What this procedure is
How to clone a PrestaShop store for testing (staging) without affecting the live store.
Applies to: PrestaShop 8.x.
Why you would do this
- Test updates.
- Test modules/themes.
- Diagnose issues safely.
Prerequisites
- Enough hosting space for a copy.
- Full backup.
- A subdomain (recommended).
Quick diagnosis (before you change anything)
1) Decide staging URL
Expected result: e.g. staging.yourdomain.com.
Clone for testing (staging)
Step 1) Copy files and database
Duplicate files and DB (like a migration), either on the same hosting or another one.
Step 2) Configure the new URL
Update the shop URL (Set shop URL / ps_shop_url) and clear cache.
Step 3) Prevent real emails
Disable real email sending or use a testing SMTP so customers do not receive emails.
Step 4) Block indexing
Block indexing (robots/noindex) so staging does not appear in Google.
Final verification
- Staging loads.
- No real emails are sent.
- Not indexed.
If something doesn’t work (common issues)
URLs get mixed
- Check ps_shop_url.
- Clear cache.
- Check domain/SSL.
Best practices
- Do not use staging as production.
- Remove staging when not needed.