How to Install Elementor Pro on WordPress (Step by Step)

Elementor Pro unlocks features such as the Theme Builder, advanced forms, popups and dynamic content. Installing it is straightforward once you know one important detail: Elementor Pro works on top of the free Elementor plugin. You need both.

Before you start

• A WordPress website where you are an administrator.
• An Elementor Pro subscription purchased from the official Elementor website.
• A recent backup of your site — always a good habit before installing plugins.

Note: Only download Elementor Pro from your official Elementor account. "Free" or "nulled" copies from other websites are unlicensed and commonly contain malware.

Step 1: Install the free Elementor plugin

1. In WordPress go to Plugins → Add New.
2. Search for Elementor.
3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Download Elementor Pro

1. Log in to your account on the official Elementor website.
2. Find your subscription and download the Elementor Pro plugin .zip file.
3. Do not unzip it — WordPress needs the zip file.

Step 3: Upload and activate Elementor Pro

1. In WordPress go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
2. Choose the Elementor Pro zip file and click Install Now.
3. Click Activate Plugin.

Step 4: Connect your licence

After activation, WordPress shows a notice asking you to connect and activate your licence. Click it, log in to your Elementor account and approve the connection. A connected licence is what allows automatic updates and access to Pro features and templates.

Step 5: Check that everything works

• Open Templates → Theme Builder — if it loads, Pro is active.
• Edit a page with Elementor and confirm Pro widgets (such as Form or Posts) are available.

Troubleshooting common problems

"The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive"

Your server's upload limit is too small for the zip file. Increase the PHP upload limit in your hosting control panel, or ask your host to do it.

"Elementor Pro requires Elementor"

The free Elementor plugin is missing or deactivated. Install and activate it, then reactivate Pro.

Licence will not connect

Check that your subscription is active, that the website URL matches, and that the number of websites on your plan has not been exceeded. Disconnect and reconnect from the Elementor licence screen if needed.

Update errors later on

See our guide to fixing Elementor Pro update errors.

Now that Pro is installed, learn the Elementor Pro features that matter most.

Should you install Elementor Pro on a live site?

Installing the plugin is usually safe, but for an important business website it is good practice to test on a staging copy first. Many hosts offer one-click staging. Install and connect Pro there, check your key pages, then repeat on the live site.

Your first three tasks after installing Pro

1. Set up global colours and fonts in Site Settings so every new design stays on-brand.
2. Build a header and footer in the Theme Builder and apply them to the entire site.
3. Create a single post template so all blog posts share a clean, readable layout.

These three steps immediately make a site feel consistent and professional, and they save time on every page you build afterwards.

Keeping Elementor Pro healthy

• Keep both Elementor and Elementor Pro updated together.
• Renew your licence to keep receiving updates and security fixes.
• After major updates, check key pages and regenerate CSS if something looks off.