To install a WordPress plugin, log in to your dashboard, go to Plugins, click Add New Plugin, search for the plugin you need, then click Install Now and Activate. If you bought a premium plugin as a .zip file, use the Upload Plugin button on the same screen instead. Before you install anything, check that the plugin is well maintained and take a backup of your site.
What a WordPress plugin is
A plugin is a package of code that adds a feature to WordPress without you having to write it. Contact forms, SEO tools, caching, online shops, booking calendars and security tools are all plugins. The official WordPress plugin directory lists tens of thousands of free plugins, and many companies sell premium ones.
Plugins are powerful, but each one adds code that runs on your site. Too many, or poorly written ones, can slow your site down or open security holes. Install only what you need.
Before you install: how to choose a good plugin
On the plugin’s page in the directory, check:
- Last updated. A plugin that has not been updated for a long time may not work with current WordPress or PHP versions.
- Tested with your WordPress version. The listing shows the latest version it has been tested on.
- Active installations and ratings. Widely used plugins with good reviews are usually safer bets.
- Support forum. See whether questions get answered and problems fixed.
- Overlap. Do not run two plugins that do the same job, such as two caching or two SEO plugins. They can conflict.
Only download plugins from the official directory or directly from the developer’s website. Never use “nulled” copies of paid plugins from unofficial sites. They often contain malware.
Method 1: Install from the WordPress dashboard
This is the easiest method for free plugins in the official directory.
- Log in to WordPress. Go to yoursite.com/wp-admin and sign in with an administrator account.
- Open the Plugins menu. In the left sidebar, click Plugins, then Add New Plugin. In older versions of WordPress this button is called Add New.
- Search. Type the plugin’s name or the feature you need, such as “contact form”, in the search box.
- Review the result. Click More Details to see the description, version compatibility, ratings and changelog.
- Click Install Now. WordPress downloads and unpacks the plugin.
- Click Activate. The plugin is installed but does nothing until it is activated.
- Configure it. Most plugins add a settings page under Settings or their own menu item. Follow the setup wizard if there is one.
Method 2: Upload a plugin .zip file
Use this for premium plugins you have bought, or plugins supplied by a developer.
- Download the plugin’s .zip file from the developer’s account area. Do not unzip it.
- In WordPress, go to Plugins, then Add New Plugin.
- Click Upload Plugin at the top of the page.
- Choose the .zip file and click Install Now.
- Click Activate Plugin.
- Enter the licence key if the plugin asks for one, so it can receive updates.
If you see an error saying the file exceeds the maximum upload size, use Method 3, or ask your host to raise the PHP upload limit.
Method 3: Upload through cPanel File Manager or FTP
- Unzip the plugin on your computer. You should have a single folder named after the plugin.
- Log in to cPanel and open File Manager, or connect with an FTP program.
- Go to your WordPress folder, then wp-content, then plugins.
- Upload the plugin folder there. In File Manager you can upload the .zip file and use Extract instead.
- In WordPress, go to Plugins and click Activate under the new plugin.
New to cPanel? Read what is cPanel.
Why you might not see the Add New Plugin button
- Your user role is not Administrator. Only administrators can install plugins.
- The site is a multisite network. Plugins are installed by the network administrator from the Network Admin dashboard.
- Plugin installation has been disabled in wp-config.php by a developer or a managed host.
- Your platform does not allow plugins. Some hosted WordPress services restrict plugins on lower plans. With your own hosting, you can install any plugin.
If a plugin breaks your site
Occasionally a new plugin conflicts with your theme or another plugin and you see an error or a blank page. To recover:
- If you can still reach the dashboard, go to Plugins and deactivate the new plugin.
- If you cannot, open cPanel File Manager, go to wp-content/plugins and rename the plugin’s folder, for example by adding -off to its name. WordPress will deactivate it.
- Recent versions of WordPress may also email the site administrator a recovery mode link when a fatal error occurs.
- If needed, restore from a backup taken before the install.
Keeping plugins safe
- Update plugins promptly, as many updates fix security problems.
- Delete plugins you have deactivated and no longer need.
- Back up before major updates, or test them on a staging copy first.
Tremhost managed WordPress hosting tests updates on a staging copy before applying them, keeps daily backups and scans for malware, so plugin maintenance is handled for you.
Frequently asked questions
How many plugins should a WordPress site have?
There is no fixed number. Quality matters more than quantity. Install only plugins you use, from well-maintained sources.
Are free plugins safe?
Many are. Plugins in the official directory go through a review when first submitted, but you should still check update history, ratings and support before installing.
What is the difference between deactivating and deleting a plugin?
Deactivating stops the plugin running but keeps its files and usually its settings. Deleting removes its files. Some plugins also remove their data when deleted.
Do I need to update plugins manually?
You can update them from the Plugins screen or turn on automatic updates per plugin. On managed WordPress hosting, updates are handled for you.
Next step
If you do not want to manage plugin updates and backups yourself, look at Tremhost managed WordPress hosting. If you are starting from scratch, the Help Centre explains how to install WordPress.
