How to Install PrestaShop Step by Step
PrestaShop is a popular open-source e-commerce platform that allows you to create and manage an online store. In this guide, we’ll explain how to install PrestaShop step by step, from preparing your hosting account to accessing the PrestaShop back office.
What You Need Before Installing PrestaShop
Before starting the installation, make sure your hosting account meets the requirements for the PrestaShop version you want to install.
You will generally need:
- A domain name
- Web hosting
- PHP
- MySQL or MariaDB database
- SSL certificate (HTTPS)
- FTP/SFTP access or a hosting file manager
- A database name, username and password
It is also recommended to use a reliable hosting provider with sufficient storage, RAM and PHP resources for your store.
Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting
First, register your domain name and purchase suitable web hosting.
For example:
https://www.example.comMake sure your domain points to your hosting server before starting the installation.
For an e-commerce store, HTTPS is especially important because customers will enter personal and payment information.
Step 2: Download PrestaShop
Download the appropriate PrestaShop package from the official PrestaShop website.
Choose the version that is compatible with your hosting environment and PHP version.
After downloading the ZIP file, you can upload it to your hosting account using:
- cPanel File Manager
- FTP
- SFTP
- Your hosting provider’s file manager
Step 3: Upload the PrestaShop Files
Upload the PrestaShop ZIP file to the directory where you want your store to operate.
For example:
public_html/Extract the ZIP file.
Your hosting directory should contain the PrestaShop installation files.
Step 4: Create a Database
Open your hosting control panel and create a new MySQL or MariaDB database.
Create:
- Database name
- Database username
- Database password
- Database user permissions
Make sure the database user has the required permissions for the PrestaShop database.
Keep these details because you will need them during installation.
Step 5: Start the PrestaShop Installation
Open your domain in a web browser:
https://www.example.comThe PrestaShop installation wizard should start automatically.
Select your preferred language and continue.
Step 6: Accept the Terms and Conditions
Read the PrestaShop license and terms.
Accept the required agreements and click Next or Continue.
Step 7: Enter Your Store Information
Enter your basic store information, including:
- Shop name
- Country
- Default language
- Activity
- Administrator name
- Administrator email
- Administrator password
Use a strong administrator password.
Your administrator email and password will be used to access the PrestaShop back office.
Step 8: Enter Database Information
Enter the database details you created earlier.
Typically, you will need:
Database server address
Database name
Database login
Database password
Database table prefixThe database server is commonly:
localhostbut this depends on your hosting provider.
Click Test your database connection if the installation wizard provides this option.
If the connection is successful, continue with the installation.
Step 9: Wait for Installation
PrestaShop will now create the database tables and install the store.
Depending on your hosting server, this can take several minutes.
Do not close the browser while the installation is running.
Step 10: Delete the Install Folder
After the installation is completed, PrestaShop requires the installation directory to be removed.
This is an important security step.
Delete the installation folder from your hosting account according to the instructions provided by your PrestaShop version.
Do not leave the installation directory accessible to visitors.
Step 11: Log In to the PrestaShop Back Office
After installation, open your PrestaShop administration URL.
For security reasons, the administrator directory is normally renamed during installation.
For example:
https://www.example.com/admin123abcEnter the administrator email and password you created during installation.
You should now see the PrestaShop Back Office.
Step 12: Configure Your Store
After logging in, configure the basic settings of your store.
Important areas include:
Store Information
Add your:
- Store name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Logo
Currency
Configure the currencies that your store accepts.
Taxes
Configure the appropriate tax rules for your country and products.
Shipping
Add your:
- Carriers
- Shipping zones
- Delivery prices
- Free shipping rules
Payment
Install and configure your preferred payment methods.
Depending on your country, you may use payment gateways such as cards, UPI, PayPal or other supported providers.
Step 13: Add Your First Product
Go to the Catalog section in the PrestaShop Back Office and create a new product.
Add:
- Product name
- Description
- Product images
- Price
- Quantity
- Category
- Reference/SKU
- Features
- SEO information
Save the product and check the product page from the front office.
Step 14: Configure SEO
SEO is important if you want your products to appear in Google search results.
Configure:
- SEO-friendly URLs
- Meta titles
- Meta descriptions
- Product URLs
- XML sitemap
- Canonical URLs
- Robots.txt
- Structured data
You should also connect your website with Google Search Console to monitor indexing and search performance.
Step 15: Enable SSL and HTTPS
Make sure your entire store uses HTTPS.
Your store should load using:
https://www.example.comrather than:
http://www.example.comAn SSL certificate helps protect customer information and is essential for an e-commerce website.
Step 16: Test Your Store
Before launching your store, test everything carefully.
Check:
- Homepage
- Product pages
- Categories
- Search
- Shopping cart
- Checkout
- Customer registration
- Login
- Payment
- Shipping
- Emails
- Mobile display
- HTTPS
- Google indexing
Place a test order if possible.
Conclusion
Installing PrestaShop is straightforward when your hosting environment and database are correctly configured.
Once PrestaShop is installed, the next steps are to configure your store, add products, set up payment and shipping methods, optimize SEO and test the complete checkout process.
With the right configuration, you can build a professional and scalable online store using PrestaShop.
#Tags
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If you want, I can also create a “How to Install PrestaShop 9” version with screenshots/image placements for each installation step, which would be better for Google SEO and your blog.
