This article shows you how to install and activate Divi 5 on your WordPress website. You’ll learn how to download the Divi 5 theme file, upload and activate it in WordPress, and connect your Elegant Themes license so you can get updates and new features.
Install and Activate Divi 5
You install and activate Divi 5 like any other WordPress theme: download a zip file from your Elegant Themes account, upload it to WordPress, then connect your license. This guide walks you through every step so you can install and activate Divi 5 even if you’re new to WordPress.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
A working WordPress site where you can log in as an Administrator.
An active Elegant Themes membership so you can download Divi 5 and receive updates.
Step 1: Download Divi 5
You first need the Divi 5 zip file on your computer.
Log in to your Elegant Themes account.
Look for the Divi 5 download under the Themes & Plugins tab.
Click the Download The Divi 5 button and save the .zip file to your computer.
Don’t unzip the file – WordPress needs the zip as-is.
Safari on Mac?
If Safari auto-unzips downloads, turn that off in Safari’s preferences or re-zip the folder before you upload.
Step 2: Install Divi 5 in WordPress
Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
Go to Appearance → Themes.
Click Add New at the top of the page.
Click Upload Theme.
Click Choose File and select the Divi 5 .zip file you downloaded.
Click Install Now.
WordPress will upload the file and install the Divi 5 theme.
If WordPress shows a message about Divi already existing (for example, if you already have Divi 4 installed), you may see an option like “Replace active with uploaded”. Clicking that replaces the current Divi theme with Divi 5 but does not delete your content. For more information, please check the Update Divi 4 to Divi 5 article.
Step 3: Activate Divi 5 as your theme
Once the install finishes, you still need to activate Divi 5.
On the success screen, click Activate.
If you closed that screen, go to Appearance → Themes, hover over Divi 5, and click Activate.
Divi 5 is now the active theme on your site. From this point on, your site uses Divi 5 for its design.
Tip: After a successful installation, you will be redirected to the Divi Dashboard from where you can activate your Divi license.
Step 4: Activate your Divi license
Installing the theme is enough to start using Divi 5, but you must activate your Elegant Themes license to:
Receive Divi 5 updates inside WordPress
Access layout packs and other membership features.
You can activate your license in two ways.
Option 1: Use the Divi onboarding wizard (easiest)
After you first activate Divi 5, you’ll see a welcome / onboarding screen.
Click Log In To Activate Your License (or similar button).
A pop-up or new tab will ask you to log in to your Elegant Themes account.
Enter your Elegant Themes username and password, then confirm.
You’ll be sent back to your WordPress dashboard. Divi will create an API key for this site and activate your license automatically.
In the Divi Dashboard you’ll see that your license is active and whether you’re on the latest version.
Option 2: Enter your username and API key manually
Use this method if you skipped the wizard or want more control over your API keys.
Log in to your Elegant Themes account in your browser.
Go to Account → Username & API Key.
Create a new API key if you don’t have one yet, then copy that key.
In your WordPress dashboard, go to Divi → Theme Options → Updates.
Enter:
Your Elegant Themes username
The API key you copied
Click Save Changes.
Once saved, your Divi 5 install is linked to your Elegant Themes account and will receive theme updates automatically.