LightSail WordPress Multi-site - Plugin - Add New - Missing Upload button

Question

Hi, I just created a new account with  LightSail WordPress Multi-site instance. I assigned it a static IP and am able to bring up the WordPress dashboard successfully. However, I see a number of critical elements missing from the WordPress dashboard, most notably the 'Plugins > Add New' option and also the 'Themes' option. I verified that the user ID that was created by Bitnami named 'user' is an administrator. I can ssh connect to the instance and su as well. I was able to search for plugins & added Elementor, it shows im logged in but doesnt recognize my paid account. Since then I cannot upload any plugins as there is no longer an Add New Plugin - Upload button.  The task I am trying to accomplish is to import a  plugin into WordPress. Could anyone please help and shed some light on this? Thanks LA

re:Post Agent · Answer

The issue you're experiencing with your Lightsail WordPress Multi-site instance is likely related to the specific configuration of a multi-site setup. In a WordPress multi-site environment, certain features and capabilities are restricted for individual site administrators, including the ability to install plugins and themes directly from the dashboard.

Here are a few key points to consider:

1. In a multi-site setup, only the network administrator (also known as the super admin) has the ability to install and activate plugins and themes for the entire network.

2. Individual site administrators within the multi-site network typically don't have access to the "Add New" option for plugins or themes, nor can they upload new ones directly.

3. The missing "Upload" button for plugins is a normal behavior in a multi-site configuration, as this functionality is reserved for the network administrator.

4. If you need to add new plugins or themes, you'll need to log in as the network administrator. This account is usually created during the initial setup of the multi-site installation.

5. If you're certain you should have network administrator privileges but don't see these options, you may need to verify your user role and permissions in the WordPress database.

6. For plugin-specific issues like Elementor not recognizing your paid account, you may need to contact the plugin's support team, as this could be related to how licenses are managed in a multi-site environment.

To resolve your immediate need of importing a plugin:

1. Ensure you're logged in as the network administrator.
2. If you are the network admin and still don't see these options, you may need to check your WordPress configuration or consider reinstalling the multi-site setup.
3. As a workaround, you can manually upload plugin files via FTP or SSH to the appropriate directory (usually wp-content/plugins/), then activate the plugin from the network admin dashboard.

Remember, managing a WordPress multi-site installation is different from a standard WordPress site, and it requires additional considerations for plugin and theme management.  
**Sources**  
[Server Not Found (DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN) on Lightsail WordPress MultiSite after attaching Static IP and domain with configure_app_domain | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUN45xIcTITQSA9IA-BcCa1A/server-not-found-dns-probe-finished-nxdomain-on-lightsail-wordpress-multisite-after-attaching-static-ip-and-domain-with-configure-app-domain)  
[Lightsail and WP - I can not login to WP-Admin : The username user is not registered on this site. | AWS re:Post](https://repost.aws/questions/QUuEipyEqWRPeSr27tJtCeTQ/lightsail-and-wp-i-can-not-login-to-wp-admin-the-username-user-is-not-registered-on-this-site)

LightSail WordPress Multi-site - Plugin - Add New - Missing Upload button

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