Plugins add features to WordPress: contact forms, SEO, caching, shops, backups and much more. Every plugin is also code that must be kept updated, so install only what you need and remove what you no longer use.
Before you start
- Administrator access to WordPress.
- A recent backup before installing large plugins or updating on a live site.
- Choose plugins that are actively maintained: check Last updated, Active installations and compatibility with your WordPress version.
Install a plugin from the directory
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin.
- Search for the plugin by name or feature.
- Click Install Now on the right result, then Activate.
On MdmHost's LiteSpeed servers, a good first plugin is LiteSpeed Cache.
Upload a plugin ZIP
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin and click Upload Plugin.
- Choose the ZIP file and click Install Now.
- Click Activate Plugin.
Install a plugin manually with File Manager
- Open cPanel → Files → File Manager and go to
public_html/wp-content/plugins. - Upload the plugin ZIP, right-click it and choose Extract. You should get one folder, for example
plugins/contact-form-7. - Delete the ZIP and activate the plugin in Plugins → Installed Plugins.
Update plugins
- Go to Dashboard → Updates or Plugins → Installed Plugins and click update now, or select several and use Bulk actions → Update.
- Click Enable auto-updates on trusted plugins so security fixes install automatically. See configure WordPress auto-updates.
Force a reinstall or update
If an update fails halfway or plugin files are damaged:
- Download the latest ZIP from the plugin's WordPress.org page (Download button) or from the vendor.
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin and upload it.
- WordPress detects the installed plugin and asks to Replace current with uploaded. Confirm. Settings stored in the database are kept.
If the site is down because of the plugin, rename its folder in wp-content/plugins via File Manager to deactivate it first.
Deactivate and delete a plugin
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
- Click Deactivate under the plugin. Its features stop, but files and settings remain.
- Click Delete and confirm to remove the files.
Note: Many plugins leave database tables and options behind after deletion. Check the plugin's settings for a remove all data on uninstall option before deleting if you want a full cleanup.
Troubleshooting
- Site broke after activating a plugin: see plugin conflict troubleshooting.
- Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance: an update was interrupted; see stuck in maintenance mode.
- Installation failed: could not create directory: wrong file ownership or permissions; see WordPress file permissions.