How to install live chat on WordPress with a plugin

With a plugin, you do not need to paste the chat script into each page. WordPress loads the widget; the conversations and team inbox stay in HTchat.

By the HTchat team · Practical guide

Website editor preparing a chat widget on a desktop computer — A conceptual website editing scene; the screen does not show the actual HTchat or WordPress interface.

Before installing

You need access to Plugins in your WordPress administration area and an HTchat account. Some hosted WordPress plans restrict third-party plugin uploads; check your plan first.

Download the ZIP

On the HTchat installation guide, download the WordPress plugin as a .zip file. Keep it zipped; WordPress accepts the archive directly.

Check your site address

Use the public address visitors actually open. If your site redirects between www and a bare domain, connect the final address shown in the browser.

Upload and connect

The WordPress plugin handles the website connection and widget loading, not the chat database.

Install in WordPress

Open Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin, choose the ZIP, select Install Now and activate it. WordPress documents ZIP upload as a standard plugin installation path.

Connect your business

Open Settings → HTchat and choose Connect HTchat. Sign in to your HTchat account, choose your business and approve the website connection. Your WordPress login is not sent to HTchat.

Verify from a visitor's view

A connected badge in the admin panel is not enough: check the actual site.

Check an uncached page

Use Verify Installation, then open the public homepage in a private window. If the bubble appears, send a test message and check the HTchat inbox.

If the widget is missing

Confirm the plugin is active and the widget is enabled. Clear your WordPress or CDN cache, then check that another script or consent tool is not blocking the widget. Do not install both the plugin and a manual snippet on the same page.