How to Install PrestaShop on a VPS (Ubuntu/Debian)

What this procedure is

How to install PrestaShop on a Linux server using the terminal (SSH). This is recommended on a VPS/server when you need control over versions and permissions.

Applies to: PrestaShop 8.x.

Why you would do this

• You are installing on a VPS/server with SSH access.
• You need control over PHP extensions and permissions.
• You want a repeatable process (useful for staging).

Prerequisites

• SSH access (a user with admin privileges).
• A domain/subdomain pointing to the server (recommended).
• An SSL certificate (recommended for a public store).
• Planned maintenance window if this is a migration.

Quick diagnosis (before you change anything)

1) Confirm server requirements

Goal: avoid errors caused by missing extensions or wrong versions.
Expected result: you know which PHP version and extensions you need.

2) Decide install folder and URL

Goal: install in the correct path (root or subfolder).
Expected result: you know the DocumentRoot and final URL.

Terminal installation (high-level steps)

Step 1) Prepare the environment (PHP and extensions)

Goal: make sure the PrestaShop installer passes all checks.

Use a PHP version compatible with PrestaShop 8.x and enable common extensions (PDO, MySQL, intl, gd, zip, curl).

Expected result: the server can run PrestaShop without dependency errors.

Step 2) Create a database and user

Goal: have credentials ready for the installer.

Create an empty database and a user with full permissions on it.

Expected result: you have DB name, user and password.

Step 3) Upload/download PrestaShop files

Goal: place files in your public web directory.

Download the official ZIP, extract it, and put the files into your domain’s folder.

Expected result: opening the URL shows the installer.

Step 4) Set correct file permissions

Goal: allow PrestaShop to write cache/uploads without making the server unsafe.

Grant write access to folders like var/, img/, modules/, and themes/ as required by your setup.

Expected result: the installer shows no permission errors.

Step 5) Run the web installer

Open your domain in a browser and follow the wizard: language, license, store info, and database credentials.

Expected result: PrestaShop confirms the installation is complete.

Step 6) Remove /install and verify /admin

Goal: close the process and reduce risk.

The installer asks you to delete /install. It also shows the admin URL (the /admin folder is renamed).

Expected result: the store loads and the Back Office opens.

Final verification

• Homepage loads without a 500 error or blank page.
• You can log into the Back Office.
• In Advanced Parameters → Information you can see version and system status.

If something doesn’t work (common issues)

500 error after installation

• Enable debug mode to see the real error.
• Check PHP version and missing extensions.
• Verify permissions for var/ and img/.

Installer does not show

• Confirm files are in the correct domain directory.
• Check that the hosting points to that folder (DocumentRoot).

Best practices

• Install on a staging subdomain first, then move to production.
• Enable HTTPS from day one for a public domain.
• Set up automated backups (files + database).