WordPress is one of the most flexible website platforms in the world. Much of that flexibility comes from plugins – small software add-ons that expand your site’s features. When you want to add contact forms, improve search engine optimisation, boost security, or connect to third-party tools, plugins make it possible without touching a line of code.

But how do you install a plugin in WordPress safely and correctly? This guide explains the three main methods – installing directly from the dashboard, uploading a plugin manually, and using FTP. We’ll also cover how to activate, update, and remove plugins, plus answer common questions.

What is a WordPress plugin?

A plugin is a package of code that “plugs in” to your WordPress site and adds new functionality. There are more than 60,000 free plugins available in the WordPress.org directory, with thousands of premium options offered by developers.

Examples include:

  • SEO tools that help improve your search rankings.
  • Security add-ons that scan for malware or block suspicious traffic
  • Ecommerce plugins such as WooCommerce that let you sell products online
  • Performance tools like caching plugins to speed up your website

Different ways to install a plugin in WordPress

Adding plugins isn't always complicated, and there are three different methods you could use. Each method works slightly differently, so choose the option that fits your situation best.

Method 1: Install a plugin from the dashboard

The easiest method is using the built-in search in your WordPress Admin Dashboard.

  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard
  2. Go to Plugins > Add New
  3. Use the search bar on the top right to type the name of the plugin you want
  4. Click “Install Now” when you find the correct one
  5. After installation, click “Activate” to make the plugin live on your site

This is the most common way to install plugins. It’s quick, doesn’t require any technical knowledge, and works best for free plugins listed in the official WordPress directory.

Method 2: Upload a plugin to WordPress manually

Premium plugins and any custom-built tools won’t be listed in the directory. In this case, you’ll need to upload and install WordPress plugins manually using a .zip file.

  1. Download the plugin’s .zip file from the developer or marketplace
  2. In your dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New
  3. Click the “Upload Plugin” button at the top of the page
  4. Choose the file from your computer and click “Install Now”
  5. When the upload finishes, click “Activate Plugin”

This upload plugin method is perfect when dealing with paid or niche plugins.

Method 3: Install plugins via FTP (advanced)

If your WordPress dashboard is inaccessible or you prefer full control, you can upload plugins manually with FTP.

  1. Unzip the plugin file on your computer
  2. Connect to your site using an FTP client like FileZilla
  3. Go to /wp-content/plugins/
  4. Upload the entire unzipped plugin folder
  5. Log back into WordPress, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, and click “Activate”

FTP installation is a fallback option and mainly used by developers or advanced users.

How to activate, update, and remove plugins

Installing a plugin is only the first step. Once you add plugins to your site, you’ll also need to know how to activate them, keep them updated, and safely remove any WordPress plugins you no longer use.

Activate a plugin

After installing, always click “Activate.” Until activated, the plugin sits idle and won’t run on your site.

Update plugins

Outdated plugins can cause errors or leave your site open to security risks. To update:

  • Go to Dashboard > Updates
  • Select the plugins with updates available
  • Click “Update Plugins”

You can also enable auto-updates for each plugin by clicking the option next to its name in the plugin list.

Deactivate or delete plugins

To disable a plugin you no longer need:

  1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
  2. Click “Deactivate”
  3. If you want to remove it completely, click “Delete” after deactivation

Best practices for managing WordPress plugins

Installing plugins is straightforward but managing them well is what keeps your website secure and fast.

  • Only install trusted plugins. Check ratings, reviews, and when it was last updated.
  • Avoid plugin overload. Too many can slow your site. Choose quality over quantity.
  • Update regularly. Outdated plugins are a major security risk and frequent cause of hacked websites.
  • Back up before making major changes. Always take a full site backup before adding or updating plugins. Most installations run smoothly, but there’s still a small chance of errors or conflicts.
  • Test on staging first (optional). If you run a business-critical site, test new plugins on a staging copy before installing them on your live site.

FAQs on how to install a plugin in WordPress

How many plugins can I install in WordPress?

There’s no hard limit to the number of plugins you can install. Most sites run well with 20-30, as long as they’re from trusted developers and updated regularly. Problems usually come from poor coding or too many overlapping features, which can slow down your site or cause conflicts.

Can I install plugins on WordPress.com?

Yes, but only if you’re on one of the paid plans. Free WordPress.com plans don’t allow external plugins, limiting you to built-in features. With an upgrade, you gain access to thousands of plugins, giving you the same flexibility as a self-hosted WordPress.org site.

What happens if a plugin crashes my site?

A faulty plugin can sometimes cause errors or even stop your site loading. If that happens, log in to your WordPress dashboard and deactivate it. If the dashboard is inaccessible, which can happen, use FTP to rename the plugin’s folder in /wp-content/plugins/. This forces WordPress to disable it automatically.

Do I need to pay for WordPress plugins?

Many high-quality plugins are free in the official WordPress directory, offering basic functionality at no cost. Premium plugins are paid versions that typically provide advanced features, more regular updates, and priority customer support. For business websites, investing in premium plugins often pays off through reliability and professional support.

How do I update plugins for WordPress automatically?

You can enable auto-updates directly in the plugin list in your WordPress dashboard. Once activated, WordPress will install updates as soon as they’re released. This reduces security risks by ensuring you’re always on the latest version, though it’s still good practice to keep regular backups in case an update causes issues.

What’s the safest way to install plugins?

The safest method is to install plugins directly from the official WordPress directory or purchase them from trusted developers. Check reviews, ratings, and update history before installing. Avoid downloading plugins from unknown sources, as these may contain malicious code that can compromise your website’s performance, security, or customer data.

Plugins give your WordPress site the features it needs to stand out. Now that you know how to install a plugin in WordPress, managing and updating should become second nature. Keep everything updated, stick to trusted plugins, and your website will stay fast and secure.

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