Complete Guide to Installing the Divi Theme in WordPress

One of the most widely used WordPress themes right now is Divi. Millions of users worldwide, particularly in the USA, trust it. Regardless of your level of experience, Divi makes creating websites quick and simple.

We’ll walk you through installing the Divi theme in WordPress in this tutorial. You’ll learn every step in a simple and clear way. Anyone looking to get started with Divi smoothly should read this post.

Divi is more than simply a theme for WordPress. A robust drag-and-drop page builder is included. You can create stunning websites without knowing how to code. Divi lets you click, drag, and build your layout live on the screen. What you see is what you get.

Here’s why many WordPress users prefer Divi:

• Easy visual editing with live preview
• 100+ full website packs included
• Mobile-friendly and responsive layouts
• Works well with WooCommerce and SEO plugins
• Great support and regular updates

Divi is developed by Elegant Themes, a trusted name in the WordPress world. When you buy a Divi license, you also get access to other Elegant Themes products like Extra, Monarch, and Bloom. But Divi remains their most loved and widely used product.

One question that often comes up is:
“Should I install the Divi Theme or just the Divi Builder plugin?”

Here’s a simple answer:

• Use Divi Theme if you want a full-featured theme + builder in one.
• Use Divi Builder plugin if you want to keep your existing theme but still use Divi’s page builder features.

Let’s start with what you need before installing the Divi theme.

Before you install the Divi theme in WordPress, you need to check your website setup. Divi is a strong theme, but it requires the proper setting to function properly. Making sure your WordPress site meets these requirements will help avoid errors later.

Basic WordPress Requirements

Divi works best with the latest version of WordPress. Always make sure your site is updated. Using an old WordPress version can cause problems with layout and functionality.

Here’s what your site should have:

• WordPress version: 6.0 or higher
• PHP version: 7.4 or higher (8.0+ recommended)
• MySQL version: 5.6 or higher
• HTTPS (SSL Certificate): Recommended for better security
• Memory Limit: At least 128MB (256MB or more is better)

You can check these details in your hosting control panel or WordPress dashboard under Site Health.

Hosting and Server Requirements

Divi works well on most hosting services, but it runs best on optimized WordPress hosting. If you use shared hosting, make sure it can handle Divi’s features.

Look for hosting that supports:

• Fast PHP processing
• Large file uploads (up to 64MB or more)
• cURL and openSSL enabled
• Safe mode turned off

Popular Divi-friendly hosts include:

• SiteGround
• Bluehost
• WP Engine
• 24x7WP Support

Browser and Device Compatibility

Divi supports all modern browsers like:

• Google Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

It is also mobile-friendly and responsive on tablets and phones.

By meeting these basic requirements, you ensure Divi installs smoothly and performs at its best.

To install Divi, you first need to download it from the official source — Elegant Themes. This is the only safe and trusted place to get the theme. Never download Divi from unknown or free sites. These could include out-of-date files or malicious code.

Step 1: Create an Elegant Themes Account

Go to elegantthemes.com and sign up. You will need to choose a pricing plan. Elegant Themes offers two simple options:

• Yearly Access – Pay yearly for updates and support
• Lifetime Access – One-time payment with lifetime updates and support

Both plans give you access to:

• Divi Theme
• Divi Builder Plugin
• Extra Theme
• Bloom Email Plugin
• Monarch Social Plugin

After you buy the plan, you can log in to your member area.

Step 2: Download the Divi Theme ZIP File

Once logged in, click on the “Divi” section under the “Downloads” page. Then, click the “Download Divi” button. This will download a file named Divi.zip.

Store this file in a secure location. You’ll need it soon to upload and install Divi in your WordPress dashboard.

Tip: Don’t unzip the file. WordPress needs the .zip format to upload it correctly.

Now that you have the Divi theme ZIP file ready, let’s move to the installation process in the next section.

Now that you have the Divi ZIP file, it’s time to install it. It just takes a few minutes to complete this simple procedure. You don’t need any coding skills. Just follow the steps carefully, and your Divi theme will be ready.

Step 1: Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

Go to the login page of your website. Typically, this occurs at:
yourwebsite.com/wp-admin

Click Log In after entering your password and username. The WordPress dashboard will appear.

Step 2: Go to Themes Section

From the left-hand menu:

• Click Appearance
• Then click Themes

On the Themes page, you will see your current active theme and other installed themes.

Click the “Add New” button at the top.

Step 3: Upload Divi Theme ZIP File

On the Add Themes page, click the “Upload Theme” button.

There will be a button labeled “Choose File.” Click it, then look for the Divi.zip file you already downloaded from Elegant Themes on your PC.

Click “Install Now” once the file has been chosen.

The file will be uploaded and unpacked by WordPress. Depending on the hosting server you use, this could take a few seconds.

Step 4: Activate the Divi Theme

Once the theme is uploaded, you will see a message:
“Theme installed successfully.”

Click the “Activate” link.

Now, Divi is your active theme. You can start customizing it right away.

Common Installation Errors and Fixes

Sometimes, users face issues while uploading the theme. Common problems include:

• “File size too large” error
• “Link has expired” message
• Theme upload stuck or fails to complete

Quick fixes:

• Increase max upload size in your hosting control panel
• Use an FTP client to upload the theme manually
• Contact your hosting provider for help

Tip: Choose a hosting plan that supports large theme uploads and high PHP limits for best performance.

The next step is to use the API key to link the Divi theme to your Elegant Themes account now that it is live. This allows updates and access to layouts.

After installing the Divi theme, the next step is activation. This is not the same as theme activation in WordPress. This is where you link your Elegant Themes account and Divi theme. This connection allows your site to receive updates and use premium features.

