Are you looking to manually install a WordPress plugin? Well, I am here to guide you and show you how it’s done.
Assuming that you already have a WordPress hosting account and have WordPress installed, the process of installing a plugin is very easy.
Below are simple steps that will help you install a WordPress plugin manually. This article is intended for those who have a self-hosted WordPress site.
If you are hosting your blog on Wordpress.com directly, the steps to install WordPress plugins are pretty much the same.
How to install WordPress plugins step by step?
1- Click on the plugins button in your WordPress admin area.
You will find the plugins button towards the left of your admin page. I have attached a pic below to help you.
2- Click the add new button on the plugins page in the admin area.
You will find the add new button towards the top left of the admin page.
3- Upload a plugin or search and install it.
Here you have two options.
How to install WordPress plugin from zip.
If you are downloading the plugin from an external site, first save the zip file to your computer.
Then click on the upload button on the top left of the admin page.
You will now have a chance to select your WordPress plugin and upload it.
Click on the browse button and attach the zip file you saved earlier on your computer.
Click the install button and you’re done. After you have installed your plugin, you can activate it in the plugins page.
How to install WordPress plugins from your dashboard.
If you want to install a WordPress plugin from the WordPress repository, first search for the plugin using the search button.
You can search by keyword, author or tag.
You can also click on the featured, popular, and recommended links to check out some awesome plugins.
After you have found the desired plugin, all you have to do is click on the install button beside the plugin and your done. The last step is to activate your plugin.
How to install a WordPress plugin via FTP
If you have no way of installing the plugin from your WordPress admin area, then you can install it using FTP.
You will need to download the plugin first in a zip file, then extract it to a folder on your computer. You can right click on the zip file with your mouse and click the extract button.
Log on to your FTP client, then go to the /wp-content/plugins/ folder and upload the extracted file to the folder. You will need to then activate the plugin from your WordPress admin area.
You can use Winzip to extract your zip file and Filezilla for FTP. Both are free.
Tips on searching for a good WordPress plugin.
WordPress has thousands of plugins in the repository.
Make sure you look for plugins that are updated frequently. Read the reviews and always backup your site before you install a new plugin.
A bad plugin can affect your site speed and cause a lot of damage.
Go with reputable programmers and companies. If in doubt, do not install.
Some plugins also affect the workings of other plugins on your site. Be sure to check and ask questions before you do anything.
We have written an article on how to start a blog which has a list of recommended plugins to install including Wp Rocket which can make your site superfast. A faster website can help you rank higher on google organically.
How to find my plugin settings after I have installed and activated it.
After you have installed your Wordpress plugin there are two places where you can find the settings to your plugin.
Check to the left of your WordPress admin page. Normally you will find your plugin there. Just click on the plugin name and you will be able to find your settings area.
If you don’t see your plugin on the left of the admin page, look for it under the Wordpress settings tab.
Depending on what plugin you have installed you could also find the settings of that plugin under the media, comments, appearance, users, and tools tab.
How to update a WordPress plugin?
This process is extremely easy. Each time there is a new update, you will get a message in your Wordpress admin.
Just click on the update button and your done. Don’t forget to backup your site before you update.
Your web host should offer you free backups. If not you can try switching your hosting to Bluehost or WP Engine.
Each of these web hosting companies offers free backups and will manage all the technical aspects of your WordPress installation.
We hope this article has given you the information needed to install and update a WordPress plugin. Also, read about how to install a WordPress theme.
Good luck and blessings,
Mind On Jesus.