How to Fix the Missing “Add New Plugin” Option in WordPress

If you opened your WordPress dashboard and suddenly couldn’t find the “Add New Plugin” option, don’t worry. This issue happens more often than you might think. The good news? It’s usually caused by a simple setting, and you can restore the option within minutes.

1. Find the wp-config.php File

Start by accessing your WordPress files. This can be done through cPanel, FTP, or your hosting file manager.
In your site’s root directory, you’ll find a file named wp-config.php. This file stores important configuration settings.

2. Open the File

Open the file in a code editor. Scroll to the bottom and look for lines similar to these:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);define('DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', true);

These settings control whether you can install plugins, themes, or edit files from the WordPress dashboard.

3. Update the Settings

To bring back the missing plugin menu, change true to false, like this:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', false);define('DISALLOW_FILE_MODS', false);

This update re-enables plugin installation and file modification inside WordPress.

4. Save the File

Save your changes and upload the updated file back to your server (if you’re using FTP).

5. Refresh Your Dashboard

Now go back to WordPress and refresh the page.
You should see the “Add New Plugin” option restored in the Plugins section.

Why This Happens

This setting is often enabled by:

• Security plugins

• Managed hosting providers

• Custom configurations from developers

• Migrations or restored backups

It’s meant to protect your site, but sometimes it hides essential tools.

Final Tip

Editing the wp-config.php file is safe if you follow the steps correctly, but always keep a backup. A small change in this file can solve many WordPress issues, including missing menus and restricted features.

Now you're all set to install and manage plugins again. Happy building!