Posts and Plugins

Running the site · 4.1

What plugins are and how to use them

Last reviewed

The short version

  • A plugin adds a feature to WordPress, such as a contact form or spam control.
  • You install a plugin, then you must activate it.
  • You can switch a plugin off, or delete it when you no longer need it.
  • Choose plugins carefully. The next page shows how.

What a plugin is

WordPress itself, called core, handles the main jobs. It publishes content and manages users.[1]

A plugin is an extra piece of software that you add to core.[1] It extends what WordPress can do.[2] Plugins are PHP scripts.[1]

WordPress core in the middle with four plugin boxes joined to it: spam control, caching, security and data import.
Plugins plug into WordPress core.

Because of plugins, core does not need to include everything for everyone. Popular kinds include spam control, caching, security and data import.[1]

There are thousands of plugins in the official directory.[1] Volunteers often make them, and they are usually free.[1]

Plugins in the directory are tested and considered safe. Still, they vary in quality. Many are works in progress.[1] So it pays to choose with care.

Three ways to install a plugin

There are three ways to install a plugin.[1]

Three ways to install a plugin. 1: search the plugin directory inside your dashboard and click Install Now. 2: upload a zip file. 3: copy the files to your host with SFTP.
Three ways to install a plugin.

1. Search the directory

This is the easiest way. Go to Plugins, then Add New.

The Add Plugins screen, with a search box and a row of featured plugins.
The Add Plugins screen searches the official plugin directory. Screenshot: WordPress documentation, captured 2026-10-18.

Use the search box at the top right. You can search by keyword, author or tag.[1] A keyword search looks at plugin names and descriptions.[2]

Click Install Now.[1] When it finishes, click Activate.[1]

2. Upload a zip file

If you downloaded a plugin as a zip file, you can upload it from your computer.[1] The Add New screen has an Upload Plugin button for this.[1]

3. By hand

In rare cases, you may need to put the files on your server yourself.[1] You copy the plugin folder into the wp-content/plugins folder.[1] Most people never need this.

Switch it on

Installing a plugin does not make it work. You must activate it first.[3]

You manage your plugins on the Plugins screen.[1]

The Plugins screen, a table of installed plugins with links to activate, deactivate or delete each one.
The Plugins screen lists every plugin on your site. Screenshot: WordPress documentation, captured 2026-10-18.

Plugins that are active show in bold.[1] The links at the top, such as Active and Inactive, filter the list.[3]

Switch it off and delete it

Deactivate turns a plugin off.[3] You can only delete a plugin that is inactive.[3]

Four boxes in a row: Install, Activate, Deactivate and Delete. Only an inactive plugin can be deleted.
A plugin has to be switched on, and off before you delete it.

So the order is: deactivate first, then delete.[1]

Do not edit the code of an active plugin. WordPress does not recommend it.[3]

A habit worth building

Keep only the plugins you use. Each one is more software to look after. The page on keeping WordPress updated explains why that matters.

Sources

  1. Manage Plugins, WordPress.org Documentation (accessed 2026-10-18)
  2. Plugins Add New screen, WordPress.org Documentation (accessed 2026-10-18)
  3. Plugins screen, WordPress.org Documentation (accessed 2026-10-18)