In this article, we'll guide you through the steps required to install PrestaShop on your web hosting using an FTP client. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer manual installation, or who encounter limitations with the automatic installations provided by some hosting providers.

 

Step 1 : Preparing the environment

Before you start installing PrestaShop, make sure your hosting environment is ready.

• Check technical requirements: Make sure your server meets the minimum requirements for PrestaShop, such as PHP8 or higher, MySQL 5.6 or higher, with MySQL extension enabled.
• Download PrestaShop: Go to the official PrestaShop website and download the latest version of the software. The resulting file will be a compressed file (.zip).
• Unzip the file: Once you've downloaded the file, unzip it on your computer.

 

Step 2 : File transfer via FTP

Once the files have been prepared, you can transfer them to your server via an FTP client.

• Download and install an FTP client: If you don't already have one, download an FTP client such as FileZilla or Cyberduck. See our article on the FTP protocol.

• Connect to your server: Use the FTP connection details provided by your hosting provider to connect to your server. You'll need the server address, user name and password.

• Transfer files: Navigate to the directory where you want to install PrestaShop (often the public_html or www folder). Transfer the three PrestaShop unzipped files to this directory.

 

 

Step 3 : Database configuration

PrestaShop requires a database to store site information.

• Create a database: Access the control panel of your hosting provider (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) and create a new MySQL database. Make a note of the database name, user and password you create.
• Assign privileges: Make sure the database user has all the necessary privileges (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, etc.).

 

Step 4 : PrestaShop installation

With the files in place and the database ready, you can now proceed with installing PrestaShop.

• Access your site: Open your web browser and go to the URL (domain) where you downloaded the PrestaShop files (e.g. http://yoursite.com).
• Follow the installation assistant: The PrestaShop installation assistant will launch automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions!

 

1. select the language for the installation assistant

 

2. accept the terms and conditions

 

3. specify your store details

📝 The SSL option makes web pages secure. However, it requires the purchase and installation of an SSL certificate, and may pose compatibility problems.

 

4. enter your administrator account details

⚠️ The email address and password you enter here will allow you to connect to the back office. Make sure to save them.

 

5. choose whether you wish to install the demo products and some or all of the embedded modules

 

6. configure access to the previously created database

 

7. wait for the assistant to process the installation

 

8. finalize installation

Once installation is complete, you'll need to delete the /install folder on your server (right-click then delete), again via FTP, for security reasons.

⚠️ This deletion will rename the "admin" folder, and therefore also your back-office url, to include a series of numbers. This prevents easy access to your back office.

 

Step 5 : Initial store setup

After installation, you can access the PrestaShop back office to configure your store.

• Back office login: Go to the URL http://yoursite.com/adminXXX (or click on the link on the installation completion page) and log in with the administrator details you created during installation.

• Basic configuration: Browse the various back-office sections to configure basic options such as payment methods, delivery methods and your catalog. Check the articles in this help center for more information on these steps!

 

Frequently asked questions

How can I troubleshoot FTP transfer errors?

If you encounter any errors when transferring files via FTP, here are some ways to resolve them:

• Check file permissions: Make sure the files on your server have the right permissions (usually 755 for folders and 644 for files).
• Retry the transfer: If the transfer partially fails, try re-transferring only the missing or corrupted files.

My site displays an error after installation. What should I do?

If your site displays an error after installation, check the following:

• .htaccess file: Check that the .htaccess file has been transferred correctly and is not corrupted.
• Database configuration: Check that the database connection information in app/config/parameters.php is correct.

This article should help you install PrestaShop via FTP on your hosting. If you have any further questions, please consult the other articles in our help center or contact our technical support team.