If you manage more than one WordPress site, you have probably faced this situation: you have a plugin set up and working perfectly on one site, and now you need the exact same plugin on another site. Maybe it is a premium plugin, a customized one, or simply a specific version you want to replicate.
This guide walks you through the fastest and most reliable way to copy WordPress plugins to another site — no FTP, no manual server access, completely free.
The Challenge of Copying Plugins Between WordPress Sites
WordPress does not have a built-in “copy plugin” feature between separate sites. Your options have traditionally been:
- FTP — requires server credentials and a client app
- cPanel File Manager — complex and slow for non-developers
- Re-purchasing or re-downloading the plugin — not always possible
- Migration plugins — overkill if you only need to move one plugin
None of these are ideal for a quick, single-plugin transfer. That is where Transfer Press comes in.
What Is Transfer Press?
Transfer Press is a free WordPress plugin that adds a simple Download ZIP button to every plugin listed in your WordPress admin dashboard. With it, you can download any installed plugin as a ZIP file and then install that file on another WordPress site — just like installing from the Plugin Directory.
It works for all plugin types: free, premium, and custom-built.
Step-by-Step: Copy a Plugin to Another WordPress Site
Step 1 — Install Transfer Press on Your Source Site
- Log into the WordPress admin of the site that has the plugin you want to copy
- Navigate to Plugins → Add New Plugin
- Search for Transfer Press and click Install Now
- Click Activate once installed
Step 2 — Download the Plugin as a ZIP
- Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Locate the plugin you want to copy to another site
- Click the Download ZIP link that Transfer Press adds
- The ZIP file downloads to your computer
Step 3 — Install the Plugin on Your Destination Site
- Log into the WordPress admin of your destination site
- Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin
- Click Choose File and select the ZIP you just downloaded
- Click Install Now, then Activate
💡 You have successfully copied the plugin from one WordPress site to another — no FTP, no server, no complicated steps.
Does This Work for Premium Plugins?
Yes, with one important note. Transfer Press can download any plugin installed on your server, including premium plugins like Elementor Pro, WooCommerce extensions, Advanced Custom Fields Pro, and others.
However, you are responsible for ensuring your license allows installation on multiple sites. Most premium plugin licenses are site-specific, so check your license terms before copying a premium plugin to another site.
What About Plugin Settings and Data?
Transfer Press copies the plugin files only — not the plugin’s settings, database entries, or user data. This is by design, as each WordPress site has its own database.
After activating the plugin on the destination site, you will need to reconfigure its settings. If you need to also migrate settings, consider using the plugin’s built-in export/import feature (most plugins include this), or use a tool like WP Migrate for database-level migration.
Common Use Cases
- Developers: Copy a custom plugin from a staging site to production
- Agencies: Replicate a plugin setup across multiple client sites
- Freelancers: Transfer a configured plugin to a client’s site
- Site owners: Duplicate a site setup without running a full migration
- Backup: Save a copy of a plugin before updating or removing it
Why This Method Is Better Than FTP
Let’s compare:
FTP Method:
- Requires FTP credentials from your host
- Needs an FTP client (FileZilla, Cyberduck, etc.)
- Must navigate server file structure
- Manually create a ZIP from the downloaded folder
- Total time: 10–20 minutes for a beginner
Transfer Press Method:
- Works entirely inside the WordPress dashboard
- No external tools or credentials needed
- One click to download
- Upload directly to destination site
- Total time: Under 2 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Transfer Press work with WordPress multisite?
Yes, Transfer Press is compatible with WordPress multisite installations. Network admins can use it across the network.
Can I use the downloaded ZIP to reinstall the plugin later?
Absolutely. The ZIP file is a standard WordPress plugin package. You can save it as a backup and install it at any time through the Upload Plugin screen.
Will this work if the plugin is deactivated?
Yes. You can download a ZIP for any plugin listed under Installed Plugins, whether it is active or inactive.
Conclusion
Copying WordPress plugins between sites has never been easier. With Transfer Press, you skip the FTP setup, avoid complicated server navigation, and get the job done in under two minutes — all from within the WordPress admin.
It is free, lightweight, and works for every type of plugin. Whether you are a developer, agency, or everyday site owner, Transfer Press is the tool you have been missing.
Install Transfer Press today: https://wordpress.org/plugins/transfer-press/