---
title: Installing the Plugin for Seamless Integration
description: "Install Coupons & Add to Cart by URL Links for WooCommerce, free or Pro, then test your first coupon link with the default settings."
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/seamless-plugin-installation/"
updated: "2026-09-27"
category: Getting Started
tags:
  - "Coupons & Add to Cart by URL for WooCommerce"
---

# Installing the Plugin for Seamless Integration

To install [Coupons & Add to Cart by URL Links for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/url-coupons-woocommerce/), add the free version from **Plugins > Add New** or upload the Pro ZIP from your WPFactory account, then activate it. Its settings open at **WPFactory > Coupons by URL** (also reachable at **WooCommerce > Settings > URL Coupons**). It takes a couple of minutes.

## Before you start

- WooCommerce, installed and active. URL Coupons declares WooCommerce as a required plugin and does nothing without it.
- At least one coupon created in WooCommerce. URL Coupons applies your existing WooCommerce coupons; it does not create them.

## Method 1: from the WordPress plugin directory (free)

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to **Plugins > Add New**.
2. Search for **Coupons & Add to Cart by URL Links for WooCommerce**.
3. Click **Install Now** on the plugin by WPFactory.
4. Click **Activate**.

## Method 2: upload the Pro ZIP

1. Download the plugin ZIP from your [WPFactory](https://wpfactory.com/) account.
2. In your WordPress dashboard, go to **Plugins > Add New** and click **Upload Plugin**.
3. Choose the ZIP file and click **Install Now**.
4. Click **Activate**.

Uploading a ZIP is a standard WordPress method and works for any version. If the free version is already active, you do not need to remove it first: when the Pro version is active, the free copy stops loading. You can then deactivate and delete the free plugin.

## Open the settings

After activating, go to **WPFactory > Coupons by URL** (also reachable at **WooCommerce > Settings > URL Coupons**). The settings have three sub-tabs: **General**, **Notices** and **Advanced**. The defaults already work, so you can share links right away:

| Setting | Option ID | Default | Free/Pro |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| URL Coupons: Enable plugin | `alg_wc_url_coupons_enabled` | On | Free |
| URL coupons key | `alg_wc_url_coupons_key` | `alg_apply_coupon` | Free |
| Session: Force session start when a URL with the coupon key is accessed | `alg_wc_url_coupons_force_start_session` | On | Free |
| Add products to cart | `alg_wc_url_coupons_fixed_product_discount_add_products` | Off | Pro |

## Test your first coupon link

1. Note the code of an existing WooCommerce coupon, for example `SAVE10`.
2. Open a private browser window and visit `https://yourstore.com/?alg_apply_coupon=SAVE10`, using your own domain and code.
3. Add a product to the cart and check that the discount appears.

The key works on any page of your store, so a link such as `https://yourstore.com/shop/?alg_apply_coupon=SAVE10` also applies the coupon. If you change **URL coupons key**, use the new word in your links and make sure no other plugin uses it.

## If it does not work

- **Nothing happens:** check that **Enable plugin** is ticked and that the coupon code exists and is valid in WooCommerce.
- **It works when logged in but not for guests:** keep the first **Session** option on, and try **Force session start earlier and everywhere**, which the plugin suggests for cached sites.
- **The settings menu is missing:** WooCommerce is not active.

Prefer watching? This short video summarizes the article in a few minutes: [watch on YouTube](https://youtu.be/3tpdvn-d6bk).

## FAQ

### Do I need to keep the free version installed with Pro?

No. Pro contains everything in the free version, and the free copy stops loading while Pro is active, so you can delete it.

### Is there a coupon link builder?

No. A coupon link is your store URL plus `?alg_apply_coupon=` and the coupon code. You can add the key to any page URL on your store.

### Which features need Pro?

Applying coupons by URL is free. Pro adds adding the coupon's products to the cart, redirects after the coupon is applied, and custom notices. See the [free vs Pro comparison](https://wpfactory.com/docs/pro-vs-free-versions-copons/).

## Related guides

- [How to Apply a WooCommerce Coupon from a URL: Settings Explained](https://wpfactory.com/docs/url-coupons-options/)
- [Make URL Coupons Work for Guests and Cached Sites](https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-url-coupons-guests-caching/)
- [How to Apply a WooCommerce Coupon with a URL](https://wpfactory.com/docs/intro-how-to-use/)

### Get more control

The free version applies coupons by URL. [Coupons & Add to Cart by URL Links for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/url-coupons-woocommerce/) Pro adds add-to-cart coupons, redirects, and custom notices. [See what Pro unlocks](https://wpfactory.com/item/url-coupons-woocommerce/).

Need a hand? Our team answers every ticket on the [URL Coupons support forum](https://wpfactory.com/support/item/url-coupons-woocommerce/).

 

[![Coupons & Add to Cart by URL for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/Coupons-Add-to-Cart-by-URL-Links-for-WooCommerce.webp)](https://wpfactory.com/item/url-coupons-woocommerce/)