You need to enter your API key in the WordPress dashboard in order to accomplish this.

What is the Divi API Key?

A special code associated with your Elegant Themes account is the API key. It confirms that you have a valid license.

When you activate your API key:

• You can update the Divi theme automatically
• You get access to pre-made layouts
• You receive bug fixes and performance improvements
• You can use premium features like Bloom and Monarch

Without activation, your theme will still work. However, you won’t get any support or updates.

Where to Find Your API Key

To locate your API key, take the following actions:

1. Go to elegantthemes.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Click on Account > API Keys
4. Copy your API key, which is a lengthy series of letters and numbers.

Be sure to accurately copy the entire key. Keep it secure.

How to Add API Key in WordPress

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard
2. Navigate to Divi > Theme Options
3. Click the “Updates” tab
4. Enter your Elegant Themes username
5. Paste your API key into the field
6. Click Save Changes

Once saved, Divi will connect with your Elegant Themes account.

All of the advantages of a fully activated theme are now yours to enjoy.

Tip: Check again for typos or unnecessary spaces if the key isn’t working.

Now that you’ve installed and activated Divi, it’s time to set up your site. Divi makes this process easy, even if you’re new to WordPress. We’ll go over each step in detail in this part so you can get building quickly.

Step 1: Set Basic Site Details

Start by setting up your website identity. These are small details, but they matter.

Go to your WordPress dashboard and click:

• Appearance > Customize
• Add your Site Title and Tagline
• Upload a Logo
• Choose your Site Icon (favicon)

Your website’s branding is enhanced by these choices. Every page will have your name and logo.

Step 2: Import a Pre-Built Layout

Divi comes with 200+ layout packs for different business types. These allow you to create pages in a matter of minutes.

Here’s how:

1. Create a new page (Pages > Add New)
2. Click “Use Divi Builder”
3. Choose “Browse Layouts”
4. Select a layout pack that fits your business
5. Click “Use This Layout”

Divi will load the entire design for you. You can then customize text, images, and colors.

Step 3: Customize Global Design Settings

Divi allows you to control the look of your site from one place.

Go to Divi > Theme Customizer or Divi > Theme Options to update:

• Fonts and font sizes
• Colors and background styles
• Header and menu styles
• Button designs

Use the “Global Defaults” option to apply your brand colors and fonts sitewide.

Step 4: Build Your Pages with the Divi Builder

Divi’s visual builder is what makes it powerful. It works with a simple drag-and-drop system.

You can:

• Add sections, rows, and modules
• Change padding, spacing, and layout
• View your changes in real-time
• Switch to mobile view for responsive editing

Tip: Save custom designs as templates to reuse on other pages.

By following these steps, you can quickly set up a professional-looking site with Divi. No coding or complex setup is needed.

Once you’ve installed and set up the Divi theme, you may want to go a step further.

Divi Builder Plugin vs Divi Theme – What’s the Difference?

Divi is available in two forms:

• Divi Theme
• Divi Builder Plugin

They both use the same drag-and-drop builder, but they serve different purposes.

Use the Divi Theme if:

• You want an all-in-one theme and builder
• You’re starting a new website from scratch
• You don’t need features from another WordPress theme

Divi Theme includes the builder plus theme controls for layout, menus, and headers.

Use the Divi Builder Plugin if:

• You already use a theme you like
• Your current theme handles headers or menus better
• You just want to add visual page-building features

The plugin adds the Divi Builder to any WordPress theme, without replacing it.

Tip: Don’t install both the Divi Theme and Divi Builder plugin together. It is unnecessary and could lead to disputes.

What is a Divi Child Theme and Why Use It?

Making unique changes to your website is secure when you use a child theme. It lets you add CSS, functions, or design edits without touching the main Divi files.

Why is this important?

When Divi gets updated, it replaces its original files. You will lose any changes you make to the primary theme.

Your modifications are protected by a child theme.

Benefits of a child theme:

• Keeps your changes separate from core theme files
• Allows custom styling (CSS) and functions (PHP)
• Helps with larger design or code edits
• Prevents loss of work during theme updates

You should use a child theme if:

• You plan to add custom code
• You want to change the layout with CSS or JavaScript

You’re building a site for a client

There are two primary approaches to developing a theme for children.

Option 1: Create Manually

To create it yourself, follow these steps:

1. On your computer, create a new folder
2. Inside it, create a file named style.css
3. Add this code to the file:

/*

Theme Name: Divi Child

Template: Divi

*/

4. Create another file named functions.php
5. Paste this code inside it:

<?php

add_action( ‘wp_enqueue_scripts’, ‘enqueue_parent_styles’ );

function enqueue_parent_styles() {

wp_enqueue_style( ‘parent-style’, get_template_directory_uri() . ‘/style.css’ );

}

?>

6. Zip the folder (name it divi-child.zip)
7. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New
8. After choosing the zip file and clicking Upload Theme, click Install Now.
9. Click Activate

The theme for your child is now active.

Option 2: Use a Plugin

If you’re not comfortable editing code, use a free plugin like:

• Child Theme Configurator
• One-Click Child Theme

These plugins create the child theme for you in a few clicks.

The Divi theme installation and configuration is only the first step in using WordPress. Divi provides you with the resources to make a polished and easy-to-use website, whether you’re creating a personal blog, business website, or online store. However, your needs will also grow as your site does. You might face technical issues, design challenges, or plugin conflicts that require expert attention.

That’s where we come in.

At 24x7wpsupport.com, our WordPress experts are available around the clock. We help with everything — from Divi customization and troubleshooting to full website management. Don’t let tech hurdles slow down your project. While you concentrate on your business and content, let us take care of the technical aspects.

Need help with Divi or WordPress? Contact us now and get instant support!