Install PrestaShop manually on your server

In this article, we will guide you through 6 steps to install PrestaShop on your web hosting using an FTP client. This method is particularly useful for those who prefer a manual installation or who encounter limitations with the automatic installations provided by some hosting providers.

 

Step 1: Download PrestaShop

To begin the installation of PrestaShop, go to the official website and download the latest version of the software. The resulting file will be a compressed file (.zip).

Decompress the ZIP file:

• On Windows: Right-click on the file, then click 'Extract All', then select the location where the folder will be saved (by default, the location where the zip file is located) and click 'Extract'.
• On Mac: Double-click on the ZIP file, it will be automatically decompressed.

Have your files been downloaded and decompressed? Now let's move on to the next step: choosing the hosting.

 

Step 2: Choosing the hosting

Choosing a hosting that suits your store is crucial. Check out the article Choosing a hosting provider for your PrestaShop store if you need help with this choice.

 

Step 3: Transferring files 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 do not already have one, download an FTP client such as FileZilla or Cyberduck. Consult our article dedicated to the FTP protocol if necessary.

• Connect to your server: Use the FTP login information provided by your host to connect to your server. You will need the server address, username, and password.

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

 

 

Step 4: Database configuration

PrestaShop requires a database to store site information.

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

 

Step 5: Installing PrestaShop

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

• Access your site: Open your web browser and go to the URL (domain) where you downloaded the PrestaShop files (for example, http://votresite.com).
• Follow the installation wizard: The PrestaShop installation wizard will launch automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions, enter your database information, and configure your store's settings.

 

1. Choose the language of the installation wizard

 

2. Accept the terms and conditions

 

3. Specify the information relating to your store

📝 The SSL option allows you to secure web pages. However, it requires the purchase and installation of an SSL certificate, and may cause compatibility issues.

 

4. Specify the information relating to your administrator account

⚠️ The email and password entered here will allow you to log in to the back office, so make sure to save them.

 

5. Choose whether you want to install the demo products and all or part of the embedded modules

 

6. Configure the access to the previously created database

 

7. Wait for the assistant to process the installation

 

8. Finalize the installation

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

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

 

Step 6: Initial configuration of the store

After installation, you will be able to access the PrestaShop back office to configure your store.

• Log in to the back office: Go to the URL http://votresite.com/adminXXX (or click on the link on the installation completion page) and log in with the administrator information you created during installation.

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

 

For a simpler and faster installation method, discover our free video tutorials on the official PrestaShop training platform. There, you will learn, step by step, how to install PrestaShop in one click with our hosting partners, Hostinger and Gandi.

If you are not comfortable with installing your PrestaShop store on remote hosting, we offer a turnkey solution with hosting and installation included : PrestaShop Hosted.

You can also be accompanied thanks to the quick start aid pack offered by our official PrestaShop support.

 

Frequently asked questions

How can I resolve errors during FTP transfer?

If you encounter errors when transferring files via FTP, here are some solutions:

• Check file permissions: Make sure that the files on your server have the correct permissions (usually 755 for folders and 644 for files).
• Try the transfer again: In the event of a partial transfer failure, try to retransfer 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, please check the following:

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