Quick answer
- The easiest way: go to Plugins → Add New Plugin, search for a plugin, click Install Now, then Activate.
- For a premium plugin, download its .zip file and use the Upload Plugin button.
- You can also upload a plugin folder by FTP/SFTP to wp-content/plugins.
- Only install plugins you need, from trusted sources, and keep them updated.
Plugins add features to WordPress, from contact forms and SEO to backups and security. Installing one takes a minute, and there are three ways to do it.
Method 1: Install a free plugin from your dashboard
- In your dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin.
- Search for the plugin by name or feature.
- Check its active installations, rating, last update and compatibility before installing.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Method 2: Upload a premium plugin
- Download the plugin’s .zip file from the developer’s website. Don’t unzip it.
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin and click Upload Plugin.
- Choose the .zip file and click Install Now.
- Click Activate Plugin, then enter your license key if needed so you get updates.
Method 3: Install a plugin with FTP/SFTP
- Unzip the plugin on your computer.
- Connect to your site with an FTP/SFTP app or your host’s File Manager.
- Upload the plugin folder to wp-content/plugins.
- Go to Plugins in your dashboard and activate it.
How to choose safe plugins
- Recently updated: look for updates within the last few months.
- Popular and well rated: more active installs and good recent reviews usually mean fewer problems.
- Compatible: check it works with your WordPress version.
- From trusted sources: WordPress.org or the developer’s official site. Avoid “nulled” premium plugins, which often contain malware.
- Only what you need: each plugin adds code to maintain and update.
Essential plugins for a new blog
- SEO: Rank Math or Yoast SEO.
- Forms: WPForms. See our WPForms review.
- Backups: see our BlogVault review.
- Security: see our MalCare review.
- Analytics: see our MonsterInsights review.
Install WordPress plugins FAQs
Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin in your dashboard.
Download its .zip file, then use Upload Plugin on the Add New Plugin screen.
You may not be an administrator, or you may be on a WordPress.com plan that doesn’t allow plugins. On WordPress.com, plugin installation starts on the Personal plan.
There’s no fixed number. What matters is quality: use well-maintained plugins and remove ones you don’t need.
Plugins on WordPress.org are reviewed before they’re listed. Choose ones that are popular and updated regularly.
Deactivate it from the Plugins page, or rename its folder in wp-content/plugins by FTP if you can’t log in.
