MT5 Python error -1: Generic failure (RES_E_FAIL)

What it means

You see this code in mt5.last_error() in Python, after a package call returns None or False.

-1 is the package's general failure code. The function didn't work, and the package didn't pick a more precise code.

Functions that fail return None or False. Calling mt5.last_error() straight after gives you the code and a short message.

Common causes

• A call that the terminal refused for a reason the package doesn't report in detail.
• A login or initialize call that failed partway.
• A request for data the terminal couldn't produce at that moment.

How to fix it

• Log mt5.last_error() right after every call that returns None or False, before any other call resets it.
• Check the terminal's Journal tab, which often says more.
• Try the same call by hand in the terminal to rule out an account or symbol problem.

Example in Python:

import MetaTrader5 as mt5

rates = mt5.copy_rates_from_pos("EURUSD", mt5.TIMEFRAME_M5, 0, 100)
if rates is None:
    code, message = mt5.last_error()     # read it at once
    print(f"copy_rates_from_pos failed: {code} {message}")

Is it safe to retry?

Maybe, once you know which call failed and why. A blind loop rarely helps.

Could the order have executed?

Without the Python package

With Tickwire your code calls a REST API from any operating system, so this package error doesn't come up. See the MT5 Python API page.

Related codes

• MT5 Python error -2: Invalid parameters (RES_E_INVALID_PARAMS)
• MT5 Python error -10000: IPC internal error (RES_E_INTERNAL_FAIL)
• MT5 Python error -4: Not found (RES_E_NOT_FOUND)

Related MT5 Python functions

• mt5.initialize() in MetaTrader5 Python: connect Python to the terminal
• mt5.version() in MetaTrader5 Python: read the terminal's version and build
• mt5.last_error() in MetaTrader5 Python: find out why the last call failed
• mt5.account_info() in MetaTrader5 Python: read balance, equity and margin
• mt5.market_book_add() in MetaTrader5 Python: subscribe to market depth
• mt5.market_book_get() in MetaTrader5 Python: read the order book of a symbol
• mt5.market_book_release() in MetaTrader5 Python: stop a market depth subscription
• mt5.copy_rates_from() in MetaTrader5 Python: get bars back from a date
• mt5.copy_rates_from_pos() in MetaTrader5 Python: get the latest bars by position
• mt5.copy_rates_range() in MetaTrader5 Python: get bars between two dates
• mt5.copy_ticks_from() in MetaTrader5 Python: get ticks forward from a date
• mt5.copy_ticks_range() in MetaTrader5 Python: get ticks between two dates

All MetaTrader error codes

All MetaTrader5 Python functions