How to install a plugin
Step-by-step instructions for installing a plugin on your WordPress site, from the official directory or from a file.
There are two ways to install a plugin in WordPress: searching the built-in directory, or uploading a file you've downloaded. Both are covered here.
Quick summary
To install a free plugin: go to Plugins → Add New Plugin, search by name, click Install Now, then click Activate. To install a premium plugin from a file: click Upload Plugin, choose the ZIP file, install, and activate.
What you'll need
Beginner 5 minutes- Administrator access to your WordPress site
- The name of the plugin you want to install, or a downloaded ZIP file for premium plugins
Check with us first
If we manage your site, please check with us before installing new plugins. A new plugin can occasionally conflict with existing ones. If you're on a care plan, we'll install it for you and test it safely.
Method 1: Install from the WordPress directory (free plugins)
This is the easiest method for any free plugin listed on WordPress.org.
Log in to WordPress and go to your dashboard. Need help logging in? See How to log in to WordPress.
Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin in the left sidebar.
Search for the plugin. Type the plugin's name into the search box in the top right. Results appear automatically.
Find the right plugin. Check the plugin name, author, star rating, and number of active installs. A plugin with hundreds of thousands of installs and recent updates is a good sign.
Click Install Now. WordPress downloads and installs the plugin in seconds.
Click Activate. The plugin is now live and running on your site. Without this step, the plugin is installed but not doing anything.
You're done
The plugin is installed and active. It usually appears in your left sidebar menu, or you may find its settings under Settings or Tools.
Method 2: Upload a plugin ZIP file (premium plugins)
Premium plugins (paid ones from a developer's website) usually come as a ZIP file that you download to your computer first.
Download the plugin ZIP file from the developer's website. Keep it on your computer — don't unzip it.
In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin.
Click the Upload Plugin button near the top of the page.
Click Choose File and select the ZIP file you downloaded.
Click Install Now. WordPress unpacks and installs the plugin.
Click Activate Plugin to turn it on.
After installing: activate your license
Many premium plugins require a license key to receive updates and support. After activating, check the plugin's settings page for a field labeled "License Key" or "Activation."
Your license key is usually emailed to you when you purchase the plugin. Enter it there and click Activate. If you're not sure where to find it, check the email from the plugin developer or your account on their website.
What to do if something goes wrong
Occasionally a new plugin causes a conflict — your site might look broken, or an error message appears. Don't panic.
- Go back to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
- Find the new plugin and click Deactivate.
- Check if the site looks normal again.
If deactivating fixes it, that plugin is likely conflicting with something else on your site. Contact us and we'll investigate. Full details in Deactivating vs deleting plugins.
Common questions
Related guides
- What are plugins?
- How to update plugins safely
- Deactivating vs deleting plugins
- WordPress security basics
- How plugins affect speed
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