Deleting a theme in WordPress is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the right steps to ensure that your website remains functional and visually appealing.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of deleting a theme in WordPress, step by step.
Note: Before going into details, you need to understand that an active theme is required by WordPress to keep the website running. If you have only one theme and you want to delete it, first install another theme, activate it and then delete the desired theme.
2 Methods to Delete WordPress Theme
There are 2 simple and easy methods that will guide you to delete a theme from your WordPress website.
So let’s get started.
1. Deleting a WordPress Theme via the Admin Dashboard
Step 1: Log in to the WordPress Admin Dashboard
To begin, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Appearance” Section
Once logged in, navigate to the left-hand menu and locate the “Appearance” option. Click on it to access the Appearance settings.
Step 3: Access the “Themes” Page
Within the Appearance settings, select the “Themes” option. This will direct you to the Themes page, where you can manage your installed themes.
Step 4: Locate the Theme You Want to Delete
On the Themes page, you will see a list of all the installed themes. Scroll through the list and find the theme you wish to delete. Hover your mouse over the theme, and several options will appear below its name.
Step 5: Open the Theme Details
Click on the “Theme Details” button that appears when you hover over the theme. This action will open a popup or a new page displaying detailed information about the theme.
Step 6: Confirm the Deletion
In the bottom-right corner of the theme details window, you will find a “Delete” button. Click on it to initiate the deletion process.
Step 7: Verify the Theme has been Deleted
WordPress will remove the theme from your site. To ensure the theme has been successfully deleted, go back to the Themes page. You should no longer see the deleted theme listed.
2. Deleting a WordPress Theme via File Manager
Step 1: Access your WordPress Installation Files
Open Cpanel File Manager or your Hosting File Manager.
Step 2: Locate the “wp-content” Folder
Once connected, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. Locate the “wp-content” folder and open it.
Step 3: Open the “Themes” Folder
Within the “wp-content” folder, locate and open the “themes” folder. This folder contains all the themes installed on your WordPress website.
Step 4: Identify and Delete the Theme Folder
Search for the folder corresponding to the theme you want to delete. Each theme has its own folder with the theme’s name. Right-click on the folder and select “Delete” from the context menu.
Step 5: Confirm the Deletion
A confirmation prompt may appear, asking if you want to permanently delete the theme folder. Confirm the deletion to proceed.
Step 6: Verify the Theme has been Deleted
Once the theme folder is deleted, the associated theme files are removed from your website. To confirm the deletion, visit the Themes page in your WordPress admin dashboard. The deleted theme should no longer be listed.
Conclusion
Keeping your WordPress installation organized is essential for optimal website performance. Deleting unused themes helps maintain a clean and efficient environment.
In this guide, we explored two methods for deleting WordPress themes: using the Admin Dashboard and via File Manager.
Regularly reviewing and removing unused themes will not only free up valuable space but also contribute to a smoother WordPress experience. Stay vigilant and keep your WordPress website clutter-free!