WordPress’s real power lies in its plugins and themes. These enhance the functionality of WordPress websites.
Both plugins and themes are easy to install. But at times, you’ll notice that you’re not able to install them. Instead, you get an error or failed message. This can cause havoc among the team members if the plugin is really important.
There are a couple of reasons for this. Main importantly, you need to know how to fix this issue. In this article, learn how to install a theme or plugin that isn’t installing.
What are the Reasons for the Error?
So why weren’t you allowed to install that plugin or theme? There are a couple of reasons for this. Below we explain them one by one and their respective solution.
Are you Using WordPress.com?
You need to understand that there are two types of official WordPress sites on the internet. First is the WordPress.org and second is WordPress.com. Former is the free version which anyone can use. And second is a hosting service from WordPress itself. It’s paid, by the way.
If you’ve signed up for WordPress.com, then you won’t be able to install or use any plugin unless you buy the Business Plan. Therefore, check if you’ve signed up at WordPress.com and using the free plan.
Set up Incorrect File and Folder Permission
When you try to install a plugin and it lacks proper permission, then you’re likely see an error message. It might be a 403 error, which you get when you don’t have necessary permission.
To avoid this, ensure that the file permissions and folder permissions are set to 644 and 755 respectively.
Lack of Privilege
If you’re not the administrator or haven’t logged in as an admin, then perhaps you lack the privilege necessary to install the software.
So ask for administrator privileges to successfully install a plugin.
Limited Memory
Every hosting company puts a limit on the upload limit. If you exceed this limit, you won’t be able to install the file.
So check file size of the plugin. If you’re over the limits, then you need to change the upload limit.
Open wp-config.php file and looking for the “WP_MEMORY_LIMIT” option. Upgrade it to 256M to have it look like:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
You have a Multi-Site Network
Multi-site network is when you manage multiple WordPress websites using the same settings. So it’s a possibility that the admin has disallowed the installation of plugins for every other website except the primary website.
You need to check if your website is part of a network using subdomains or subdirectories. Then check whether the sites have privilege to install and use plugins. Get in touch with the admin on this matter.
So those are all the reasons why you may not be able to install a plugin or theme and run into errors. Try them one by one and see which reason is the actual culprit.
If the problem persists, try updating your WordPress, PHP, or other components, and then try again. As a final resort, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
Both plugins and themes are easy to install. But at times, you’ll notice that you’re not able to install them. Instead, you get an error or failed message. This can cause havoc among the team members if the plugin is really important.
There are a couple of reasons for this. Main importantly, you need to know how to fix this issue. In this article, learn how to install a theme or plugin that isn’t installing.
What are the Reasons for the Error?
So why weren’t you allowed to install that plugin or theme? There are a couple of reasons for this. Below we explain them one by one and their respective solution.
Are you Using WordPress.com?
You need to understand that there are two types of official WordPress sites on the internet. First is the WordPress.org and second is WordPress.com. Former is the free version which anyone can use. And second is a hosting service from WordPress itself. It’s paid, by the way.
If you’ve signed up for WordPress.com, then you won’t be able to install or use any plugin unless you buy the Business Plan. Therefore, check if you’ve signed up at WordPress.com and using the free plan.
Set up Incorrect File and Folder Permission
When you try to install a plugin and it lacks proper permission, then you’re likely see an error message. It might be a 403 error, which you get when you don’t have necessary permission.
To avoid this, ensure that the file permissions and folder permissions are set to 644 and 755 respectively.
Lack of Privilege
If you’re not the administrator or haven’t logged in as an admin, then perhaps you lack the privilege necessary to install the software.
So ask for administrator privileges to successfully install a plugin.
Limited Memory
Every hosting company puts a limit on the upload limit. If you exceed this limit, you won’t be able to install the file.
So check file size of the plugin. If you’re over the limits, then you need to change the upload limit.
Open wp-config.php file and looking for the “WP_MEMORY_LIMIT” option. Upgrade it to 256M to have it look like:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
You have a Multi-Site Network
Multi-site network is when you manage multiple WordPress websites using the same settings. So it’s a possibility that the admin has disallowed the installation of plugins for every other website except the primary website.
You need to check if your website is part of a network using subdomains or subdirectories. Then check whether the sites have privilege to install and use plugins. Get in touch with the admin on this matter.
So those are all the reasons why you may not be able to install a plugin or theme and run into errors. Try them one by one and see which reason is the actual culprit.
If the problem persists, try updating your WordPress, PHP, or other components, and then try again. As a final resort, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
