How to Add, Change, and Update Plugins & Themes in WordPress

Keeping your WordPress site running smoothly is easy when you know how to manage plugins and themes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple steps to add, change, and update plugins and themes for your website.

How to Add a Plugin in WordPress

Plugins add extra features to your website. Here’s how to install one:

1. Log into WordPress:
   Go to your WordPress dashboard by typing yourdomain.com/wp-admin. Enter your username and password.
2. Go to Plugins:
   On the left menu, click Plugins → Add New.
3. Find a Plugin:
   Use the search bar to find the plugin you want (e.g., “All in One SEO”).
4. Install the Plugin:
   Click Install Now once you find the plugin.
5. Activate the Plugin:
   After installation, click Activate to start using it.

[Learn How to install WordPress in cPanel]

How to Change a Plugin in WordPress

Want to replace or switch plugins? Here’s how:

1. Deactivate the Plugin:
   Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins and click Deactivate next to the plugin you want to change.
2. Install a New Plugin:
   Follow the steps above to add a new plugin that fits your needs.
3. Delete the Old Plugin:
   After deactivating, click Delete to remove the old plugin.

How to Update Plugins in WordPress

Updating plugins is important to keep your website secure. Here’s how:

1. Go to Dashboard → Updates:
   On your WordPress dashboard, click Dashboard → Updates.
2. Check for Plugin Updates:
   Scroll down to see if any plugins need updating.
3. Update Plugins:
   Select the plugins to update, and click Update Plugins.

Tip: Back up your site before updating, just in case.

How to Add a Theme in WordPress

Themes control how your website looks. Here’s how to add a new one:

1. Go to Appearance → Themes:
   In your WordPress dashboard, click Appearance → Themes.
2. Add a New Theme:
   Click Add New at the top.
3. Search for a Theme:
   Find a theme that fits your style or search by name.
4. Install the Theme:
   Click Install on the theme you like.
5. Activate the Theme:
   Once installed, click Activate to apply the new theme.

How to Change a Theme in WordPress

To change the look of your site, here’s what you do:

1. Go to Appearance → Themes:
   Navigate to Appearance → Themes.
2. Choose a New Theme:
   Click Activate on the theme you want to switch to.
3. Customize the Theme:
   After activating, you can customize it by clicking Customize under the theme.

How to Update Themes in WordPress

Make sure your theme stays up to date with these steps:

1. Go to Dashboard → Updates:
   In your WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard → Updates.
2. Check for Theme Updates:
   If updates are available, they will be listed in the Themes section.
3. Update the Theme:
   Click Update next to the theme that needs updating.

Important: Always Back Up Your Website

Before adding, changing, or updating plugins and themes, make sure to back up your website. This way, you can restore it if anything goes wrong.