Instructions for a novice on installing a WordPress plugin, detailed in a step-by-step guide
WordPress plugins are tools that add new features to a WordPress site without the need for coding. These plugins can greatly enhance the functionality of your site, making them an essential part of many WordPress users' toolkit.
Installing Plugins via the Dashboard
Installing plugins through the WordPress dashboard is a quick and user-friendly method that requires no technical skills. To do this, simply search for the plugin in the WordPress plugin directory, install it, and activate it.
Manual Installation via FTP/SFTP
However, there may be instances where dashboard uploads fail, and you'll need to resort to manual installation via FTP or SFTP. Here's how to do it:
- Download and extract the plugin ZIP file to your computer so you have the plugin folder ready.
- Install an FTP client like FileZilla and connect to your website’s server using FTP or SFTP credentials provided by your hosting provider.
- In the FTP client, navigate to the WordPress plugin directory located at on your web server.
- Upload the extracted plugin folder from your computer into the directory on the server.
- After the upload is complete, log into your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, find the uploaded plugin in the list, and click Activate.
Using SFTP is recommended over FTP as it encrypts the connection, enhancing security. If you encounter “permission denied” errors during upload, ensure your hosting file permissions allow writing to the plugins folder.
Installing Plugins with WP-CLI
WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is a method for advanced users and developers to install and manage WordPress plugins without using the dashboard. To use WP-CLI, ensure it is installed on your server or local development environment. Many managed WordPress hosts include it by default.
Updating, Deactivating, and Deleting Plugins
You can also update, deactivate, or delete plugins using WP-CLI commands. To uninstall a WordPress plugin, deactivate it, then click Delete. For premium plugins, you may also need to revoke the license key before removal.
Inactive plugins can pose security risks and take up server space, so it's best to remove any plugin you're not actively using. Always update or replace plugins that are no longer maintained by their developers to avoid using outdated plugins with unpatched vulnerabilities and compatibility issues.
Installing Plugins from ZIP Files
Installing a plugin from a ZIP file is used for premium plugins not listed in the WordPress repository. Simply download the ZIP file, and upload it via the WordPress dashboard or manually via FTP/SFTP if dashboard uploads fail.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Long-running installations can hit the PHP max execution time limit, which can be fixed by increasing the max_execution_time setting in php.ini or asking your host to adjust it. If your site exceeds the allocated PHP memory, installations may fail. This can be fixed by increasing the memory limit in wp-config.php.
If a plugin's activation process can't communicate with the database, an error establishing a database connection may occur. This can be fixed by verifying your database credentials in wp-config.php and contacting your host if the issue persists.
Choosing Reputable Sources and Understanding WordPress Versions
Always download plugins from reputable sources to avoid security risks. Some plugins require a specific PHP version. To fix this issue, check your PHP version in the hosting panel and update to a supported release.
Understanding the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org is important, as it affects what plugins can be installed. WordPress.com restricts plugin installation unless on the Business plan or higher, while WordPress.org offers complete flexibility.
Premium WordPress Plugins
WPZOOM offers a range of premium WordPress plugins designed for speed, flexibility, and ease of use. These plugins are easy to install, regularly updated, and built for performance.
[1] Source: https://developer.wordpress.org/plugins/basics/file-system-permissions/
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