Debug mode in PrestaShop displays detailed error messages that can help identify issues with themes, modules, custom code, or server configuration.
When enabled, PrestaShop will show PHP errors, warnings, and exceptions directly on the page instead of displaying a generic error message.
Important
Debug mode should only be enabled temporarily while troubleshooting issues.
Leaving debug mode enabled on a production store may expose sensitive information about your website and server configuration to visitors.
Table of Contents
Contents
- PrestaShop 1.7 and Newer
- PrestaShop 1.5.3 to 1.6
- PrestaShop Earlier Than 1.5.3
- Enabling Debug Mode via FTP
PrestaShop 1.7 and Newer
If your store is running PrestaShop 1.7 or later, debug mode can be enabled directly from the administration panel.
Enable Debug Mode from the Back Office
- Log in to your PrestaShop administration panel.
- Navigate to:
Configure → Advanced Parameters → Performance
- Locate the:
Debug Mode
section.
- Change the setting from:
No
to:
Yes
- Click:
Save
Debug mode will be activated immediately.
Enabling Debug Mode via FTP
If you cannot access the PrestaShop administration panel, you can enable debug mode by editing a configuration file.
Step 1
Connect to your hosting account using:
- FTP
- SFTP
Step 2
Open the file:
config/defines.inc.php
Step 3
Locate the following line:
define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', false);
Replace it with:
define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', true);
Step 4
Save the file and refresh your store page.
Debug mode should now be active.
PrestaShop 1.5.3 to 1.6
For PrestaShop versions 1.5.3 through 1.6, the procedure is identical.
Open:
config/defines.inc.php
Find:
define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', false);
Change it to:
define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', true);
Save the file and reload your website.
PrestaShop Earlier Than 1.5.3
Older versions of PrestaShop use a different setting.
Open:
config/defines.inc.php
Locate:
@ini_set('display_errors', 'off');
Replace it with:
@ini_set('display_errors', 'on');
Save the file and refresh your website.
Debug mode should now be enabled.
What Information Does Debug Mode Display?
When active, debug mode can reveal:
- PHP errors
- Fatal errors
- Warnings
- Notices
- Module-related errors
- Theme compatibility issues
- Database query errors
- Missing files or permissions issues
This information can be extremely helpful when troubleshooting problems with your store.
Disable Debug Mode After Troubleshooting
Once you have identified and resolved the issue, disable debug mode again.
For newer versions:
Configure → Advanced Parameters → Performance
Set:
Debug Mode = No
For manual activation, revert the configuration file change back to:
define('_PS_MODE_DEV_', false);
or
@ini_set('display_errors', 'off');
depending on your PrestaShop version.
Need Assistance?
If you are unable to enable debug mode or need help interpreting the displayed errors, contact the mybox support team through the:
24/7 Helpdesk
Include:
- Your domain name.
- Your PrestaShop version.
- A screenshot or copy of the error message.
This will help speed up the troubleshooting process.
Summary
Debug mode is a useful troubleshooting tool that displays detailed error information for your PrestaShop store.
Depending on your PrestaShop version, you can enable it:
- From the administration panel.
- By editing the
config/defines.inc.phpfile.
Remember to disable debug mode after troubleshooting is complete to prevent sensitive information from being displayed publicly.