Upgrading to Elementor Pro in WordPress unlocks advanced features that can dramatically enhance your website. Whether you're switching from the free version or updating an existing Pro plugin, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with essential tips, best practices, and troubleshooting strategies.
Minimum Requirements
Before you begin the Elementor Pro installation steps, make sure your setup meets the following requirements. Failing to meet these can result in plugin errors or feature limitations:
- WordPress 5.2 or higher for optimal compatibility
- PHP 7.0 or higher (PHP 8+ recommended)
- MySQL 5.6 or MariaDB 10.0 or higher
- Elementor (free) plugin must be installed and activated
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Step 1: Purchase or Renew Elementor Pro Plan
Visit the official Elementor website and choose the subscription plan that fits your needs. Plans are typically based on the number of websites you want to activate Elementor Pro on — from a single website to 1,000+ for agencies.
To renew an existing plan, log into your Elementor account dashboard and select "Renew." This helps preserve your Pro license settings and ensures seamless updates.
Step 2: Download Elementor Pro Plugin
After purchasing, go to your Elementor dashboard and download the .zip file of the Pro plugin. This file contains all premium features and is required for installation. Save it on your computer and do not unzip it.
You’ll use this file in the next step during the manual installation process.
Step 3: Install Elementor Pro Manually
To upload and install the plugin through your WordPress dashboard:
- Log into your WordPress admin panel
- Go to Plugins > Add New
- Click Upload Plugin at the top of the page
- Select the .zip file you downloaded and click Install Now
- Once installed, click Activate Plugin
After this step, Elementor Pro will appear in your plugin list alongside the free version.
Step 4: Activate Elementor Pro License
To fully upgrade to Elementor Pro in WordPress and unlock its full potential, activate your license by following these steps:
- Navigate to Elementor > License in your WordPress dashboard
- Click Connect & Activate to launch the login window
- Log in with your Elementor account credentials
- After successful login, your license will be automatically verified
Your dashboard will display a message confirming the activation.
How to Update Elementor Pro
It’s important to regularly update Elementor Pro to access the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. Here’s how to manually update:
- Go to Dashboard > Updates
- Select Elementor Pro under the plugins list
- Click Update Plugins to initiate the process
Alternatively, you can enable auto-updates by visiting the Plugins page and toggling auto-update for Elementor Pro.
Customizing After Upgrade
Once Elementor Pro is active, you gain access to advanced tools that help transform your basic website into a high-functioning platform. Popular features include:
- Theme Builder: Create custom headers, footers, and dynamic templates
- Form Builder: Design contact, survey, or newsletter forms with integrations
- Popup Builder: Build lead capture popups with targeting rules
- Motion Effects: Add animations and transitions for interactive experiences
All of these can be accessed directly in the Elementor editor under the "Pro" widget section.
Troubleshooting Issues
If issues arise during switching from free to Pro version or while updating, try the following fixes:
- Clear browser and WordPress cache: Use tools like WP Rocket or your hosting cache
- Check file permissions: Ensure your
wp-content/pluginsdirectory is writable - Disable conflicting plugins: Temporarily deactivate security or optimization plugins
- Reinstall manually: Download the latest .zip from Elementor and reinstall if auto-update fails
Useful Links
System Requirements to Use Elementor – Ensure your WordPress setup meets the minimum requirements for running Elementor and Elementor Pro smoothly.
How to Install Elementor Pro: Full Guide – Step-by-step instructions for downloading, uploading, and activating the Elementor Pro plugin.
Connect and Activate Your Elementor Pro License – Learn how to activate your Elementor Pro license to unlock premium features and receive updates.
Update Elementor and Elementor Pro – Guidance on updating your Elementor plugins to the latest versions for new features and security fixes.
Error When Trying to Update Elementor Pro – Troubleshooting common issues that may arise during the update process of Elementor Pro.
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Conclusion
Knowing how to upgrade Elementor Pro in WordPress ensures you always have access to the latest design tools and premium features. From purchasing and installation to activation and customization, each step in this guide helps streamline the process and reduce the risk of common issues. Stay updated, follow best practices, and get the most out of your Elementor Pro experience.
