WP-CLI plugin commands let you list, install, activate, deactivate, update, and delete plugins without using the WordPress dashboard. This is especially useful when a plugin is causing problems and you cannot access the dashboard, or when you want to bulk-update all plugins at once.
Command reference
| Command | What it does |
|---|---|
wp plugin list | Lists all installed plugins with their status and version |
wp plugin list --status=active | Lists only active plugins |
wp plugin list --status=inactive | Lists only inactive plugins |
wp plugin install <slug> | Installs a plugin from WordPress.org by its slug |
wp plugin install <url> | Installs a plugin from a ZIP URL (for premium plugins) |
wp plugin install <slug> --activate | Installs and immediately activates a plugin |
wp plugin activate <slug> | Activates an installed plugin |
wp plugin deactivate <slug> | Deactivates a plugin without deleting it |
wp plugin deactivate --all | Deactivates every plugin (useful for troubleshooting) |
wp plugin update <slug> | Updates a specific plugin to its latest version |
wp plugin update --all | Updates all plugins to their latest versions |
wp plugin update --all --dry-run | Shows what would be updated without making changes |
wp plugin delete <slug> | Permanently deletes a plugin and its files |
wp plugin status <slug> | Shows the status and version of a specific plugin |
Deactivating all plugins to troubleshoot
If your site is broken and you suspect a plugin is the cause, you can deactivate all plugins at once and then reactivate them one by one to find the problem.
- Deactivate all plugins:
wp plugin deactivate --all
-
Check if your site is working again by visiting it in your browser.
-
Reactivate plugins one at a time:
wp plugin activate <slug>
- After activating each plugin, check your site. When the problem returns, you have found the plugin causing the issue.
Installing plugins
Plugins can be installed by slug (from WordPress.org) or by URL (for premium plugins hosted elsewhere).
Install from WordPress.org:
wp plugin install contact-form-7 --activate
Install from a ZIP URL:
wp plugin install https://example.com/my-premium-plugin.zip --activate
Warning about destructive commands
Running wp plugin delete permanently removes the plugin files from your site. This cannot be undone. Always take a backup before deleting plugins.
Need help?
If you have questions about managing plugins, visit our support page or email hello@smarthost.ie.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a plugin's slug?
The slug is the last part of the plugin's WordPress.org URL. For example, wordpress.org/plugins/contact-form-7 has the slug contact-form-7.
Can I install premium plugins with WP-CLI?
Yes. Use wp plugin install <url> where the URL points to the plugin's ZIP file. You will need a direct download link.
What is wp plugin update --dry-run for?
It shows you a list of plugins that have updates available without actually applying any updates. Useful for reviewing before committing to the changes.
Last updated: 25 March 2026