How to Install PrestaShop 9: Step by Step Guide

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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:

PHP SettingMinimumRecommended
memory_limit256M512M
max_execution_time300600
upload_max_filesize16M64M
post_max_size16M64M
allow_url_fopenOnOn

Post-Installation Security Checklist

TaskWhy
Delete the /install folderMandatory. Anyone can reinstall your store if this folder exists
Rename /admin folderPrevents brute-force attacks on admin login
Enable SSL (HTTPS)Required for payments; improves SEO
Set file permissions 644, dirs 755Prevents unauthorized write access
Configure maintenance mode for setupHide incomplete store from visitors
Set up backupsAutomate daily database backups from day one

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.