator

Time-based licensing allows you to:

You compare the current server date (TimeCurrent()) to a pre-set expiration date.

Here’s a simple code example to add a license expiration date:

You can also show users how many days they have left on their license:

Make the expiration date customizable by using an external input:

For greater control, validate the license period through a server:

To make your EA even more secure, combine time-based licensing with account locking.

Signals

How to Create Time-Based Licenses for Your Expert Advisor (EA) in MetaTrader 4

Well

Moderator

Time-based licensing allows you to:​

You compare the current server date (TimeCurrent()) to a pre-set expiration date.​

Here’s a simple code example to add a license expiration date:​

You can also show users how many days they have left on their license:​

Make the expiration date customizable by using an external input:​

For greater control, validate the license period through a server:​

To make your EA even more secure, combine time-based licensing with account locking.​

Signals

Time-based licensing allows you to:

You compare the current server date (TimeCurrent()) to a pre-set expiration date.

Here’s a simple code example to add a license expiration date:

You can also show users how many days they have left on their license:

Make the expiration date customizable by using an external input:

For greater control, validate the license period through a server:

To make your EA even more secure, combine time-based licensing with account locking.