We have a recommend plugins list for all WordPress blogs, but we never considered that something essential was missing from that tutorial. That something was a step by step guide to install a WordPress plugin. Few of our users requested this tutorial via email, so in this article we will show you three different ways you can use to install a WordPress plugin in WordPress.
UPDATE 4/10/2013 – A lot of users have asked us that they can’t see the plugins screen in their WordPress dashboard. It is because you are using WordPress.com which has its limitations. In order to use plugins, you would need to use self-hosted WordPress.org (See this article that explains the difference between Self Hosted WordPress.org vs WordPress.com). If you want to switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org, then read our tutorial on how to properly move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org.
Install a Plugin using WordPress Admin Panel Search Option
This is by far the easiest way of installing a WordPress plugin. The only downside of this option is that a plugin must be in the WordPress plugin directory. Only free plugins that follow GPL and all WordPress guidelines are in this directory.
First go to your WordPress Admin Panel and click on Plugins » Add New
You will see the screen like the one in above screenshot. Type in the plugin name or function, like we did. Then you will see a bunch of listing like the example below:
You will pick the plugin that is best for you. Since in our search, we were looking for Google XML Sitemap which happens to be the first plugin, we will click the Install link. A lightbox will pop with the plugin information like the example below:
Here you see the description, installation method, and other related information about the plugin. If this is the plugin that you want, then click on the red Install Now button. Once you click that button, the plugin will be installed, and you will see something like below:
Make sure that you click on Activate the plugin, now you have installed the WordPress plugin. You would have to configure the settings to fit your needs. These settings will vary for each plugin therefore we will not be covering that in this post.
Install a Plugin using Upload Method in WordPress Admin Panel
If the plugin you want is not in the WordPress Plugin directory for some reason either because it was a paid plugin, or a non-GPL plugin, then this option is the choice for beginners.
First you would need to download the plugin from the source (which will be a zip file), then go to your WordPress admin panel. Click on Plugin » Add New. Then click on the Upload Tab.
You will see a screen like the one above. Browse the file and upload it (zip files only). You will be taken to the activate a plugin page just like this one:
Make sure that you click on Activate the plugin, now you have installed the WordPress plugin. You would have to configure the settings to fit your needs. These settings will vary for each plugin therefore we will not be covering that in this post.
Install a Plugin using FTP Manager
If you are very new to web and have no idea what an FTP Manager is, then this option is not for you. The FTP manager method is the least friendly for beginners out of the three method that we shared in this post. You would need to access your host through the FTP manager. Access the path (/wp-content/plugins/) And upload files there.
The above screenshot is of a FTP software known as Ipswitch WSFTP Pro. You can simply drag and drop plugin files. You must make sure that you upload the unzipped folder. Once you have uploaded, then you would need to click on the Plugins tag in your WordPress admin panel.
You will see the plugin you just uploaded. Click on the Activate button and you are done.
We hope that this guide was helpful. This was created using the screenshots of version WordPress 2.9.2. Since WordPress is constantly evolving, we will try our best to keep this guide up to date. If you notice that there is something missing feel free to let us know.
How do I transfer my blog from wordpress.com to wordpress.org? I want to install plugins that the first does not allow. Please help. It’s frustrating.
We are working on this article, and it should be out next week. However, if you don’t want to wait, then you can utilize our free WordPress setup service. We will do this for you for free.
http://www.wpbeginner.com/free-wordpress-blog-setup/
Hi.
“First go to your WordPress Admin Panel and click on Plugins » Add New”
I find themes and widgets and more there, but no plugins
Probably because you are using WordPress.com
Why dont i see the plugin button on my blog?O.o
You are probably using Free WordPress.com
I did something to be able to have several blogs on my wordpress, but now I’ve lost the ability to upload new plugins. Do you have any advice for me?
Please?
Are these blogs on WordPress.com or self-hosted?
Hey, I don’t see Plugin option under my appearance. The options that I do see are Theme, widgets, menu, header, background, etc. Please help. Thanks.
