Sometimes we want to add a plugin that isn’t necessarily listed amongst those available in the WordPress Plugins Directory. These files are saved as .zip files and you can download them directly from the Plugin creators. Be very careful when adding files directly from creators! WordPress has a strict policy when accepting plugins to their directory and the files that are not in their directory may not follow these policies. They have not been vetted and approved my WordPress and may not have been tested for compatibility with the latest WordPress upgrades.

Add a Downloaded ZIP Plugin to WordPress

  • Login to your WordPress Dashboard
  • –> Plugins
  • –> –> Add New
  • [Upload]
  • Click [Browse] and find your .zip file.
  • [Open] and [Install Now]
  • Installing: The file will now attempt to install itself.
  • Activate: [Activate Plugin]

You can now treat this plugin as you would any other. Add that plugins settings and remember to make sure the plugin has not adversely affected your site in any way.