Installing Plugins
Plugins add or change WordPress features. Before installing one, define what the website needs and check whether the active theme, host or another plugin already provides it.
Choose a plugin
- Use WordPress.org or another trusted source.
- Check recent maintenance, support information and compatibility with your WordPress and PHP versions.
- Review what data, permissions or external services the plugin uses.
- Avoid installing several plugins that control the same feature.
Install and activate the plugin
- Create a backup and use staging when the plugin affects checkout, accounts, caching or security.
- Open Plugins > Add New Plugin.
- Search the directory or choose Upload Plugin for a trusted ZIP file.
- Select Install Now, then Activate.
- Complete its settings and test the feature and other important site journeys.
Maintain installed plugins
Keep supported plugins updated and remove plugins the site no longer uses after confirming their data or feature is not required. If an installation or update causes a problem, record what changed and submit a Fix Request when you need a developer to investigate.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between installing and activating a plugin?
Installing adds the plugin files. Activating runs the plugin on the site and makes its features or settings available.
Can an inactive plugin affect the website?
Its normal features do not run, but the files remain on the server and may still need security updates. Remove an unused plugin after confirming its data is no longer needed.
Why can I not see Add New Plugin?
Your user role may not allow plugin installation, or the host, site owner or a multisite network may have disabled it.
Should I install two plugins that do the same job?
Usually not. Overlapping plugins can create conflicting settings, duplicated processing or unnecessary load. Choose one suitable solution where possible.