How to Install WordPress Plugins Properly? (2025 Guide)

Plugins are the building blocks of a WordPress website, allowing you to add new features and functionality without touching a single line of code. Whether you want to improve SEO, add contact forms, boost speed, or secure your site there is likely a plugin for it.

But simply installing plugins isn’t enough. Improper installation can lead to security vulnerabilities, site crashes, or slow performance. That is why understanding the right way to install, activate, and manage plugins is essential — especially in 2025, as WordPress continues to evolve.

In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn how to install WordPress plugins properly using different methods, how to manage and remove them safely, best practices to follow, and how to avoid common plugin-related issues that new users often face.

What Are WordPress Plugins?

WordPress plugins are software add-ons that extend the functionality of your WordPress website. Think of them as apps for your website they let you add features like SEO tools, contact forms, image sliders, security protection, backup systems, and much more without needing to code.

There are over 60,000 free plugins available in the official WordPress Plugin Directory, along with many premium options offered by third-party developers. There are thousands of free and premium plugins available, each designed to solve a specific problem or enhance your site in a particular way.

For example:

• If you want to improve your site’s search engine ranking? You can use an SEO plugin like Rank Math.

• Need a form on your contact page? Try WPForms.

• Looking to speed up your site? Install a caching plugin like LiteSpeed Cache.

There are free and premium plugins — free ones cover basic needs, while premium plugins often include advanced features, priority support, and regular updates. Choosing the right set of plugins is crucial for a smooth and optimized WordPress experience. Before installing any plugin, always check its ratings, last update date, and compatibility with your WordPress version to ensure it works well with your theme and other plugins.

If you are just starting out, please check out our related post:
10 Free Plugins for Every New WordPress Website — a hand-picked list of essential plugins to set up a strong foundation for your site.

Different Ways to Install WordPress Plugins

Installing a plugin in WordPress is quick and easy — and you have three main methods to choose from depending on the source of the plugin. Let’s go through each one step-by-step.

1. Installing from the WordPress Plugin Directory (Most Common Method)

This is the easiest and most popular way to install free plugins directly from your WordPress dashboard.

Steps to Install WordPress Plugins:

Go to your WordPress Dashboard:

Navigate to Plugins → Add New.

Use the search bar to find the plugin you need (e.g., “Rank Math”).Click Install Now, then hit Activate once installation is complete.

2. Installing a Plugin via ZIP File Upload (For Premium or Custom Plugins)

If you purchased a premium plugin or downloaded one from a third-party site, you’ll usually receive a .zip file.

Steps to Install WordPress Plugins:

Go to Plugins → Add New.

Click the “Upload Plugin” button at the top.

Choose the .zip file from your computer and click Install Now.

Once uploaded, click Activate Plugin.

You can use this method for plugins from marketplaces like CodeCanyon or plugin developer sites.

3. Installing a Plugin via FTP (Advanced Method)

If you are facing issues with the dashboard upload or plugin file size is restricted, you can install it manually via FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Steps to Install WordPress Plugins:

Unzip the plugin folder on your computer.

1. Connect to your site using FTP software (e.g., FileZilla).
2. Upload the plugin folder to:
   /wp-content/plugins/
3. Go back to your WordPress dashboard and activate the plugin under Plugins.

Recommended only for advanced users or when other methods fail.

How to Activate, Deactivate, or Delete Plugins Properly

Installing a plugin is only the first step. To keep your site running smoothly, it’s important to know how to activate, deactivate, and delete plugins the right way.

How to Activate a Plugin

Once installed, most plugins will prompt you to activate immediately.

Please follow these Steps to Install WordPress Plugins:

To manually activate later:

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
2. Find the plugin in the list.
3. Click Activate.

Activating a plugin turns it on and applies its functionality to your site.

How to Deactivate a Plugin

Please follow Steps to Install WordPress Plugins:

If a plugin is causing issues or you want to temporarily stop using it:

1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
2. Click Deactivate next to the plugin.

The plugin will remain installed, but its code will stop running on your site.

Tip: Deactivate plugins before troubleshooting or switching themes to avoid conflicts.

How to Delete a Plugin Safely

Unused plugins can slow down your site and pose security risks. If you no longer need a plugin:

1. First, deactivate it.
2. Then click Delete to remove all files from your server.

Important: Deleting a plugin may erase its settings/data unless it offers a separate uninstall option.

Best Practices

• Only keep active and essential plugins.
• Always deactivate before deleting.
• Don’t just leave deactivated plugins sitting there — delete what you don’t plan to use again.
• Consider using a plugin manager for organizing or bulk deactivating if needed.

Best Practices to Install WordPress Plugins

Installing plugins is powerful, but if done without care, it can cause problems. Follow these best practices to keep your WordPress site secure, fast, and stable:

1. Don’t Install Too Many Plugins

Each plugin adds code that can slow down your site. Only install plugins that you truly need. Focus on quality over quantity.

2. Choose Plugins from Trusted Sources

Always install plugins from the official WordPress Plugin Directory or reputable developers. Avoid nulled or pirated plugins — they often contain malware and security risks.

3. Check Reviews, Ratings & Update History

Before installing, review user feedback, star ratings, and how recently the plugin was updated. Plugins not updated in a long time may cause compatibility or security issues.

