Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

How to Fix "Can't Download Plugins" Error in WordPress

WordPress is a popular platform for building websites and blogs. One of the key features of WordPress is the ability to add plugins to extend its functionality. However, sometimes you may encounter an error message that says "Can't download plugins" when trying to install or update plugins.

So, what do you do when you can't download plugins in WordPress? Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

Check Your Internet Connection

Often, the reason why you can't download plugins in WordPress is due to a weak or unstable internet connection. Make sure that your internet connection is stable and strong enough to download files. If your internet connection is weak, try resetting your router or modem. If that doesn't work, try connecting to a different network.

Check Your Plugin Directory Permissions

If you can't download plugins in WordPress, the issue may be due to incorrect directory permissions. You need to ensure that the wp-content/plugins directory has write permissions. To do this, log in to your website's cPanel or FTP client and navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory. Right-click on the folder and select "File Permissions". Change the permissions to "755" and save your changes.

Check Your WordPress Version

If you're using an old version of WordPress, you may face issues downloading plugins due to compatibility issues. Make sure that you update your WordPress version to the latest version. To update WordPress, go to your dashboard and click on "Updates".

Check Your Host

Sometimes, the issue of not being able to download plugins in WordPress is due to your hosting company. Some hosts may block downloads or have restrictions on the number of plugin installations. Check with your hosting provider to ensure that downloading plugins is allowed on their servers.

Disable Security Plugins

Security plugins such as Wordfence or iThemes Security may interfere with the download process, particularly if they are preventing access to certain files. Disable these security plugins temporarily and try downloading the plugin again.

In conclusion, not being able to download plugins in WordPress can be frustrating, but there are several ways to resolve the issue. Check your internet connection, directory permissions, WordPress version, hosting provider, and disable any security plugins that may be interfering with the download process. With these steps, you should be able to download your desired plugins and extend the functionality of your WordPress site.