How to install Flatsome in 2025 the right way

Learn how to install Flatsome on a fresh WordPress setup, activate the child theme, and boost speed with performance tweaks—perfect for WooCommerce beginners!

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If you're just starting your WooCommerce journey and want a clean, optimized setup using the Flatsome theme, you're in the right place! In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through everything from downloading the theme to activating the child theme and configuring key settings for better speed and security.

Step 1: Buy and Download the Flatsome Theme

1. Go to ThemeForest (Envato) and search for Flatsome.
2. Purchase a valid license. Avoid using pirated themes—they can contain harmful code and cause issues with payment providers.
3. After purchasing, download the “All files & documentation” zip package (not just the installable theme).

Step 2: Extract and Prepare the Theme Files

1. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
2. Inside, locate two important ZIP files:
• Flatsome (parent theme)
• Flatsome Child (child theme)

Step 3: Upload and Activate the Theme

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance → Themes.
2. Click Add New → Upload Theme.
3. First upload and install the parent Flatsome theme, but do not activate it.
4. Next, upload, install, and activate the Flatsome Child theme.
5. Delete any other unused themes to keep your site clean and secure.

Why use a child theme? Any custom changes you make should go into the child theme so that updates to the parent theme won’t overwrite your work.

Step 4: Dismiss Unwanted Plugin Suggestions

After activation, you’ll see plugin suggestions like Contact Form 7 and social login options.

• Click “Dismiss this notice” so the message doesn’t keep popping up.
• Install only the plugins you actually need, when you're ready.

Step 5: Register Your Flatsome License

1. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Flatsome → Theme Registration.
2. Copy your license key from your ThemeForest account (under Downloads or Licenses).
3. Paste it into the registration field and click Register.
4. You should see green checkmarks confirming your theme is registered and legit.

Step 6: Enable Auto Updates for Flatsome

1. Go to Appearance → Themes.
2. Click on the parent theme (Flatsome).
3. Enable Auto Updates to keep your site secure and compatible with new versions of WordPress or WooCommerce.
4. For advanced users: You can switch from “Stable” to “Beta” releases, but stick with Stable unless you're a developer.

Step 7: Tweak Flatsome for Better Performance

Head over to Flatsome → Advanced → Performance and consider enabling these options:

• Preload Pages
• Lazy Load Images
• Disable Emoji Scripts
• Disable Theme Style CSS (use with caution)

These changes can significantly improve site speed but test them first—especially if you're using other optimization plugins like WP Rocket.

Step 8: Turn Off Unused Features

Some Flatsome features might not be relevant to your site. Disabling them can improve performance:

• Portfolio: Go to Flatsome → Advanced, find the Portfolio setting, and uncheck it.
• Flatsome Legacy Content Support: Disable this if you're not using an old Flatsome site.
• Flatsome Studio Integration: If you're not using their pre-designed layouts, disable this under Flatsome → Advanced → Integration.

Final Thoughts

And that’s it! You've now got a clean, fast, and future-proof installation of the Flatsome theme on your WordPress site. Make sure to:

• Use the child theme for customization
• Keep everything updated
• Tweak settings for better performance

You're all set to start building your WooCommerce store!