One of the advantages of WordPress is the availability of abundant plugins. Not only that, how to install WordPress plugins also varies. All you have to do is choose how to install the WordPress plugin that suits you.
Don't worry, in this article, we'll take you through four different methods that can be used. Starting from using the repository to how to upload plugins on WordPress. Are you curious to practice directly? Let's slide into the full tutorial!
How to Install WordPress Plugins from the wp-admin Dashboard
The first way to install the WordPress plugin is via the wp-admin dashboard to access the WordPress repository. So, the sequence of steps is:
1. Enter the WordPress dashboard by filling in your WordPress username and password.
2. Access the Plugins > Add New menu from the left sidebar.
3. On the Add Plugins page, type the name of the free plugin you want to install in the search field then press Enter.
4. Click the Install Now button on the plugin you are referring to. After that, all you have to do is wait for the plugin installation process.
5. After the plugin is installed, activate the plugin by clicking Activate.
Finished! Isn't it easy to install a WordPress plugin from the wp-admin dashboard?
Are you interested in trying another way of installing WordPress plugin files? If yes, scroll down, yes!
How to Install a WordPress Plugin via the Upload menu
The next way to add a WordPress plugin is by using the Upload menu. This method is usually used if your plugin is not from the WordPress repository, or you want an older version of a plugin.
So, the sequence of steps for manually uploading WordPress plugins is:
1. Go to the Plugins > Add New menu like the previous method.
2. If so, click the Upload Plugin button.
3. After that, click Choose File and select the plugin you want to upload from your computer. Oh yes, make sure the plugin has a zip file extension.
4. Then, click Install Now and please wait for the plugin upload process.
5. If the plugin is uploaded successfully, you will see the screen below. Next, click Activate Plugin.
There are still two ways to install WordPress plugins that you can try. Let's go to the points below!
How to Upload Plugins on WordPress with an FTP Client
How to install a WordPress plugin via an FTP client is the next option. This method is perfect for those of you who already understand what FTP is and how it works here.
The advantage is, you can practice how to install plugins on WordPress as easily as drag & drop the plugin file on your computer's file manager. If you are interested, follow the steps, come on!
1. Download the plugin file that you want to install like the previous option. But this time, you need to simultaneously extract the file.
2. Set up the FTP client software on your computer. As an example, we use the Filezilla application.
3. Input the form Host, Username and Password according to your FTP details, then click QuickConnect..
4. After successfully logging in, focus on the tab on the right. Select public_html > wp-content > plugins sequentially.
5. Switch to the tab on the left, then you can go to the extract plugin folder directory.
6. Upload your plugin by drag and drop from left tab to right tab. Please wait until the plugin is actually uploaded.
7. Open your browser, then access to the WordPress dashboard. If so, open the Plugins > Installed Plugins menu to see the plugin installation.
8. Find the plugin that you uploaded earlier, then click the Activate button to activate the plugin.
Finished! How to add plugins on WordPress via FTP can be said to be easy, although not as practical as the previous two methods...
You already know how to install a WordPress plugin, right?
In this article, you already know several ways to install plugins on WordPress. Which method is your favourite?
Whatever it is, make sure it suits your needs. If you want the default method, installing the WordPress plugin from the wp-admin dashboard can be an option.