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How to add a plugin in WordPress

Plugins add features to your site, but each one is code from someone else. Here’s how to install one and how to tell if it’s worth trusting.

  • Time: About 5 minutes
  • You need: A WordPress administrator login
  • Updated:

Every plugin adds code that runs on your site and needs updates for as long as you keep it. Before installing, ask whether you really need it. If your site is on a LER care plan, check with me first: a plugin can clash with your theme or slow the site.

Before you start

  • Take a backup first, or check that one ran today. See how to back up your site.
  • Know the plugin’s exact name and author, especially for plugins from Google, Meta or WooCommerce, which have many look-alikes.

  1. Step 1: Go to Plugins, then Add Plugin, and search

    In the left menu, go to Plugins > Add Plugin and type the plugin’s name in Search Plugins at the top right.

    WordPress Add Plugins screen with the search box and Install Now on Site Kit by Google circled
    WordPress 7.1: search, then Install Now on the right plugin.

  2. Step 2: Check it before you install

    On the plugin’s card, look at:

    • The author: is it who you expect, like By Google?
    • Last Updated: within the last few months.
    • Active Installations and the star rating.
    • Compatible with your version of WordPress.

    Skip anything not updated in a year, or with only a handful of installs.

  3. Step 3: Click Install Now, then Activate

    Click Install Now. When it finishes, the same button changes to Activate. Click it. An installed plugin does nothing until it’s activated.

    The plugin card after installing, with the Activate button circled
    WordPress 7.1: Install Now becomes Activate.

  4. Step 4: Set it up and check your site

    Many plugins open a setup screen or add a menu item. Follow their steps, then visit your homepage and contact form to make sure everything still works.

Uploading a plugin you bought

For a paid plugin you downloaded as a .zip file, click Upload Plugin at the top of the Add Plugins screen, choose the file, then Install Now and Activate.

Removing a plugin

Go to Plugins, click Deactivate under its name, then Delete. Deactivating alone leaves its code on your server.

Quick answers

How many plugins is too many?

There’s no magic number, but each one adds updates and a little load time. Remove anything you don’t use, and avoid two plugins that do the same job.

The site broke after I activated a plugin.

Go to Plugins and deactivate the one you just added. If you can’t reach the dashboard, send me a note right away and I’ll switch it off from the server.

Official help pages

Checked against these pages on November 3, 2026.

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