WordPress plugins add many features to change and improve your website. This article will show you how to find, install, and take care of plugins on your WordPress site. We'll talk about different ways to install plugins, like using the plugin search tool and uploading plugins with FTP. We'll also share tips for keeping your plugins and site safe.
Key Takeaways
- Only download plugins from trusted sources to avoid security issues
- Keep plugins updated to ensure you have the latest security fixes and features
- Deactivate and uninstall any unused plugins to reduce security risks and improve site performance
- Research a plugin's reviews, ratings, and compatibility before installing to ensure reliability
- Regularly back up your WordPress site, including plugin files and settings, in case of any issues
Install WordPress Plugins Using the Plugin Search
The WordPress plugin directory has many free plugins that you can install from your WordPress admin area. To find and install a plugin using the plugin search:
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Log in to the WordPress admin area with your administrator credentials.
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In the left sidebar, click on the "Plugins" menu.
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Click the "Add New" button at the top of the Plugins page. This will take you to the WordPress plugin repository, where you can browse and search for plugins.
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Use the plugin search bar to find the plugin you want to install. You can search by plugin name, keyword, or functionality. The search results will show a list of plugins.
For example, if you want to install a contact form plugin, you can search for "contact form" in the plugin search bar. Some popular contact form plugins include:
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Once you've found the plugin you want to install, click on the "Install Now" button next to the plugin name. WordPress will download and install the plugin on your site.
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After the installation is done, you'll see an "Activate" button. Click on it to activate the plugin and start using it on your site.
By using the WordPress plugin search, you can find and install plugins that meet your needs without having to leave your WordPress admin area. This method is good for beginners and those who prefer a simple installation process.
Some other examples of commonly installed plugins:
SEO Plugins
Caching Plugins
Security Plugins
Backup Plugins
Choose plugins that are updated often, work with your version of WordPress, and have good ratings and reviews from other users. Keep your plugins up to date and remove any unused plugins to keep your site secure and fast.
Install a WordPress Plugin by Uploading a ZIP File
You may need to install a WordPress plugin that is not in the official WordPress plugin directory. This could be a premium plugin you bought or a custom plugin made for your site. In such cases, you can install the plugin by uploading the plugin ZIP file via FTP.
Using FTP to Upload and Install a Plugin
To install a WordPress plugin by uploading a ZIP file via FTP:
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Download the plugin ZIP file from the WordPress plugin directory or a premium plugin provider. Save the file to your computer.
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Use an FTP client to connect to your WordPress hosting server. You'll need your FTP login credentials, which you can usually find in your hosting control panel.
Here's an example of what your FTP login credentials might look like:
- Host:
ftp.example.com - Username:
your_username - Password:
your_password - Port:
21
- Host:
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Once connected, go to the
wp-content/pluginsdirectory in your WordPress installation. This is where all the plugin files are stored. -
Upload the plugin ZIP file you downloaded to the
wp-content/pluginsfolder. You can do this by dragging and dropping the file into your FTP client. -
After the upload is done, go to the Plugins page in your WordPress admin area. You should see the new plugin listed there. Click the "Activate" link below the plugin name to activate it and start using it on your site.
Some examples of when you might need to install a plugin via FTP:
- Installing a premium plugin bought from a marketplace like CodeCanyon or a developer's website
- Example: You bought a premium SEO plugin from CodeCanyon and need to install it on your site.
- Installing a custom plugin made for your site
- Example: A developer made a custom plugin to integrate your site with a third-party API, and you need to install it.
- Installing a plugin when your WordPress admin area is not accessible
- Example: Your site has issues, and you can't access the admin area, but you need to install a plugin to fix the problem.
- Troubleshooting plugin installation issues
- Example: You tried installing a plugin through the WordPress admin area, but it failed. You can try installing it via FTP instead.
Make sure you download plugins from trusted sources to avoid security problems. Always keep your plugins up to date and remove any plugins you're not using to keep your site's performance and security.
Tips for Maintaining Plugin Security
- Only download plugins from trusted sources, such as the official WordPress plugin directory or known premium plugin providers.
- Keep your plugins updated to ensure you have the latest security fixes and features.
- Remove any inactive plugins from your site to reduce security risks.
- Regularly check your site for any unusual activity or signs of a security breach.
Best Practices for Managing WordPress Plugins
Check for Plugin Updates
Keeping your WordPress plugins up to date is important for site security and compatibility. Plugin developers release updates to fix bugs, add features, and fix security problems. Check for updates in your WordPress admin area:
- Go to the Plugins page
- Look for plugins with a notification about a new version
- Update the plugin to the latest version
Deactivate and Uninstall Unused Plugins
You may collect plugins that are no longer needed for your site. Inactive plugins can slow your site and be a security risk if not updated. Review your installed plugins:
- Go through your list of installed plugins
- Deactivate plugins that you're not using
- If you don't plan on using a plugin again, delete it to free up server space
Keep Plugin Count Low
Using too many plugins can slow your site and cause conflicts. Only install plugins that are needed for your site's functions. If a single plugin can do multiple tasks, that's better than installing separate plugins for each function.
Check Reviews and Ratings Before Installing
Before installing a new plugin, research its quality and reliability. Look for plugins with good reviews, high ratings, and many active installations. These factors show that a plugin is well-maintained and less likely to cause issues.
Make Regular Backups
Regularly back up your WordPress site, including your plugin files and settings. If a plugin causes problems, you can restore your site to a previous state. You can back up your site manually or use a backup plugin.
Popular backup plugins:
Use Plugin Management Tools
If you manage multiple WordPress sites, consider using a plugin management tool to simplify updates, backups, and other maintenance tasks across all your sites from a single dashboard.
Popular plugin management tools:
Example workflow:
