When using the Import / Export kit feature, you may occasionally receive an error message. Here is a list of common causes and possible solutions:
Import Error Causes
| Import Error Causes | Possible Solutions |
| Invalid file type | Ensure you are uploading a .zip file extension |
| Corrupted file | Re-download your file and try again |
| Server is limited by file size (the file is too big to be uploaded) | Increase your upload limits on the server or contact your host |
| Unauthorized user (only Admin can use) | Login with Administrator credentials |
| User upload the file without the GUI could lead to an error | Only upload files via the GUI |
| Server cannot handle zip file | Install PHP zip on your server or contact your host |
| Memory limit on the server side | Increase PHP Max Post Size and Upload limits or contact your host |
| Timeout error – the import process is too long | Increase PHP Max Input Vars or contact your host |
| Another plugin caused an error | Disable all plugins and enable one by one to find the one causing the error |
Export Error Causes
| Export Error Causes | Possible Solutions |
| Memory limit in server side | Increase your memory limits on the server or contact your host |
| Timeout error – the import process is too long | Increase PHP Max Input Vars or contact your host |
| PHP zip extension in the site is not activated (usually it’s activated by default) | Install PHP zip on your server or contact your host |
Import/Export Issues Caused by Third-Party Plugins
In some cases, import or export issues may be caused by third-party plugins included in the kit. Elementor’s Import/Export tool primarily supports transferring default Elementor features and settings. Widgets or content created with third-party add-ons – especially plugins with complex configurations or database-associated content- may not transfer correctly and can trigger import errors.
If your kit relies on third-party plugin content, try the following steps:
- Verify plugin requirements: Ensure that all required third-party plugins are already installed and activated on the destination website before running the import.
- Deactivate and re-export: On the source website (the site you are exporting from), temporarily deactivate third-party Elementor add-ons, export the kit again, and try importing this “clean” version.
- Isolate the conflict: If the clean kit imports successfully, it confirms a third-party plugin was causing the issue. You can then reactivate your plugins and migrate their specific data separately.