How to Enable / Activate WordPress Plugins from the Database | Activate Plugin manually

Activating WordPress Plugins Directly from the Database: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facing a WordPress admin lockout and need to activate a critical plugin? Don’t worry, there’s a solution! By directly modifying your database, you can activate plugins even when you’re unable to access the admin dashboard.

Here’s a simple guide to follow:

1. Access Your Database:
   • Use a database management tool like phpMyAdmin or a similar interface.
   • Log in using your database credentials.
2. Locate the wp_options Table:
   • This table stores various WordPress settings and options.
3. Find the active_plugins Option:
   • Search for the option named active_plugins. This option stores the list of currently activated plugins.
4. Edit the active_plugins Value:
   • Click on the “Edit” button next to the active_plugins row.
   • In the value field, add the plugin’s folder name (without the .php extension) to the list. For example, if the plugin’s folder is my-plugin, add “my-plugin” to the list.
   • If you’re activating multiple plugins, separate them with commas.
5. Save the Changes:
   • Click the “Save” or “Go” button to update the database.
6. Refresh Your Website:
   • Visit your website’s homepage to see if the plugin is now activated.

Important Considerations:

• Plugin Compatibility: Ensure that the plugin you’re activating is compatible with your WordPress version and other installed plugins to avoid conflicts.
• Backup: Always create a backup of your database before making any changes. This will help you restore your site if something goes wrong.
• Security: Be cautious when accessing your database, and use strong security measures to protect your site from unauthorized access.

By following these steps, you can effectively activate WordPress plugins directly from the database, even in the face of admin area restrictions. This method can be a lifesaver when you need to quickly restore your site’s functionality.