Complete guide to installing WordPress plugins using 4 different methods. From beginner-friendly dashboard installation to advanced FTP uploads.
Choose the method that best fits your technical skill level and access permissions.
Install directly from WordPress.org repository through your admin dashboard.
EasyUpload a plugin ZIP file you downloaded from elsewhere.
EasyUpload plugin files directly to your server via FTP client.
MediumInstall plugins using command line interface for advanced users.
AdvancedBest for: Installing plugins directly from WordPress.org repository. Most user-friendly method.
Navigate to your website and add /wp-admin to the URL (e.g., yoursite.com/wp-admin). Enter your username and password.
In the left sidebar, click on "Plugins" then "Add New".
Use the search box to find your plugin (e.g., "Lion Social Share"). Type the exact plugin name for best results.
Click "Install Now" button on the correct plugin. Wait for installation to complete.
Click "Activate" button that appears after installation. The plugin is now ready to use!
Before installing, check the plugin's ratings, number of installations, and last update date. Look for plugins with 4+ stars and recent updates.
Best for: Installing plugins you've downloaded as ZIP files from plugin developers or premium marketplaces.
Download the plugin ZIP file from the developer's website or marketplace to your computer.
In WordPress admin, navigate to Plugins → Add New.
At the top of the page, click the "Upload Plugin" button.
Click "Choose File", select your ZIP file, then click "Install Now".
After successful installation, click "Activate Plugin" to enable it.
Only upload ZIP files from trusted sources. Malicious plugins can compromise your website's security.
Best for: When WordPress dashboard uploads fail or for bulk plugin installations.
Download the plugin ZIP file and extract it to a folder on your computer.
Use an FTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP) to connect to your website server using your hosting credentials.
Go to /wp-content/plugins/ directory on your server.
Upload the entire extracted plugin folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory.
Go to WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins and activate the uploaded plugin.
Best for: Developers and advanced users who prefer command line operations.
SSH into your server or use your hosting control panel's terminal/command line interface.
Change to your WordPress installation directory using the cd command.
Search for available plugins:
wp plugin search "plugin-name"
Install the plugin using:
wp plugin install plugin-slug
Activate the installed plugin:
wp plugin activate plugin-slug
wp plugin install plugin-slug --activatewp plugin install https://example.com/plugin.zipwp plugin listwp plugin update --allPlugin installation fails?