If your orders are consistently filling at prices different from what you expected, or there appears to be a delay between placing and confirming a trade, there are a few likely causes — and several practical steps you can take to address them.

Adjusting your slippage tolerance (deviation)

MT4 and MT5 allow you to control how much price movement you are willing to accept when an order is executed. This is set using the Deviation field in the order window, measured in points.

A lower deviation value means stricter execution — your order will only fill if the price stays within that range. A higher value allows more flexibility and can improve the likelihood of your order filling during fast-moving conditions, though it also means accepting a wider potential difference from your intended price. The right setting will depend on your trading style and the conditions you typically trade in.

Understanding the impact of market conditions

Slippage and execution delays are a normal part of trading during certain periods. They are most common around major news releases, at market open, and during times of low liquidity. If precise entry levels are important for your strategy, trading during calmer market conditions can help reduce unexpected execution outcomes.

Improving platform and connection performance

A stable internet connection and a well-maintained platform setup both contribute to faster and more consistent order processing. If you are running many charts, indicators, or Expert Advisors simultaneously, reducing that background activity may help reduce local delays in how quickly your trade requests are submitted.

Using limit orders for price certainty

If avoiding any price difference is important for a specific trade, a pending limit order can help. Unlike market orders, limit orders are only filled at your specified price or better — they will not execute at an unfavourable price. The trade-off is that if the market does not reach your level, the order will not fill at all.