WordPress is simple, but the plugins it offers have some exceptional capabilities. There are 59,000+ plugins in WordPress that you can add to your site if you know the downloading process.
You can easily download any plugins you want from the WordPress repository, but there are some other techniques you can also try out. These methods don’t involve WordPress repositories and have individual steps.
Below, along with the basic process, we will show 2 additional methods of downloading WordPress plugins.
Let’s get started!
Best Way to Download Plugin Files Quickly
First, install and activate Eazy Plugin Manager in your WordPress admin dashboard. Please note that the Pro version is required to use this feature.
EPM has a great feature lets you download plugin files from the plugins section. You only have to download it from here if you are working on multiple websites and managing different WordPress accounts. Quite useful, right!
Also, downloading files directly from the plugins section saves time and simplifies managing your site. It eliminates the need to use FTP clients or access the host server’s control panel for file retrieval. We can ensure this could be your ultimate answer for how to download a plugin in WordPress.
After you install EPM for your website, you will see a Download in each of the plugins listed in your Installed plugin section. Hit on the Download button, and that particular button will be downloaded.
3 Methods to Add Plugins in Your Website
Most of the methods we mentioned in this tutorial don’t require technical knowledge, and you can perform them in minutes.
Method 1: Installed it from the WordPress Directory
This process doesn’t require additional steps; just download it from the WordPress directory.
Just go to Add new plugin, and select the plugin you want to install,
From there, you can press on the Install now to add the plugin in your website,
You do have to Activate the plugin afterwards, so it can fully function for your website,
Method 2: Download the plugin file in .zip format
Many developers launch plugins that are not registered in the WordPress directory. You can individually download them from the internet, you can also find plugins from envato marketplace for online web development assets and tools.
Most of the plugins and most of the files will be in .zip format.
Like the previous method, go to Add new plugin, and click on upload,
Choose the file you have downloaded previously from the web, you can also drag the file if you want. After you finish the upload, click on Install and start the installation process.
After the plugin is finished installed, this page will appear and you can activate the plugin to make it work in your website,
Method 3: Add the Plugin Using FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
You can use an FTP plugin to install a plugin .zip file from your device. For this tutorial, we use WP File Manager to add the plugin in our website. Navigate to WP File Manager,
From there click on this icon and upload the file from your device.
After you upload the .zip file, extract the folder in Here.
The Extracted folders are marked with red blocks.
Now, find the parent folder and just drag it to, wp-content > plugins
You will see the file in the folder and installation is complete,
All you have to do is, activate the plugin from the Installed plugin section,
FAQ
How to run a plugin in Chrome?
To run a plugin in Chrome, start by opening the Chrome browser. Click on the vertical three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu. Choose “More Tools” and then “Extensions.” Here, you can manage existing extensions or load new ones.
If you have an unpacked extension, enable “Developer mode” in the top right, then click “Load unpacked” and select your extension’s directory. This allows you to customize your browsing experience by adding functionalities like ad blocking, password management, and more directly within Chrome.
Why is my plugin not working?
There are several reasons why your plugin might not be working. Compatibility issues between your plugin and the current WordPress version are common, as are conflicts with other plugins.
To troubleshoot, ensure your plugin is updated to the latest version. If the problem persists, deactivate other plugins individually to identify any conflicts. Additionally, check the plugin’s requirements and settings, as incorrect configuration can also lead to issues. Understanding these troubleshooting steps can save you time and keep your site running smoothly.
Are Chrome extensions plugin?
Chrome extensions and plugins serve different purposes but are often confused. Extensions are software applications that add functionality to the Chrome browser, allowing users to personalize their browsing experience with tools like ad blockers, note-taking apps, and more.
On the other hand, plugins are components that browsers use to process specific types of web content that the browser cannot inherently handle, such as Flash or Java content. While Chrome has moved away from traditional plugins in favor of extensions, the term is still commonly used to refer to any browser add-on.
Are plugins free of cost?
Plugins range from free of cost to premium paid versions. Many plugins offer a basic version without charge, significantly enhancing your website with additional functionalities.
However, for advanced features, developers often require payment for premium versions.
This model allows users to test basic functionalities before investing in more comprehensive features. Free plugins can provide valuable enhancements to your site, but premium plugins may offer the support and advanced capabilities needed for more complex or specific requirements.
Are extensions and plugins the same?
Extensions and plugins are not the same, though they enhance web functionality. Extensions extend the capabilities of your web browser with added features like productivity tools, enhanced privacy settings, and customized user experiences.
However, browsers use plugins to play or display certain content that the browser cannot natively process. While the terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction can help you better manage and optimize your digital environment, ensuring a smoother and more customized web experience.
Why do I need a plugin?
To extend the core functionalities of your website!
Plugins offer a straightforward way to add features like search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your site’s visibility, security measures to protect against threats, social media integration to connect with your audience, e-commerce solutions to sell products or services online, and much more.
They allow for easy customization and expansion of your website’s capabilities, enabling you to focus on creating content and growing your business while ensuring your site remains dynamic, secure, and aligned with your goals.
The Final Part
Finally, these are all the methods you can use to add a plugin to your WordPress.
Before reading the article, you might have thought that downloading plugins is easy, which it is. Still, there are different techniques involved in this process, making it a bit difficult but manageable.
We hope you found this article helpful in any way!
Thank you!