One of the most powerful aspects of WordPress is its flexibility.
Whether you’re building a personal blog, an online store, or a full-fledged business website, plugins play a central role in extending the functionality of your site. From enhancing security to optimizing SEO, there are plugins for almost every purpose.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to install plugins in WordPress using all available methods.
Whether you’re looking to install free plugins from the WordPress dashboard or upload premium plugins manually, this guide has you covered.
We’ll also introduce you to a highly useful plugin, Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7, to show you how plugins can level up your site quickly.
Why Is Installing Plugins Important in WordPress?
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites. Much of this success is due to the platform’s modular nature. Plugins are the building blocks that allow site owners to:
- Add new features without coding
- Integrate third-party tools and APIs
- Improve performance and security
- Customize design and user experience
WordPress has over 60,000 free plugins available in its official repository, with thousands more offered as premium tools.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, understanding how to install plugins is essential.
What Are WordPress Plugins?
A WordPress plugin is a software add-on that installs into your WordPress site to offer new features and capabilities. These range from small enhancements like adding a social sharing button to major changes like turning your site into an eCommerce store.
They also add enhanced features to your website that might not be enough by just installing a theme.
There are two types of plugins:
- Free plugins: Available through the official WordPress plugin repository
- Premium plugins: Purchased from third-party developers or marketplaces, and uploaded manually
Comparison: Free vs Premium Plugins
| Feature | Free Plugin | Premium Plugin |
| Cost | $0 (Free to use) | One-time or recurring fee |
| Support | Community support or none | Dedicated support from developers |
| Features | Basic functionalities | Advanced features and integrations |
| Updates | May be infrequent | Regular and timely updates |
| Security | Varies; depends on developer | Higher assurance with dedicated maintenance |
| Customization Options | Limited | Extensive options with extended configurations |
| Use Case | Suitable for small or hobby sites | Ideal for business-critical or feature-rich sites |
Now, let’s explore all the ways to install plugins in WordPress.
Method 1: Installing Free Plugins via WordPress Dashboard
Best for: Beginners looking to add commonly used plugins from WordPress.org
This is the most common and user-friendly method. It doesn’t require any technical skills or external tools.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Log in to your WordPress Admin Panel
Navigate to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and enter your credentials.
- Go to Plugins > Add New
From the left-hand sidebar, click on “Plugins” then “Add Plugin.”
- Search for a Plugin
Use the search bar on the top right. For example, search for “Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7.”
- Review the Plugin Details
Check the plugin rating, active installations, last update, and compatibility with your WordPress version. - Click Install Now
Once you find the plugin you want, click the “Install Now” button.
- Click Activate
After installation, the button changes to “Activate.” Click it to start using the plugin.
Use Case:
Use this method when you want to install well-known and widely used plugins without having to upload files manually.
Method 2: Uploading Premium or Custom Plugins
Best for: Users who have purchased a plugin or downloaded one from a third-party site as a .zip file.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Download the Plugin ZIP File
You’ll receive a .zip file after purchasing the plugin. Keep it saved on your computer.
- Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
In the WordPress dashboard, click on “Add New” under the Plugins menu. Then click the “Upload Plugin” button on the top.
- Choose File and Install
Click “Choose File,” select your .zip file, and hit “Install Now.”
- Activate the Plugin
Once uploaded and installed, click “Activate Plugin.”
Use Case:
This method is essential when you’re installing premium plugins like the pro version of Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7, or any custom plugins developed specifically for your site.
Method 3: Installing Plugins via FTP
Best for: Advanced users or when plugin upload via dashboard fails due to server restrictions or file size limits.
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Extract the Plugin ZIP File
Unzip the file on your computer.
- Connect to Your Site Using FTP Client
Use an FTP tool like FileZilla and enter your FTP credentials (usually provided by your hosting provider).
- Navigate to wp-content/plugins/
Inside the FTP client, go to the directory public_html/wp-content/plugins/
- Upload the Plugin Folder
Upload the extracted folder (not the zip file) into the plugins directory. - Go to WordPress Dashboard > Plugins
Return to your WordPress dashboard. You’ll see the newly uploaded plugin listed there.
- Click Activate
Click the “Activate” button to start using the plugin.
Use Case:
Use FTP when you are dealing with large files, server restrictions, or troubleshooting broken plugin installations.
How to Choose the Right Plugin Installation Method
| Situation | Recommended Method |
| Installing popular free plugins | Dashboard Search |
| Installing premium plugins | Upload via dashboard |
| Upload size limit or server errors | FTP installation |
| Installing multiple plugins at once | FTP or WP-CLI (advanced) |
Managing Installed Plugins
Once your plugin is installed, you can manage it under the Plugins > Installed Plugins section. From here, you can:
- Activate or deactivate plugins
- Delete unwanted plugins
- View plugin details and settings
Note: Deactivated plugins still consume space and can pose security risks. Always delete plugins you don’t plan to use.
Plugin Installation Tips
- Check plugin compatibility with your WordPress version
- Read user reviews and ratings before installing
- Avoid too many plugins as it can slow down your site
- Update regularly to keep plugins secure and functional
Installing Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7
Let’s walk through installing Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7, a plugin designed to supercharge your forms with modern UI elements, multi-step forms, conditional logic, and more.
- Free Version
Go to Plugins > Add New, search for “Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7,” install, and activate it. - Pro Version
Purchase from cf7addons.com, download the .zip, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin, choose the file, install, and activate.
This plugin is compatible with Elementor and Gutenberg, making it ideal for modern WordPress sites that rely on visual builders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I install plugins on WordPress.com?
Only if you’re on a Business or higher plan. Self-hosted WordPress.org allows plugin installations without restrictions.
What happens if a plugin breaks my site?
Access your site via FTP, navigate to wp-content/plugins/, and rename the plugin folder. This will deactivate the plugin.
Is it safe to install plugins from outside the WordPress repository?
Yes, but only from trusted sources. Always scan the file for malware and check documentation.
How many plugins should I install?
There is no fixed number, but best practice is to keep it under 20 active plugins and avoid overlap in functionality.
Do inactive plugins affect performance?
They don’t run in the background, but they pose security risks. Remove them if unused.
Conclusion: Get Started with WordPress Plugins Today
Installing plugins is the cornerstone of WordPress customization. Whether you’re adding new features, integrating third-party tools, or enhancing site performance, plugins make it possible without touching a line of code.
Now that you know how to install plugins in WordPress using multiple methods, you’re well-equipped to build a more dynamic and functional website.
Ready to get started?
Explore plugins via the dashboard or try a powerful plugin like Ultra Addons for Contact Form 7 to enhance your forms today.
