How do I install a plugin from a ZIP file in Wordress?

Summary: Installing a plugin from a .zip file is ideal for premium downloads, GPL marketplaces, custom builds, or beta releases. This guide covers the standard dashboard upload plus reliable alternatives and fixes.

Prerequisites #

Access: Administrator login to your WordPress Dashboard.

Backup: Create a recent site backup or work on a staging site.

Compatibility: Ensure your PHP and WordPress versions meet the plugin’s minimum requirements (check Tools → Site Health).

Method — Upload the ZIP via Dashboard (Recommended) #

Step 1: In your Dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.

Step 2: Click Choose File and select the plugin .zip from your computer.

Step 3: Click Install Now, then click Activate when installation finishes.

Tip: After activation, look for a new settings page in the left menu (either a top-level item or under Settings, Tools, or WooCommerce, depending on the plugin).

Updating with a ZIP: If WordPress detects the same plugin, you’ll see Replace current with uploaded. Click it to update in place; most plugins keep their settings in the database.

Alternative — WP-CLI (SSH) #

When to use: You have SSH access and WP-CLI installed, or browser uploads are restricted.

Command: wp plugin install /path/to/plugin.zip --activate

Update flow: Optionally deactivate first with wp plugin deactivate plugin-slug, then re-install using the new ZIP and --activate.

Alternative — Manual via FTP / File Manager #

Step 1: Unzip the downloaded file on your computer to reveal the plugin folder.

Step 2: Upload the folder to /wp-content/plugins/ using FTP or your host’s File Manager.

Step 3: In the Dashboard, open Plugins and click Activate for the uploaded plugin.

Use this method if: The ZIP is larger than your upload limit, the browser times out, or your host blocks direct uploads.

Troubleshooting #

Error: “Destination folder already exists.” #

Cause: A folder with the same plugin slug already exists in /wp-content/plugins/.

Fix: Choose Replace current with uploaded when prompted, or delete/rename the existing folder via FTP/File Manager and try again.

Error: “The link you followed has expired.” #

Cause: Server upload or execution limits are too low.

Fix: Increase upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, and max_execution_time in php.ini, .user.ini, or .htaccess; or install via FTP/WP-CLI.

Error: “Could not create directory.” #

Cause: File permissions, ownership, or disk space issues.

Fix: Ensure /wp-content/ is writable, verify typical permissions (folders 755, files 644), confirm correct ownership by the web server user, and check free disk space.

Error: “The package could not be installed. No valid plugins were found.” #

Cause: You uploaded an outer bundle ZIP rather than the actual plugin ZIP.

Fix: Unzip once on your computer, locate the inner plugin ZIP (contains the plugin folder with the main PHP file), and upload that file.

Error: “Plugin could not be activated because it triggered a fatal error.” #

Cause: Version mismatch, missing extensions, or conflicts