Once you’ve purchased a GPL theme or plugin from PrimeWP Shop, installing it works exactly the same way as installing any other WordPress product. Here’s a simple walkthrough.
Step 1: Download Your File
After your purchase, download the ZIP file from your account’s Downloads section. Keep the ZIP file exactly as downloaded — don’t extract it yet, since WordPress needs the compressed file for upload.
Step 2: Installing a Theme
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Appearance → Themes → Add New
- Click Upload Theme at the top of the page
- Choose the ZIP file you downloaded and click Install Now
- Once installed, click Activate
Step 3: Installing a Plugin
- Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Choose your ZIP file and click Install Now
- Click Activate Plugin once installation finishes
A Few Things to Watch For
- Wrong ZIP file: Some products come as an outer ZIP containing multiple files (the installable plugin/theme, documentation, etc). If WordPress says “no valid plugins were found,” open the outer ZIP and look for the correctly-named installable file inside — that’s the one WordPress needs, not the outer folder. See our full list of common installation errors and fixes for more scenarios like this.
- Deactivate the free version first: If a product has both a free and premium version (like many popular plugins), remove the free version before activating the premium one to avoid conflicts.
- Avoid one-click WordPress dashboard updates: Since GPL products are redistributed rather than sold directly by the original developer, WordPress may detect a newer version and prompt an automatic update — but that update isn’t from us and may not be compatible with your GPL copy. Always get updates through your PrimeWP Shop account instead — see our guide on updating GPL products safely.
Need Help?
If you run into installation issues, reach out through our support contact and we’ll help you get it sorted.