That is because you are using the Free WordPress.com blog. You can’t have plugins there. See this chart for the full comparison:
http://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/?display=wide
You’ve given the same reply to everyone above: “That’s because you’re using Free WordPress.com” – What’s the alternative? Upgrading to Pro? Paying for the name at $18.99/year? I’m not sure what to do to get Plugins, but the paragraph spacing without a good plugin is a nightmare … and all the advice online is written for people with a lot of backend knowledge. Thanks -Rai
Just updated the article to address your question.
Thanks for the FTP install instructions. I got the CHMD 777 error after I botched a plugin install and I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. I was able to delete it via FTP and start over. Also, thanks for the plugin list and the Google XML Sitemaps plugin in particular! Keep up the good work.
Can anyone enlighten me as to why I don’t have the plug-in option in my side bar?
You should read their other post : 15 Most Frequently Asked Questions by WordPress Beginners, I think there’s an answer to your question
Thank you Thank you Thank you…
Very helpful. I think that many more of these step by step implementation guides would be great for people that want to get their own sites up and running.
I also experienced the same problem having CHMD 777 errors. Glad it’s solved now. Thank you.
@wpbeginner I just hope he eventually replies to my requests. Thanks.
@CubbiesBaby-Blankets Whoever created your site, ask them to give you the admin access.
The problem I have is I do not have the “Pluggins” tab in the Admin panel. I can upload the pluggin on my FTP server, but how then do I activate it? I think its because my user status is “Site Owner” and I do not have “Administrator” status. If that is the problem, what do I do?
I installed the plug in and it gave me errors related to CHMD 777. I got so confused I decided to delete it and start again, following the creators instructions first and then the instruction here. After deactivating the plug in, I can not reinstall it. It says that it is already installed. What do I do now? I can’t activate it and I can’t delete it. I mean I don’t know how to do either one.
You need to login via FTP and delete the plugin. The reason why you got the CHMD 777 error is because the file that plugin was trying to edit didn’t have the right permission. This happen depending on which host you are on.
Great tutorial, I don’t think any beginner should try ftping a plugin. I normally use the admin panel to search and install plugins.
I write on my blog using the website, but in my dashboard there is no ‘plugin’ option under appearance
You can’t install Plugins on WordPress.com blogs.
If you use WordPress.com blogs, then you cannot install plugins. If you use the self-hosted one you do. From your comment, we cannot understand what is your frustration.
I also have same problem, in admin pannel no plugging tab? Could you please explain me how to activate plugging tab. I m writing blog using wordpress.com site
You don’t have the ability to use plugins in WordPress.com blogs. You would have to use self-hosted blog.
Plus 1 here. You need to have a self hosted side in order to fully maximize WPs features.
I am using wordpress.com to host my blog. The theme i use can be customized quite well, especially if you own the Customization Upgrade offered by WordPress. However, is not flexible enough to let me change for example one of the available Widgets of this specific theme, which is the Search Box I can add to my sidebar. Therefor I’ve been searching for so much time already how to customize the style of it, and at the beginning I tryed different CSS codes as I’m able to change CSS due the customization upgrade. Even so, it doesn’t seem to work so in the end I’ve got to this point where i found out that in order to do so, i should need to install related plugin, OR ! …. change the ” functions.php ” file with added codes as well, same time with the CSS.
I wish to ask if the case I purchase the domain through WordPress so my blog will not be under ” xxxxxxxxxxx.wordpress.com ” , instead ” xxxxxxxxxxxxx.com ” , but still using there server and their theme ofc, will that allow me to connect through FireFTP and being able to change my php. functions file, or install new plugins i might require ?
… or would not make any difference at all ? Because if so, than what is the point to acquire the domain, and seem quite unfair, compared with users of, let’s say … wordpress.org
Thank you so much in advance for your support !
You CANNOT install plugins in WordPress.com accounts. Here is a full comparison chart.
http://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/?display=wide
Thank you very much, i’m new abou wordpress blog. That is really helpfull for me. Thanks again and sorry for my bad english