Plugins are the add-ons that give WordPress features: contact forms, galleries, caching, security and more. Installing them is quick; choosing them wisely is the skill.
Install from the WordPress plugin directory
- Log into your WordPress admin.
- Go to Plugins > Add New Plugin.
- Search for the plugin by name.
- Click Install Now, wait for the install to finish, then click Activate.
Install a plugin from a ZIP file
Some plugins are sold as ZIP files or hosted outside the directory. To install those:
- Go to Plugins > Add New Plugin > Upload Plugin.
- Choose the ZIP file from your computer and click Install Now.
- Click Activate Plugin when the install completes.
A note on quantity
Every plugin adds PHP that runs on your hosting. 40 plugins usually means 40 things that can update, conflict or be exploited. Ask of each plugin: do I use this, and is there a lighter way to do it? See Hosting Resource Limits if your site is feeling slow.
Plugin installed but not showing?
Log out and back into the admin, then check Plugins. Some plugins need a network-level setting or a cache clear before their menu appears. If the plugin shouted a PHP error instead, read WordPress Critical Error — the fix is usually the same recovery step.