How to Install Elementor in WordPress in Under 5 Minutes

With your WordPress installation complete, you’re ready to bring Elementor’s features to your site.

The question arises: how to install Elementor in WordPress? 

Whether you’re a beginner or have purchased the PRO version and are stuck on how to proceed, this guide is here to help, providing a clear, step-by-step process for both scenarios.

TL;DR: To install Elementor, first add the free plugin via your WordPress dashboard, then use the automated Connect method or manual upload for the PRO version. Always use a backup plugin beforehand to prevent potential conflicts and ensure smooth installation.

Your pre-installation checklist

Having these things ready will prevent any snags and save you some time:

📌 Note: This comes down to the WordPress.com vs WordPress.org difference. A self-hosted site gives you the freedom to install plugins like Elementor, whereas most WordPress.com plans do not, requiring you to have their Business plan instead.

Part 1: Installing the free version

There are two methods for this installation. Here is how to proceed with each.

📌 Note: A robust backup strategy is essential before proceeding. While this installation is typically safe, any new plugin can introduce conflicts, and a recent backup allows you to restore your site instantly if an issue arises.

Method 1: Search and install

This method is recommended for all beginners. Here’s how to go about it:

Navigate to plugins: First, sign in to your WordPress admin dashboard. On the left-hand side menu, head to Plugins and click Add New.

Install and Activate the plugin: Use the search bar on the right and type Elementor. Locate Elementor Website Builder and click the Install Now button. After installation, the button will change to Activate. Click it to finish.

Method 2: Manual upload via zip file

Use this method only if your hosting provider blocks direct installations from the WordPress repository.

Download the plugin: Go to the Elementor page on WordPress.org and download the .zip file to your computer. Do not extract the file. You must leave the file in its original .zip format.

Upload the zip file: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New and click the Upload Plugin button at the top. Click Choose File and select the Elementor ZIP file you just downloaded. Once done, install and activate the plugin.

📌 Note: Using FTP is the alternative if the dashboard upload fails. First, you must unzip the downloaded file on your computer. Then, upload the entire Elementor folder into your /wp-content/plugins/ directory. Once the transfer is complete, you can activate the plugin from your WordPress dashboard.

Part 2: How to install Elementor in WordPress (PRO)

If you’ve already installed the free version and now want to connect your PRO purchase or just want to install the PRO plugin with the ZIP file, there are two primary methods. Here’s how to go about them.

Method 1: Install PRO via Elementor Connect (Automated)

This method connects your site to your Elementor account to verify your subscription and install the PRO add-on automatically.

Initiate the connection: In your WordPress admin area, go to Elementor > Connect Account. Next, click the Connect to Elementor button.

Log in to your account: You will be prompted to log in to your Elementor.com account. If the wrong account is shown, click Switch User.

📌 Note: Knowing how to troubleshoot WordPress becomes critical when activating new plugins, a common point for errors to surface. This skill helps you quickly diagnose whether an issue is a plugin conflict or a server memory problem, allowing you to resolve it efficiently.

Validate your license: To finish, click Connect & Activate. Your license is now active.

Method 2: Manual upload via downloaded zip file

This fallback method follows the same procedure as a standard manual plugin upload. You’ll use this if the automated connection fails or if you simply prefer to handle the files yourself.

Download PRO: Log in to your My Elementor dashboard on Elementor.com and download the PRO ZIP file. Do not extract the zip file. Keep the file as is.

Upload the plugin: In WordPress, navigate to Plugins > Add New and click Upload Plugin. Next, click Choose File and select the Elementor PRO ZIP file from your computer.

Install the plugin: Click Install Now and wait for the upload to complete.

Finalize the installation: Click the Activate Plugin button. After the page reloads, the final step is to validate your purchase. Click the Connect & Activate link and log into your Elementor.com account when prompted. Your PRO license is now active and ready to use.

What to do after installation

After installing, take a moment to confirm everything is working correctly.

🍄 Note: Updating WordPress safely involves more than just clicking the “update” button. The recommended procedure is to test new versions on a staging site first, allowing you to check for potential conflicts with your theme or other plugins and prevent any downtime.

Troubleshooting common installation issues

If you run into a problem, it’s likely one of the common issues below. Here’s what to do.

The editor is stuck on the loading screen

This is the most common issue users face, and it’s almost always a plugin conflict. It means Elementor is “disagreeing” with another plugin or your theme.

• The Fix: The goal is to find the culprit. Temporarily deactivate all other plugins. If the Elementor editor works, reactivate your plugins one by one until the editor breaks again. The last plugin you activated is the one causing the conflict.

The site shows a blank screen

This is often called the white screen of death and usually happens for one of two reasons: a severe plugin conflict or your website has run out of memory.

• The Fix: First, check for a plugin conflict (as described above). If you’re locked out of your dashboard, you’ll need to do this via FTP or your host’s file manager by renaming the plugins folder. If that’s not the issue, the fix is to contact your hosting provider and ask them to increase your website’s PHP memory limit.

Your PRO features are still locked

This simply means your license hasn’t been activated yet, even though the plugin is installed.

• The Fix: Go to Elementor > License in your WordPress dashboard. Click the “Connect & Activate” button and log into your elementor.com account to sync your purchase with your site.

Installation fails with an error (like “Destination folder exists”)

The destination folder exists error appears when WordPress tries to create the new plugin folder, but a folder with the same name already exists from a failed previous attempt.

• The Fix: On the error screen, check if an option to “Replace current with uploaded” appears. If it does, selecting it is the fastest way to fix the issue. If that option is not available, you will have to remove the folder manually. Use your host’s File Manager or FTP to go to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory, delete the old elementor or elementor-pro folder, and then try installing again.

Parting thoughts

With a solid WordPress backup as your starting point, the installation process for both beginner and PRO users is now a clear and straightforward procedure. 

You have laid the necessary foundation with the free plugin and can enhance its capabilities with the PRO version. With the technical setup complete, your focus can now shift from installation to design and development.

FAQs