Menu

All help articles

Install a WordPress plugin

Updated on October 2nd, 2024

One of the great things about WordPress is the ability to add functionality and features with plugins. This guide will walk you through how to install and activate a plugin on your WordPress site.

First, you’ll need to decide whether you want to search for and install a plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory, or if you need to upload a plugin (common for custom or premium plugins) – since the methods vary slightly.

Install a plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory

1

From WordPress Admin, navigate to Plugins > Add New

2

Search and install

Use the search field in the top right to find plugins. Click the Install Now button on the plugin you want to install.

3

Activate

Once it finishes installing, click the Activate button and you’re on your way!

Install a plugin from a .zip file

If you’re bringing your own custom or premium plugin into WordPress, or you’re unable to search for the plugin you need in the WordPress dashboard, uploading the plugin as a .zip has fairly similar steps:

1

From WordPress Admin, navigate to Plugins > Add New


2

Click Upload Plugin


3

Upload plugin .zip file

Click the Choose File button and browse your computer for the plugin (in .zip format), or drag and drop it onto the button.

4

Click Install Now

5

Activate

Click the Activate Plugin button, and you’re all done!

Need help?

If you have any questions our Happiness Engineers are here to help!

Was this article helpful?

Yes No
or contact Support

Getting Started

New to Flywheel? Start here, we've got all the information you'll need to get started and launch your first site!

View all

Account Management

Learn all about managing your Flywheel user account, Teams and integrations.

View all

Billing

Everything about billing, invoices and payments can be found here.

View all

Features

Flywheel hosting plans include a ton of great features. Learn about how to get a free SSL certificate, set up a staging site, and more!

View all

Platform Info

All the server and setting info you'll need to help you get the most out of your Flywheel hosting plan!

View all

Site Management

Tips and tricks for managing your sites on Flywheel, including going live, troubleshooting issues and migrating or cloning sites.

View all

Developer Hub

Learn how to connect, deploy, and more with SSH on Flywheel's platform.

View all

Growth Suite

Learn more about Growth Suite, our all-in-one solution for freelancers and agencies to grow more quickly and predictably.

View all

Managed Plugin Updates

Learn more about Managed Plugin Updates, and how you can keep your sites up to date, and extra safe.

View all

Local

View the Local help docs

 

Flywheel help

Help is just a click away! Log into Flywheel dashboard to instantly chat with an expert, respond to a ticket, or follow along with in-depth documentation. We happily offer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Log in

Try Flywheel today

Launch your next site on WordPress in minutes.

 Free migrations  24/7/365 support  14 day demo sites
Get started
Features
Flywheel for
Resources
Company
Customers

© 2013–2024 WPEngine, Inc. All rights reserved.
WP ENGINE®, VELOCITIZE®, TORQUE®, EVERCACHE®, and the cog logo service marks are owned by WPEngine,Inc. | Privacy Policy

1WP Engine is a proud member and supporter of the community of WordPress® users. The WordPress® trademark is the intellectual property of the WordPress Foundation, and the Woo® and WooCommerce® trademarks are the intellectual property of WooCommerce, Inc. Uses of the WordPress®, Woo®, and WooCommerce® names in this website are for identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by WordPress Foundation or WooCommerce, Inc. WP Engine is not endorsed or owned by, or affiliated with, the WordPress Foundation or WooCommerce, Inc.