How to Install PrestaShop 9: Step by Step Guide

Installing PrestaShop 9 is straightforward if you meet the server requirements. This step-by-step guide walks you through downloading, configuring, and launching your PrestaShop 9 store from scratch.

PrestaShop 9 Server Requirements

• PHP: 8.1 to 8.4 (recommended: 8.3)
• MySQL: 5.7+ or MariaDB 10.4+
• Web server: Apache 2.4 or Nginx 1.18+
• Memory: 256 MB minimum (512 MB+ recommended)
• HTTPS: SSL certificate required

Check our detailed PHP version compatibility chart for all requirements.

Step 1: Download PrestaShop 9

Download the latest PrestaShop 9 release from the official PrestaShop download page. Always download from the official source to ensure you get the latest security patches.

Step 2: Upload Files to Your Server

1. Connect to your server via FTP/SFTP or use your hosting file manager
2. Upload the PrestaShop zip file to your web root (e.g., /public_html/)
3. Extract the zip file
4. Set folder permissions: directories 755, files 644

Step 3: Create a MySQL Database

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.)
2. Create a new MySQL database
3. Create a database user with full privileges on that database
4. Note the database name, username and password

Step 4: Run the Installation Wizard

1. Open your browser and go to yourdomain.com/install
2. Select your language and accept the license
3. Enter your store name, country, and timezone
4. Enter your database credentials
5. Wait for the installation to complete (2-5 minutes)

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup

1. Delete the /install folder — this is mandatory for security
2. Rename the /admin folder to a custom name
3. Log in to your back office
4. Configure your shop settings, payment methods, and shipping
5. Install your modules — check our PS9 module compatibility guide first

Common Installation Issues

• PHP version error — ensure your host supports PHP 8.1+
• Memory limit error — increase PHP memory_limit to 256M in php.ini
• File permissions error — set /var, /cache, /img directories to 755
• Database connection error — double-check your DB credentials

Hosting-Specific Instructions (cPanel)

Most shared hosting providers use cPanel. Here is a cPanel-specific installation walkthrough:

1. Log in to cPanel → File Manager → navigate to public_html
2. Click Upload and upload the PrestaShop 9 zip file
3. Right-click the zip file → Extract
4. Go to cPanel → MySQL Databases
5. Create a new database (e.g., mystore_ps9)
6. Create a database user and add it to the database with All Privileges
7. Visit yourdomain.com/install in your browser to launch the wizard

Recommended PHP Settings for PrestaShop 9

Before installing, configure these PHP settings in your php.ini or via cPanel PHP selector:

Post-Installation Security Checklist

Troubleshooting Common Installation Errors

Error: "PHP version is not compatible"

Solution: Change PHP version in cPanel → MultiPHP Manager, or ask your host to upgrade. PrestaShop 9 requires PHP 8.1 minimum. Check our PHP compatibility guide.

Error: "Fatal error: Allowed memory size exhausted"

Solution: Add php_value memory_limit 512M to your .htaccess file, or edit php.ini. Contact your host if you cannot modify PHP settings.

Error: "Could not connect to database"

Solution: Double-check DB name, username, and password. On cPanel, the database user must be explicitly added to the database with privileges — creating both separately is not enough.

Error: Blank white page after install

Solution: Enable debug mode by editing config/defines.inc.php and setting define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', true);. Check /var/logs/ for PHP errors.

Error: Images not displaying

Solution: Set the /img directory and subdirectories to 755 permissions. Also check Preferences → Images → Regenerate thumbnails.

Error: ".htaccess is not writable"

Solution: Set .htaccess file permissions to 644. Create a blank .htaccess if it does not exist.

Error: Installer stuck at "Database creation"

Solution: Increase max_execution_time to 600 seconds. Large databases or slow servers may exceed the default limit.

Error: Back office CSS not loading after install

Solution: Clear all caches: Advanced Parameters → Performance → Clear cache. Also clear browser cache.

First Modules to Install After Setup

Once your store is running, install these modules first to establish a solid foundation:

1. GDPR module — compliance is mandatory for EU stores. See our GDPR compliance guide
2. SSL certificate — enable HTTPS in Shop Parameters → General
3. Google Analytics 4 — track traffic from day one
4. Payment gateway — Stripe, PayPal, or local payment provider
5. SEO module — configure meta tags, sitemaps, structured data
6. Security module — brute force protection, reCAPTCHA

Check our module compatibility guide to ensure all chosen modules support PrestaShop 9.