4. Ensure Compatibility with Your WordPress Version

Plugins must be compatible with your WordPress version and theme. Check the plugin’s details for compatibility info to avoid conflicts

5. Keep Plugins Updated

Regularly update your plugins to get security patches, new features, and bug fixes. Outdated plugins are a common source of vulnerabilities.

6. Backup Your Site Before Installing New Plugins

Always create a backup before installing or updating plugins. This helps you quickly restore your site if something goes wrong.

7. Test New Plugins on a Staging Site

If possible, test plugins on a staging or development version of your site before using them on your live website. This prevents downtime or errors for visitors.

Bonus: How to Test New Plugins Safely

Before you add a new plugin to your live WordPress site, it’s smart to test it safely to avoid any surprises like site crashes or conflicts.

1. Use a Staging Site

A staging site is a clone of your live website where you can safely test new plugins, updates, or design changes without affecting visitors. Many hosting providers offer easy staging setups, or you can create one using plugins like WP Staging.

2. Backup Your Website First

Before installing any plugin on your live site, always take a full backup. This way, if the plugin causes issues, you can quickly restore your site to its previous state.

3. Check Plugin Compatibility

Look at the plugin’s WordPress version compatibility and recent update history to ensure it’s actively maintained and will work well with your current setup.

4. Install and Test the Plugin

On your staging site (or local development environment), install and activate the plugin. Test all its features thoroughly, and check if your site runs smoothly without errors.

5. Deactivate and Remove if Issues Arise

If the plugin causes errors or conflicts, deactivate and delete it on the staging site. Then, consider alternatives or reach out to the plugin developer for support.

Testing new plugins safely helps keep your WordPress site secure, stable, and fast — giving you peace of mind before going live.

Common Plugin Installation Issues & Fixes

Even though installing plugins is usually straightforward, sometimes you might run into problems. Here are some frequent issues and how to fix them:

1. Installation Failed / Destination Folder Already Exists

This error usually happens if the plugin folder already exists from a previous install or a failed attempt.

Fix:

• Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and check if the plugin is already there (maybe deactivated).
• If it is, delete it first before reinstalling.
• Alternatively, use FTP to delete the plugin folder from /wp-content/plugins/.

2. Plugin Conflicts Causing Errors or Site Issues

Sometimes, two plugins or a plugin and your theme may conflict, causing errors or a broken site.

Fix:

• Deactivate all plugins, then activate them one by one to identify the culprit.
• Check for plugin updates.
• Contact the plugin developer or seek help on support forums.

3. White Screen of Death After Activation

Your site might go blank after activating a plugin due to PHP errors or conflicts.

Fix:

• Access your site via FTP and rename the plugin folder inside /wp-content/plugins/ to deactivate it.
• Alternatively, deactivate plugins via your hosting control panel or database.
• Review error logs to find the problem.

4. Upload Size Limit Errors When Uploading ZIP Files

If the plugin ZIP file is too large, WordPress may refuse the upload.

Fix:

• Increase your PHP upload size limit via your hosting control panel or php.ini file.
• Use FTP to upload the unzipped plugin folder directly to /wp-content/plugins/.

By knowing these common issues and fixes, you’ll be better prepared to troubleshoot plugin installation problems quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is WordPress Plugin?

A WordPress plugin is a software add-on that adds specific features or functions to your website without needing to write code.

How do I install a plugin from the WordPress dashboard?

Go to Plugins → Add New, search for the plugin, click Install Now, and then Activate it.

Can I install premium plugins for free?

No, premium plugins must be purchased legally. Avoid nulled plugins as they pose serious security risks.

What is the difference between activating and installing a plugin?

Installing copies the plugin files to your site; activating turns the plugin on so it works on your website.

How many plugins should I install on my WordPress site?

Only install plugins that you need. Too many plugins can slow down your site and cause conflicts.

Can I install plugins without FTP access?

Yes, most plugins can be installed directly through the WordPress dashboard. FTP is only needed for advanced cases or large files.

Are all plugins free?

No, many plugins offer free versions with basic features and premium versions with advanced options.

How do I delete a plugin from WordPress?

Deactivate the plugin first, then click Delete from the Plugins page to remove it completely.

Can plugins affect my site’s security?

Yes, poorly coded or outdated plugins can create vulnerabilities, so always use trusted plugins and keep them updated.

How do I update plugins safely?

Always backup your site first, then update plugins one at a time to avoid conflicts.

What is the best way to test new plugins before using them live?

Use a staging site or local development environment to test new plugins safely without impacting your live website.

How can I install WordPress plugins Properly without errors?

Use the WordPress dashboard or FTP, check plugin compatibility, back up your site, and test on a staging site if needed.

Why is it important to install Plugins properly in WordPress?

Proper installation ensures your site stays secure, fast, and functional while avoiding crashes or conflicts.

Conclusion

Properly installing and managing WordPress plugins is key to building a secure, fast, and fully functional website. Whether you’re installing from the official directory, uploading a premium plugin, or using FTP, following the right steps helps avoid common issues and keeps your site running smoothly.

Remember to always choose trusted plugins, keep them updated, and test new additions safely to protect your site from errors and security risks. If you’re just starting out, don’t forget to check out our list of 10 Free Plugins for Every New WordPress Website to get essential tools that make managing your site easier.

Got questions or want to share your favorite plugins? Drop a comment below — we would love to hear from you!