Do you want to install a WordPress plugin on your WordPress website?
In simple words, WordPress plugins are like apps for your WordPress website. They allow you to add new features to WordPress like a contact form, slideshow, shopping car, and more.
In this article, you will learn how to install a WordPress plugin to you website.
A plugin is like an application that improves the functionality of your site. Several plugins are based on their functions, such as SEO, speed, backup, security, and others.
There are thousands of plugins that you can install freely from the WordPress directory. However, others are paid that you purchase from third-party websites or sources and install them using uploading a plugin method.
Things to Know Before You Install WordPress Plugin
There are two WordPress platforms that allow you to make a website. One is wordpress.com, and the other one is wordpress.org.
WordPress.com does not allow you to install a WordPress plugin unless you purchase a business plan for your website.
WordPress.org is a free, open-source platform that allows you to install as many plugins as you want, and you can even monetize your website or blog to make money.
How to Install a WordPress Plugin
You can install a WordPress plugin in three different ways:
- Install a plugin using WordPress Plugin Search
- Install a plugin by Uploading a WordPress Plugin
- Install a plugin using FTP
1. Install a WordPress Plugin Using Search
The easiest way of installing a WordPress plugin is to use the plugin search. The only downside of this option is that a plugin must be in the WordPress plugin directory, which is limited to only free plugins.
First thing you need to do is visit the Plugins > Add New page inside your WordPress admin area.
1. Go to Plugins in the dashboard and click on Add New.
2. Write the plugin name in the search bar to find the plugin that you wish to install on your website.
3. Once you find the plugin, click on the Install button.
4. Next, click on the Activate button to activate the plugin. If you don’t activate the plugin, it will not work.
5. Once Activated, You can see your newly installed plugin by visiting Plugins > Installed Plugins.
2. Install a WordPress Plugin using Upload
Paid WordPress plugins are not listed in the WordPress plugin directory, and they cannot be installed using the first method.
That’s why WordPress comes with the upload method to install such plugins. We will show you how to install WordPress plugins using the upload option in the admin area.
1. First, download the plugin from the source where you purchased the plugin. The download file will be in zip file format.
2. Next, go to the WordPress admin area and visit the Plugins > Add New page.
3. After that, click on the ‘Upload Plugin’ button at the top of the page. Choose the plugin from your computer that you previously downloaded in the zip folder.
4. Once the plugin is upload, click on the install button to install your plugin to your site.
5. Then click on the Activate button to activate your plugin.
Your plugin has been successfully installed and activated on your website. You can see it by visiting Plugins > Install Plugins.
3. Install a WordPress Plugin using FTP
1. First, you will need to download the plugin from the source. it will be in a zip file.
2. Extract the zip file on your computer.
3. access your host through the FTP manager.
4. Open the FTP client on your computer and connect to your website using the login credentials provided by your web host.
5. Once connected, you must go to your website’s/wp-content/plugins folder.
6. Next, upload the folder you extracted from the zip file to your web server’s/wp-content/plugins/ folder.
7. After uploading the files, you need to visit the WordPress admin area and click on the Plugins link in the admin menu. Your plugin will be successfully installed on the plugin page.
8. You need to click on the Activate link below the plugin to start using it.
Final Thoughts on How to Install a WordPress Plugin
Plugins are like apps that offer more features and functionality to your site. You can install as many plugins as you want, but you should always install several ones you actively use on your website.
As plugins add more features and functions to your site, you can use plugins for security, backup, optimization, speed, and performance. There is a plugin for everything that you can think of.
There are three different methods for installing a WordPress plugin on your site. However, installing the plugin by search or uploading feature is the most beginner-friendly method, and it just takes a few minutes to install and activate the plugin. The third method, using FPT, is technically not recommended for beginners because it can be a little complicated if you don’t install the plugin correctly.
How to Install a WordPress Plugin FAQs
What is a plugin?
A plugin is just like an app that adds more features to your WordPress site and enhances the performance of your site.
What is purpose of installing a plugin?
Different plugins are available to install and activate on your website. The main purpose of using a plugin is to improve your website’s performance, speed, security, and functionality.
Should I delete inactive plugins?
Yes, you must delete inactive plugins from your site because there is no reason to keep inactive plugins. In addition, they can negatively affect your site by slowing down the website speed.
How do I uninstall a WordPress plugin?
Log into your WordPress dashboard, then go to plugins > installed plugins. Then click the deactivate link under the plugin that you want to uninstall. Finally, click on the delete button to uninstall the plugin from your website.
How many plugins I can install in WordPress?
There is no specific number of plugins you can install on your WordPress site. However, you should only install plugins that you actively use on your site. There is no need to install unnecessary plugins.
What is the difference between installed and active plugins?
You can install any plugin on your site. However, if you don’t activate the plugin, the plugin will not work.
How do I find the best WordPress plugin to install on my website?
On the plugin page, look at the active installation and rating. if the plugin has been installed a lot and has a good rating, it means that the plugin is good and reliable.
I hope this article helped you to learn how to install a wordpress plugin. If you liked it, then please subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and blog posts.
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