Introduction to wordpress plugins
If youre just beginning to learn about WordPress activating and installing plugins can be a bit daunting. (how to install wordpress plugins)
The process of installing isnt easy if you have never done it before.
However plugins are what makes WordPress extremely adaptable.
You could for instance utilize a plugin to enhance the SEO of your website or create an online store without programming is required.
Weve helped many website owners navigate this procedure and are available to assist you too In this tutorial well take you through the various methods that you can employ to install the WordPress plugin.
Before You Start
If youre making use of WordPress.com then it isnt possible to install plugins unless the upgrade is to Business or greater.
We frequently receive complaints from users who say they arent able to see the menu for plugins on the menu of plugins on their WordPress dashboard.
This is due to the fact that theyre using WordPress.com that has its own limitations.
On the other side you can install any plugin you like on your own selfhosted WordPress.org website straight from the beginning.
If you have remaining questions you may consider reading our post on selfhosted WordPress.org as opposed to WordPress.com.
In that regard this is a brief overview of the different ways well cover to install the WordPress plugin for your site:

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Method 1: Install a Plugin Using WordPress Plugin Search
Following having installed WordPress it is the first thing a beginner has to know is the process of installing the WordPress plugin.(how to install wordpress plugins)
The ability to master this skill is crucial to unlocking the maximum potential of your website.
The most straightforward method to install an WordPress plugin is by using the search function for plugins.
The only disadvantage of this approach is that a plugin has to be listed in the WordPress plugin directory that is restricted to plugins that are free.
The first thing to do is go to the plugins page and then the Add New plugin page in your WordPress administrator area.
Then you will be able to find the plugin that youd like to download by entering in the code of the plugin or the feature you require.
For instance in this case well type WPForms in the bar of search.
Once the loading process is completed after which youll be able to see several listings such as the one below:
We were searching for WPForms which is the most efficient WordPress email form plugin Click the Install Now link below it.
WordPress will start downloading and installing the plugin on your behalf.
Note that the WordPress plugin isnt functional before you have activated it.
Make sure you activate the button to begin using it on the WordPress website.
Thats all Youve successfully created your initial WordPress plugin.
Following that we need setting the settings for your plugin.
Because these settings are different for every plugin we will not discuss the settings in this post.

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Method 2: Install a Plugin Using the WordPress Admin Plugin Upload
Paid WordPress plugins arent listed within the WordPress plugin directory and therefore cannot use the original method.
This is why WordPress has an upload option to install the plugins.(how to install wordpress plugins)
In this article well explain the steps to set up WordPress plugins by using the upload option from the admin area.
In the beginning youll have first download it from the website that you purchased it from in the first place which is an unzip file.
After that then youll need to navigate to the plugins section and click Create New within the WordPress administrator area.
Then click the Upload Plugin on near the bottom of the webpage.
This will display the upload form of the plugin.
In this case click on the Choose File button and then choose the plugin file that you previously downloaded to your computer.
WordPress will then transfer the plugin file to your PC and then install the plugin automatically for you. Once the installation has been completed you will receive the following message.
All thats left for you to complete is clicking on the Activate Plugin button and begin making use of the plugin.
As previously mentioned as the settings differ for every plugin we will not go into this in this post.

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Method 3: Install WordPress Plugin Using FTP
In rare instances it is possible that your WordPress hosting provider might be limiting file access which could limit the possibility of installing plugins from the admin area.
In this scenario the best option is to manually install the plugin with FTP. But using the FTP manager method is not the most userfriendly choice for newbies.
Before we can begin before we can begin youll have to download the zip file of the plugin and extract it onto your computer.(how to install wordpress plugins)
It is necessary to download the WordPress plugin within this folder using the FTP program.
If you do not have your FTP username and password then you might want to contact your WordPress hosting provider and request the company for assistance.
After youve uploaded the files access the WordPress administrator area and click the menu item Plugins.
To begin with the application simply go to and click on the Activate button in the section for it.
After activation you might require a plugin configuration settings. WordPress plugins come with specific settings that differ between plugins therefore we wont explain them here.
FAQs About Installing WordPress Plugins
If youre just starting out there are some questions regarding setting up WordPress plugins. Being the largest WordPress source site weve encountered hundreds of these.(how to install wordpress plugins)
Well try to answer many of the frequentlyasked questions regarding the installation of WordPress plugins.
1. How can I locate the most effective WordPress plugins for my site?
There are over 59000 WordPress plugins on the official WordPress plugin directory as well as many more offered in the form of paid plugins. This can make it difficult to choose the right plugin that has the feature they require.
We also provide a thorough guide to selecting the most suitable WordPress plugin that explains what you should look for when researching plugins.
2. What is the difference between active and installed plugins?
WordPress lets you install a plugin but not utilize it. If you want to use an extension on your site you must activate the plugin.
It is possible to see active plugins when you go to the Plugins page within the WordPress admin area. The plugins are highlighted using a blue backgrounds.
You may also be able to see an Upgrade To Pro label as well. This means its the Premium edition of the plugin available to explore.
White background Plugins can be installed to your site but they arent active.
3. Do I need to delete plugins that are inactive?
If youre not using an plugin we suggest removing it from your site. To learn more about this issue please read our article about the reasons to delete active plugins from WordPress.
4. What plugins can I add to WordPress?
You are able to use the number of WordPress plugins you like. Its not the amount of plugins that impact the speed of your site but the quality of the plugins. For more details take a look at our post on how many WordPress plugins you need to install.
5. How do I remove the WordPress plugin?
You can remove an WordPress plugin by navigating to the page Plugins in the WordPress administration area.
Then youll be able to just click the Delete button to delete it from your website.
For more specific steps you may be interested in the guide we have written on how you can correctly uninstall a WordPress plugin.
6. Is it safe to use an old plugin?
It can also cause performance issues. It is essential to keep your plugins uptodate to ensure your sites security and efficiency.
Check out our guide to determine if its safe to install outdated WordPress plugins to find out more.
about author
Rohan loves exploring the latest gadgets software and trends and sharing his insights with others.
With a deep understanding of website development online marketing and various monetization strategies Rohan aims to empower individuals to leverage the power of the internet to achieve their financial goals.
Personal suggestion
We hope this has helped you understand the steps to set up WordPress plugins.
You may also want to see our guide on which WordPress plugins are slowing down your website and our expert selection of the most fun WordPress plugins that youre missing out on.
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Im Rohan a tech fanatic primarily based totally in New Delhi and Im proper proper right here to manual you thru the method. Located at A45 Green Park Extension New Delhi 110016 Im constantly searching out the modernday tech tendencies and pointers.