How do I manually install a Matomo plugin?
Installing a Matomo plugin manually requires careful attention to file permissions and directory structure to ensure proper functionality and security. Begin by downloading the plugin ZIP archive from the official Matomo Marketplace or from a trusted GitHub repository, ensuring you’re obtaining the version compatible with your current Matomo installation.
Extract the complete plugin archive into your Matomo installation’s /plugins directory, maintaining the original folder structure. The plugin folder name must match exactly what the plugin expects, as any discrepancy will prevent proper loading. For example, if you’re installing the “CustomDimensions” plugin, the final path should be /path/to/matomo/plugins/CustomDimensions/.
After file extraction, verify that your web server has appropriate read permissions on all plugin files. Navigate to Administration → System → Plugins in your Matomo interface as a Super User. Locate your newly installed plugin in the inactive plugins section and click “Activate.” The system will perform dependency checks and notify you of any compatibility issues.
For command-line management, use the console command ./console plugin:activate PluginName from your Matomo root directory. This method is particularly useful for automated deployments or when the web interface is unavailable.
Critical Warning: Never install plugins from untrusted sources, as they have full access to your Matomo data and can compromise your entire analytics infrastructure. Always backup your database before installing new plugins, especially on production environments. Premium plugins require proper licensing validation, and using pirated versions violates terms of service and creates security vulnerabilities.
If activation fails, check your server error logs for specific PHP errors, verify file permissions, and ensure all plugin dependencies are met. Some plugins may require additional database tables or specific PHP extensions that weren’t present during the initial check.
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