How to manage WP plugins in JetHost WordPress Manager

The Plugins section in JetHost WordPress Manager allows you to discover, install, and manage WordPress plugins directly from your hosting control panel. In particular, this feature provides access to thousands of plugins from the WordPress.org repository, complete with ratings, active installation counts, and one-click installation. Furthermore, you can browse featured plugins curated specifically for JetHost customers.

Accessing plugin management

To access plugin management, navigate to the Plugins & Themes tab from the top navigation menu. Once there, you’ll see three main sections:

• Installed Plugins: Shows all plugins currently installed on your WordPress site
• Featured Plugins: Displays recommended plugins optimized for JetHost hosting
• Discover Plugins: Browse and search the entire WordPress.org plugin repository

Managing installed WP plugins

The Installed Plugins section displays all plugins currently on your WordPress installation, including both active and inactive plugins. This gives you a complete overview of your site’s plugin ecosystem.

Identifying active and inactive WP plugins

In the Installed Plugins section, each plugin card shows important details including the plugin name, version number, and current status. Active plugins display a green Active status badge, indicating they’re currently functioning on your website. For instance, if “LiteSpeed Cache” shows a green “Active” label, that plugin is currently running and providing its functionality to your site.

Inactive plugins show an Inactive status badge instead. These plugins are installed on your server but aren’t currently running or affecting your website. Moreover, each plugin card also displays the version number and a brief description of the plugin’s purpose.

Activating a WP plugin

To activate an inactive plugin, locate it in the Installed Plugins list and click the three-dot menu icon (⋮) in the top right corner of that plugin’s card. From the dropdown menu that appears, select Activate. The plugin activates immediately and begins functioning on your website.

After activation, the plugin’s status changes to “Active” with a green badge. Additionally, the plugin may add new features to your WordPress admin dashboard, create new settings pages, or modify your site’s functionality depending on its purpose. However, some plugins require additional configuration after activation to work properly.

Deactivating a WP plugin

To deactivate an active plugin, click the three-dot menu icon on the plugin’s card and select Deactivate. The plugin immediately stops running, though it remains installed on your site. Deactivating plugins you’re not currently using can improve your site’s performance and security. Furthermore, deactivation is useful when troubleshooting conflicts between plugins.

Deleting WP plugins

You can permanently remove plugins by clicking the three-dot menu icon and selecting Delete. Note that you can only delete inactive plugins—you must first deactivate any active plugin before you can delete it. Consequently, regularly removing unused plugins keeps your WordPress installation clean and reduces potential security vulnerabilities.

Reviewing plugin compatibility

Before activating any plugin, verify it’s compatible with your WordPress version and doesn’t conflict with existing plugins. Consequently, testing new plugins on your staging environment helps prevent issues on your live site.

Featured plugins for JetHost customers

The Featured Plugins section highlights plugins that work exceptionally well with JetHost’s hosting infrastructure. These include:

JetHost Total Care

JetHost Total Care simplifies WordPress management by consolidating security, site enhancements, and performance features into a single solution. Specifically, it provides integrated protection and optimization tools designed to work seamlessly with your hosting environment.

Discovering and installing plugins

The Discover Plugins section lets you search through thousands of WordPress plugins. Each plugin card displays essential information to help you make informed decisions.

Understanding WP plugin information

Each plugin listing shows:

• Plugin name and icon: Visual identification of the plugin
• Star rating: User reviews averaged from the WordPress.org community
• Active installations: How many sites currently use this plugin
• Description: Brief overview of the plugin’s functionality
• Install button: One-click installation directly to your site

Searching for WP plugins

Use the search bar to find plugins by name, functionality, or keyword. For instance, search “security” to find protection plugins, or “SEO” to discover optimization tools. Additionally, the search results update instantly, making it easy to compare similar plugins quickly.

Installing plugins

To install a plugin, simply click the orange Install button below the plugin card. The installation completes immediately, and the plugin appears in your Installed Plugins section. However, remember that newly installed plugins are typically inactive – you’ll need to activate them through your WordPress admin panel.

Discovering and installing plugins – recommendations

Following these recommendations ensures optimal performance and security for your WordPress site:

Test plugins on staging first

Always test new plugins on your staging environment before deploying them to production. This prevents conflicts, performance issues, and potential downtime. The WordPress Manager staging feature makes this process straightforward and safe.

Keep WP plugin count minimal

Install only the plugins you actually need. Each additional plugin adds code that can slow your site or create security vulnerabilities. Moreover, inactive plugins should be deleted rather than left installed, as they can still be exploited by attackers.

Enable automatic updates

Configure automatic plugin updates through the Auto Updates section of WordPress Manager. This ensures your plugins receive security patches promptly without manual intervention. Nevertheless, always maintain recent backups before updates occur.

Review plugin ratings and support

Before installing a plugin, check its rating and active installation count. Generally, plugins with 4+ stars and thousands of active installations indicate quality and reliability. Additionally, verify the plugin has been updated recently – plugins abandoned by their developers may contain unpatched security vulnerabilities.

Back up before major changes

Create a backup before installing plugins that significantly alter your site’s functionality. The WordPress Manager Backups feature allows you to quickly create a restore point you can revert to if something goes wrong.

Security considerations

Plugins are a common attack vector for WordPress sites. Therefore, maintain security by:

• Removing unused plugins: Delete WP plugins you’re not actively using
• Using reputable sources: Only install plugins from WordPress.org or trusted developers
• Monitoring plugin updates: Apply security patches promptly when available
• Enabling security features: Use the WordPress Manager Security section to add additional protection layers

Troubleshooting common WP plugin issues

Plugin installation fails

If a plugin fails to install, first check your available disk space in the WordPress Manager overview. Additionally, temporary connectivity issues with WordPress.org can cause failures – simply retry after a few minutes.

Site breaks after plugin activation

If your site becomes inaccessible after activating a plugin, use the WordPress Manager File Manager to access your plugins directory and rename the problematic plugin folder. This deactivates it immediately. Alternatively, restore from your most recent backup.

Plugin conflicts

When two plugins conflict, deactivate all plugins and reactivate them one at a time to identify the conflict. Similarly, clear your site cache using the Overview tab after making plugin changes to ensure you’re seeing current functionality.

Need more help?

Explore more WordPress Manager guides and hosting tutorials in our knowledgebase. The WordPress Manager is included free with all hosting for WordPress plans at JetHost.

For additional support with plugin configuration or WordPress troubleshooting, our team is here to help you optimize your website.