WordPress: How to Fix ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing

WordPress: How to Fix ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing 

If you are experiencing issues with your WordPress website’s plugin menu, specifically the ‘Add New Plugin’ option not showing up, then you are not alone.

This problem can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as plugin conflicts or outdated WordPress versions.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps you can take to fix the ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing’ issue in WordPress.

Understanding the Problem

Before we dive into the solutions, it is important to understand the root cause of the issue. The ‘Add New Plugin’ option is a default feature of WordPress, and it should be present in the plugin menu at all times.

However, if you are experiencing issues with the option not showing up, it could be due to several reasons, such as:

Plugin conflicts

Some plugins may cause conflicts with others, leading to the ‘Add New Plugin’ option not showing up.

Outdated WordPress version

If you are running an outdated WordPress version, it can lead to plugin menu issues, including the ‘Add New Plugin’ option not showing up.

Theme conflicts

Sometimes, the theme you are using may not be compatible with certain plugins, leading to conflicts and menu issues.

Corrupted files

Corrupted files in your WordPress installation can cause various issues, including menu problems.

Steps to Fix the ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing’ Issue

Now that we have identified some possible causes of the issue, let’s take a look at the steps you can take to fix it.

1. Check for plugin conflicts

To check for plugin conflicts, you will need to deactivate all the plugins on your WordPress website. Once you have deactivated all the plugins, check if the ‘Add New Plugin’ option is visible. If it is, then you can be sure that one of the plugins was causing the issue.

Reactivate your plugins one at a time until you identify the problematic plugin. You can then either replace it or reach out to the plugin’s developer for assistance.

2. Update WordPress

If you are running an outdated version of WordPress, you should update to the latest version immediately.

To do this, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and click on the ‘Updates’ option. If an update is available, click on the ‘Update Now’ button to update your WordPress version. Once you have updated, check if the ‘Add New Plugin’ option is visible.

3. Switch to a Default Theme

To determine if your theme is causing the issue, you can switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One.

To do this, navigate to the ‘Appearance‘ tab in your WordPress dashboard and click on ‘Themes.’ Find the default theme and click on the ‘Activate‘ button.

Check if the ‘Add New Plugin’ option is visible. If it is, then your previous theme was causing the issue. You can then switch back to your preferred theme or contact the theme developer for assistance.

4. Check and make changes inside wp-config.php

One potential solution to the issue of the “Add New Plugin” menu not showing in WordPress is to change the “define(DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT, true)” line in your wp-config.php file to “define(DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT, false)”. This will allow you to access the plugin editor and make changes to your plugins.

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress site via FTP or a file manager.
2. Locate your wp-config.php file, which should be located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
3. Open the file using a text editor.
4. Look for the following line:

5. Change “true” to “false”, like so:

6. Save the changes and upload the file back to your server.

Once you have made this change, you should be able to access the “Add New Plugin” menu in your WordPress dashboard and install new plugins or make changes to your existing plugins.

It’s worth noting that changing this line in your wp-config.php file can potentially make your site less secure, as it allows for direct access to your plugin files.

If you’re concerned about the security of your site, it’s recommended that you keep this line set to “true” and use alternative methods for managing your plugins, such as FTP or a plugin management tool.

5. Reinstall WordPress

If none of the above steps work, you can try reinstalling WordPress. Reinstalling WordPress will replace any corrupted files and ensure that your WordPress installation is up to date.

To do this, first, take a backup of your website. Then, delete all the files and folders in your WordPress directory, except for the ‘wp-content’ folder and the ‘wp-config.php’ file.

Next, download the latest version of WordPress from the official website and extract the files to your WordPress directory.

Finally, restore your backup to your new WordPress installation. Check if the ‘Add New Plugin’ option is visible.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing the ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing’ issue on your WordPress website, it can be frustrating, but don’t worry. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to fix the issue in no time.

Remember, it is essential to identify the root cause of the issue before attempting to fix it. This way, you can save time and effort and avoid causing further problems.

If you are still experiencing issues with your plugin menu after trying the solutions outlined in this article, you can seek further assistance from WordPress support forums or contact a professional developer for help.

FAQs

Why is the ‘Add New Plugin’ option not showing up in WordPress?

The ‘Add New Plugin’ option may not be showing up due to various reasons, such as plugin conflicts, outdated WordPress versions, theme conflicts, or corrupted files.

How can I fix the ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing’ issue?

To fix the issue, you can try checking for plugin conflicts, updating WordPress, switching to a default theme, or reinstalling WordPress.

How can I check for plugin conflicts?

To check for plugin conflicts, deactivate all the plugins on your WordPress website, and check if the ‘Add New Plugin’ option is visible. Reactivate the plugins one at a time until you identify the problematic plugin.

Can I contact the plugin developer for assistance with the ‘Add New Plugin Menu Not Showing’ issue?

Yes, you can contact the plugin developer for assistance with the issue. They may be able to help you resolve the conflict or provide an alternative solution.

What should I do if none of the solutions in this article work? If none of the solutions work, you can seek further assistance from WordPress support forums or contact a professional developer for help.

Can I edit my wp-config.php file using the WordPress dashboard?

No, you cannot edit your wp-config.php file using the WordPress dashboard. You will need to access this file via FTP or a file manager.

What should I do if I accidentally delete my wp-config.php file?

If you accidentally delete your wp-config.php file, you can create a new file with the same name and add the necessary details, such as your database login credentials and site URL.

How can I ensure the security of my wp-config.php file?

To ensure the security of your wp-config.php file, you should change its permissions to 400 or 440, which will prevent unauthorized access to the file.

If you are experiencing issues with your WordPress website, one potential solution is to fix your wp-config.php file. This file contains important information such as your database login details and site URL, and any errors or changes to this file can cause issues on your website.