Importing demo content is one of the easiest ways to get a WordPress site up and running quickly, especially when working with a premium theme like EgensLab from ThemeForest.
It gives you a ready-made layout, complete with pages, images, and settings that match the theme demo. But sometimes, the process doesn’t go as planned.
You click the “Import Demo Data” button, and instead of a smooth setup, you’re met with an error, or nothing happens at all. This is frustrating, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem or how to fix it.
This article walks you through the most common demo import issues users face with the EgensLab theme. It also shows you how to fix those issues and explains how to use the manual demo import option if the automatic method fails.
Why demo import fail in WordPress themes
Most WordPress themes today come with a one-click demo import feature. It’s designed to help users quickly recreate the theme’s demo layout without having to build everything from scratch. But while this feature is convenient, it relies on several technical requirements behind the scenes.
When the demo import fails, it usually isn’t because the theme is broken. In most cases, the issue is related to server settings or hosting limitations. Things like low memory limits, short execution time, or security restrictions can interrupt the import process before it finishes.
Understanding these limitations can save you time. Instead of retrying the import over and over, you can check your server environment and make adjustments that allow the process to complete without errors.
What are the common demo import errors in EgensLab themes
When importing the EgensLab demo content, there are two common errors users often run into. These errors are typically tied to server configuration or hosting limits, rather than the theme itself. Let’s look at each one and how to fix it.
500 internal server error
The 500 internal server error usually appears when the server is unable to complete the demo import request. It’s one of the more common issues and often points to server resources being too low.
Possible causes:
- PHP memory limit is set too low
- Execution time is too short
- Server configuration does not allow large file operations
How to fix it:
Start by increasing the PHP memory limits in your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
define('WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M');Then, update the php.ini settings. You may need to ask your hosting provider to help with this if you don’t have direct access:
memory_limit = 512M
max_execution_time = 300
max_input_time = 300
post_max_size = 128M
upload_max_filesize = 128M
max_input_vars = 5000If you’ve made these changes and the error still occurs, check the server logs or contact your hosting provider for assistance.
503 service unavailable
This error means the server is temporarily unable to handle the request. It’s often related to server overload or restrictions that block the import request before it completes.
Possible causes:
- The hosting server is under heavy load
- Temporary server downtime
- Security plugins or firewalls are blocking the import process
How to fix it:
- Wait and try again later
- Ask your hosting provider if there are any limits in place or ongoing issues
- Temporarily disable any security plugins or firewall tools that could block the request
These steps usually resolve the issue. But if the automatic demo import still doesn’t work, there’s a manual option built into the theme that can help.
How to manually import EgensLab demo content
If the automatic import doesn’t work, the EgensLab theme provides a manual import option. This method allows you to upload the demo content manually, using the files included with the theme. It takes a few extra steps, but it can bypass server-related issues entirely.
Why Use Manual Import?
Manual import is helpful when your server can’t handle the one-click process. It gives you more control and works even if your host has strict limits on memory, execution time, or file uploads.
This is especially useful if you’re encountering repeated 500 or 503 errors, or if your hosting support can’t adjust the server settings for you.
How to Access Manual Import
You can find the manual import tools directly from your WordPress dashboard.
Go to Appearance → Import Demo Data
Look for a section labeled something like “Manual Import.”
- You’ll see options to upload files for:
- Content (XML file)
- Widgets (WIE or JSON file)
- Customizer settings (DAT or JSON file)
Demo Content File Path
\\plugins\\Plugin-core\\demo-data-import\\demo-data
Before starting the import, make sure all required plugins are installed and active. Missing core plugins or addons can prevent the demo content from loading correctly.
There are buttons labeled “Select File” next to each content type. Once you’ve selected the necessary files, click the corresponding “Import” button.
Pro tips to ensure smooth demo import
Whether you’re using the automatic or manual method, following a few simple practices can help avoid demo import issues altogether. These tips apply to EgensLab and most other WordPress themes with import tools.
1. Check server requirements first
Before importing, confirm that your hosting environment meets the minimum server requirements. Most theme developers recommend:
- PHP 7.4 or higher
- MySQL 5.6 or higher
- WordPress memory limit of at least 256M
- Max execution time of 300 seconds or more
Many shared hosting plans fall short in one or more of these areas. If you’re not sure about your server specs, ask your hosting support or check using a plugin like “Site Health Info.”
2. Deactivate unnecessary plugins
Before starting the import, disable any plugins that aren’t required. Some plugins can conflict with the import process or slow it down.
Security plugins and caching tools in particular may block or delay import requests. You can re-enable them once the import is complete.
3. Use a stable internet connection
A slow or unstable internet connection can interrupt the process, especially if your server takes longer to respond. Avoid importing demo content over a spotty Wi-Fi connection.
4. Clear cache if needed
If the import finishes but the site still looks incomplete, try clearing your browser cache or using an incognito window. Sometimes the old content is just being stored in your browser.
5. Choose a reliable host
Themes like EgensLab perform better on WordPress-optimized hosting. If your current host can’t adjust server limits or provide a stable environment, consider switching to a managed WordPress provider that handles technical settings for you.
📩 When to Contact Support
If the demo import still does not work after trying both automatic and manual methods, contact the Egens Lab support team through your ThemeForest account.
Prepare this information before reaching out:
- Any error messages such as 500 or 503
- Screenshot or screen recording of the issue
- Your PHP version and server settings
- Steps you have already tried
Make sure all required plugins are installed and active. Missing plugins often block the import process.
Conclusion
Running into demo import issues can slow you down, especially when you’re just trying to get your WordPress site started.
If the automatic demo import fails, there are clear steps you can take to fix it, whether that means adjusting PHP settings, disabling a security plugin, or using the manual import tool.
And if you’ve tried those solutions without success, the EgensLab support team is always there to help troubleshoot further.