Upgrading PrestaShop to the latest version
An old version of PrestaShop isn’t just missing new features. It means security holes, unsupported modules, and more and more trouble with newer PHP versions. We upgrade stores from versions 1.6, 1.7, and 8 to PrestaShop 9 safely, on a copy of the store, without pausing sales.
Key takeaways
- Security: an up-to-date store has fewer vulnerabilities and makes protecting customer data easier.
- No downtime: we work on a copy, and the store runs as usual.
- Modules and theme: we update, replace, or rewrite whatever doesn't work in the new version.
- Honest assessment: we'll tell you whether an upgrade is enough or whether it's better to rebuild the store.
Why it’s worth upgrading PrestaShop
Store security
Older versions don't get security patches. Every month you wait raises the risk of a breach and a data leak.
Newer PHP and better performance
New versions of PrestaShop run on current PHP, which is faster and still supported.
New features
PrestaShop 9 brings, among other things, a built-in One Page Checkout, the Ask AI assistant in the admin panel, and new B2B features.
Module support
Module developers focus mostly on versions for newer stores. On an old PrestaShop, up-to-date add-ons are getting harder to find.
Major vs. minor upgrades: what’s the difference
Not every upgrade involves the same amount of work. A big version jump often feels like building a store on a new foundation, while a minor update is usually a few hours of work and testing.
| Type | Example | Scope of work | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major | 1.6 or 1.7 → 9 | Data migration, adapting the theme or building a new one, updating or replacing modules, new integrations | Modules with no version for the new PrestaShop, and core modifications |
| Minor | 8.1 → 8.2, 9.0 → 9.2 | An update within the same version, plus module and theme testing | Custom code changes that rule out a one-click update |
| Patches | 9.2.0 → 9.2.x | Security patches and small fixes | Best applied regularly as part of ongoing maintenance |
Upgrade, migration, or a new store?
If the store’s foundation is healthy, an upgrade is the most sensible path. But when a store has piled up patches, core modifications, and unused modules over the years, moving all of that to a new version makes no sense. In that case, we’ll propose a rebuild with a data migration. We don’t carry technical debt forward just to change the version number in the admin panel.
What a PrestaShop upgrade covers
- Store audit: version, PHP, modules, theme, and modifications
- A staging environment, meaning a copy of the store
- Migration of products, customers, orders, prices, discounts, and content
- Modules: updates, replacements, or rewrites
- Theme: adaptation or a new front end, e.g., on the Hummingbird theme
- Integrations with ERP, Base, payments, and carriers
- SEO: 301 redirects, canonicals, and the sitemap
- Testing, sign-off with you, and deployment with monitoring
Copy and testing first, then production. That's how we upgrade every store, no exceptions.
The ECOMPLUS+ teamHow the upgrade works
Analysis
We check the version, modules, theme, and integrations. We tell you what can be carried over and what needs to change.
Scope and quote
You get a work plan, timeline, and cost.
Store copy
We set up a staging environment where all the work happens.
Upgrade and modules
We upgrade PrestaShop, the modules, the theme, and integrations.
Testing with you
Together, we check purchases, payments, shipping, and the admin panel.
Switchover
We move the changes to the live store during the lowest-traffic hours and make sure everything works.
PrestaShop upgrade FAQ
Will my store stay online during the upgrade?
Yes. We work on a copy, and the store keeps selling as usual. We plan the switchover to keep any interruption as short as possible.
Will I lose products, customers, or orders?
No. We migrate the data and verify it's complete before the new version goes live.
What about modules that don't work in PrestaShop 9?
We look for an updated version or a replacement. If there isn't one, we rewrite the module or build our own solution.
Will my store's design change?
It doesn't have to. We can adapt your current theme or, if you'd like, build a new front end as part of the upgrade.
Will the upgrade affect SEO?
We keep URLs, redirects, and metadata under control so the version change doesn't hurt your visibility in Google.
How often should I upgrade PrestaShop?
Security patches are worth applying as they come out, ideally as part of ongoing maintenance. Major upgrades are usually planned once every few years.
Does your PrestaShop need an upgrade?
Tell us which version your store runs on. We'll assess the scope of work and suggest the safest path.