### [Using WPForms on WordPress.com](https://wpforms.com/docs/how-to-use-wpforms-with-a-wordpress-com-business-account/)

**Published:** November 23, 2023
**Author:** Umair Majeed

**Excerpt:** Learn how to install and use WPForms on a WordPress.com site.

**Content:**

Are you looking to use the WPForms plugin on your WordPress.com site? With WordPress.com’s Creator plan, you can install and use plugins on your site. However, it’s important to note that some options will appear differently than they would in a WordPress.org setup.

This tutorial will discuss everything you need to know to successfully use WPForms with your WordPress.com Creator plan.

**Note:** You’ll need to be on the [Creator’s account plan](https://wordpress.com/pricing/) to be able to install WPForms on your WordPress.com site.

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### Why Does WordPress.com Handle Plugins Differently From WordPress.org?

WordPress.com wasn’t originally intended to handle plugins in the same way that WordPress.org installations are. You won’t be able to install plugins on your WordPress.com site unless you upgrade to the Creator account level.

This means that while you can still absolutely install and use WPForms with a WordPress.com Creator account, plugins will be managed differently.

**Note:** If you’d like to check out a more in-depth discussion of WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org, please see [WPBeginner’s comparison article](http://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/self-hosted-wordpress-org-vs-free-wordpress-com-infograph/ "WordPress.com vs WordPress.org – Which is Better? (Comparison Chart)").

### Installing WPForms on Your WordPress.com Site

To install the WPForms plugin, you’ll first need to [log in to your WPForms account](https://wpforms.com/account/ "WPForms Account page"). Then open the **Downloads** tab and click the **Download WPForms** button to download the plugin’s .zip file.

![Downloading WPForms](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/download-wpforms.png)

Once the download is complete, you’ll have a zipped folder named `wpforms.zip` that you’ll need to upload to your site.

Return to your WordPress site and navigate to **Plugins » Add New** in the left menu.

![Accessing the upload plugin tool](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-plugins-add-new.png)

Then, in the upper-left corner of the next screen, click the **Upload** button.

![WordPress.com upload button](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-upload-button.png)

To upload the plugin, click on **Drop files or click here to install** and select the `wpforms.zip` file. Optionally, you can drag and drop the .zip file into the same area:

![click or drag to upload](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-upload-plugin.png)

**Note:** You’ll need to keep the plugin files zipped in order to install them on your site. If the files are unzipped, you’ll need to [compress them](https://rasmussen.libanswers.com/faq/32413 "How do you compress files on a PC or MAC?") before you can install the plugin.

Once the WPForms .zip file has been uploaded, WordPress will automatically install and activate the plugin for you.

![Plugin install progress on WordPress.com](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-plugin-progress.png)

WordPress will let you know when the installation has been completed successfully.

![WPForms just installed.](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-plugin-success.png)

#### Upgrading From WPForms Lite

If you’ve already installed WPForms Lite on your site, you can upgrade to a paid license from your admin dashboard.

Navigate to **WPForms » Settings**. Under the **License** section, click the link to upgrade to pro.

![Upgrading from WPForms Lite](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-wpforms-upgrade.png)

This will take you to our upgrade page, where you can learn more about the additional features available in the paid version of our plugin. To proceed, click the **Upgrade Now** button.

![The Upgrade Now button](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/wpforms-upgrade-to-pro.png)

You’ll be redirected to our pricing page, where you can select the plan that’s best for you. Click on the **GET STARTED** button for the plan you’d like to purchase.

![The WPForms Pricing page](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/wpforms-pricing-options.png)

We’ll automatically apply a 50% discount for upgrading. Complete the checkout process, then you’ll be redirected to your account page. Here, you can copy your license key.

Then return to your WPForms settings in your WordPress.com admin dashboard. You’ll see a notice here with links to our contact form and documentation. Click on the **OK** button to dismiss it.

![The WPForms upgrade notice](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/wpforms-upgrade-notice.png)

Next, enter your new license key in the **License Key** field and click the **Connect** button.

![Adding your WPForms license key to your settings](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/wpforms-add-license-key.png)

On the next screen, click the **Connect and Install WPForms Pro** button.

![The Connect and Install WPForms Pro button](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/upgrade-to-wpforms-pro.png)

The paid version of WPForms will be installed on your site. You’ll see a success message when the process is complete. Click on the **OK** button to finish activating the plugin.

![The WPForms upgrade success message](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/upgrade-success-message.png)

You can then [install addons](https://wpforms.com/docs/install-activate-wpforms-addons/ "How to Install the WPForms Plugin"), [build new forms](https://wpforms.com/docs/creating-first-form/ "How to Create Your First Form"), and more.

### Checking for WPForms Updates

While some plugins, such as those [installed through the Plugin Directory](https://en.support.wordpress.com/plugins/adding-plugins/ "WordPress.com: Adding plugins"), may automatically update for you, WordPress.com typically [prevents premium plugins from running auto-updates](https://wordpress.com/support/plugins/plugin-and-theme-updates/ "Plugin and Theme Updates").

Therefore, we recommend checking for WPForms updates regularly, about once a month. If there is an update available, you can manually install it from your admin dashboard.

**Note:** Keeping WPForms up to date is important for security reasons. See our article on [why you should always use the latest version of our plugin](https://wpforms.com/docs/why-you-should-always-use-the-latest-version-of-wpforms/ "Why You Should Always Use the Latest Version of WPForms") for more details.

To see if an update is available for WPForms, open **Plugins » Installed Plugins**.

![Checking the Plugins screen for WPForms updates](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/wordpress-com-plugins.png)

Here, scroll down to find the WPForms plugin. If an update is available, you’ll see a yellow alert prompting you to install the latest version of the plugin.

![Updating WPForms](https://wpforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/update-wpforms.png)

**Note:** There currently isn’t a way to view available updates from the main WordPress.com dashboard. Please be sure to check the plugin area regularly (about once a month) to see if any updates are ready for you to run.

That’s it! You should now be able to set up and use WPForms with a WordPress.com Pro plan.

Next, would you like to learn how to set up automatic notification emails for your forms? Check out our tutorial on [email notifications](https://wpforms.com/docs/setup-form-notification-wpforms/ "How to Set Up Form Notifications in WPForms") for all the details.

**Categories:** Extending, Extending Functionality

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