I’ve been working with WordPress for years, building sites for clients and personal projects.
One thing that I have learned is that a WordPress theme can completely transform a site’s look, user experience, and functionality.
Back then, before I used themes for WordPress, it was a mess. I’d spend hours coding designs that looked rough and outdated, which was frustrating.
On top of this, my navigation menus were inconsistent, confusing visitors. The worst part was that mobile displays often broke, making sites unusable on phones.
That’s when I realized that WordPress themes are a must for anyone starting. They provide a solid base for design and functionality, saving tons of time.
Apart from that, a good WordPress theme does more than style your site. It can boost page speed, improve navigation, and support SEO to match your brand’s identity.
What used to take days was now done in hours, allowing me to focus on content and strategy instead of coding.
So, I’m excited to share tips for installing a WordPress theme. To make sure you find what works for you, I will share 3 easy methods in this guide.
Why Trust Us?
I love using and teaching about WordPress through the detailed blog content I create. This has helped thousands of users to set up their first site and eventually build complex platforms.
On top of this, I have created courses for both beginners and advanced users who need solutions for custom designs or performance tweaks.
These experiences have shaped how I explain WordPress tools, themes, plugins, and more in a way that resonates with all skill levels.
Our team of experts and I test every WordPress theme and plugin on real websites, not just in theory. This helps us evaluate speed, compatibility, and user experience under real conditions.
On top of that, we like pairing a theme with WooCommerce to see how well it works on an eCommerce store and checking mobile performance for blog readers.
We’ve also set up test sites for blogs, online stores, and portfolios, pushing themes to handle heavy traffic or complex plugins. This reveals issues like slow load times or conflicts that demo sites often do not show.
As a result, we’ve learned what makes a theme reliable through years of trial and error.
Apart from that, we update our content regularly to reflect WordPress’s frequent changes. I’ve seen how new WordPress versions break themes.
So, we revisit our reviews and tutorials to keep recommendations accurate and current.
If you want to learn about how to install WordPress themes more visually, you can check out our video tutorial below.
How to Install New WordPress Themes »
We offer a 7-day free trial so that you can explore the videos without any upfront cost. It’s a low-pressure way to see if the training fits your needs.
Apart from that, there’s a 14-day money-back guarantee if you decide to continue. This makes it easy to learn WordPress without worrying about the commitment.
What You Need Before Installing a Theme
Getting your site ready for a theme takes a few key steps. You want everything set up right to avoid hiccups down the line.
First and most importantly, you need a reliable host. A bad host leads to slow pages and crashes, which frustrate users and hurt your rankings.
I personally like using Bluehost and Siteground because of the low costs and high performance they offer.
Plus, they come with WordPress pre-installed, making it even easier to set up a theme.
Next, a good domain name can really define your site’s identity. My early websites had generic URLs that nobody could remember, so I learned to choose short, catchy domain names.
I always back up my WordPress sites with a reliable backup plugin like Duplicator Pro before changing or installing a new theme. Duplicator offers a free version for those seeking a cost-effective way to back up their site.
This saves my sites and data when theme updates cause errors, and it’s easy to use.
On top of that, testing themes safely is a must.
I rely on staging tools from hosts like Bluehost and SiteGround for that. I also use staging tools like Duplicator, which doubles up as a backup tool, as mentioned.
This lets me experiment without risking the stability of my live site.
So, here is a quick checklist to make sure you have everything ready before you install a WordPress theme.
- A reliable hosting service.
- Registered domain name.
- WordPress installed and running.
- A reliable backup like Duplicator Pro.
- A staging site for testing.
Now that you have everything ready, let me show you how to install a theme for WordPress.
How to Install a WordPress Theme
As mentioned, I’ve set up themes for all kinds of sites, from blogs to online stores.
As a result, I have identified three reliable methods for installing WordPress themes. Each method fits different needs, depending on your site and goals.
To make navigation easy, you can select any of the links below to skip to that section of the article.
- Install a Theme Using the WordPress Theme Repository: A fast way to browse and install free themes. It’s perfect for quick, simple setups.
- Install a Theme Using the Upload Method from WordPress Admin: Ideal for premium themes from marketplaces, if you are looking for advanced theme features.
- Installing a WordPress Theme Using FTP: Best for custom or restricted setups. It offers full control when other methods don’t work.
You can pick a method that is most convenient for your WordPress Website and needs.
Let’s get started!
Method 1: Install a Theme Using the WordPress Theme Repository
The WordPress Theme Repository is the simplest way to install a WordPress theme, perfect for beginners or quick site setups.
I rely on this method for dependable, free WordPress themes without extra steps.
This is because free themes from WordPress.org are checked for safety, unlike many third-party sites, which can break your site.
On top of this, themes from the WordPress Repository are frequently updated to address bugs and ensure compliance with WordPress standards.
This makes them a safe choice for avoiding site errors or security risks.
So, how do you install a free theme from WordPress?
First, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to Appearance » Themes. After this, select “WordPress.org Themes” at the top of the Repository page.
The next screen shows you a library of themes available for installation. You can browse or search for themes and view the image preview to get an idea of what to expect.
Next, you can explore themes by selecting categories such as Popular, Latest, Block Themes, Favorites, and Premium.
You can also use the Feature Filter to sort by specific options.
It includes options such as Subject, which provides choices for Blog, eCommerce, Education, and more.
Under Features, you get options like Accessibility, block Editor Patterns, and more. While under Layout, you get Grid Layout, One Column, and more.
The checkboxes next to each option allows you to filter and narrow down the theme options, making it easy to find what you are looking for.
Now, if you want a specific theme, type its name into the search bar at the top of the page, helping you quickly locate themes in the Repository.
For this tutorial, we will use the “Sydney” theme, the free version from aThemes, as an example. Once you do this, hover over the theme’s image to reveal buttons for Install and Preview.
You can select ‘Preview’ to load a demo of how the WordPress theme appears on a sample site.
The preview shows the theme’s layout, colors, and style in action. So, scroll through it to confirm if the theme suits your site’s purpose before moving forward.
Finally, select the Install button to install the theme.
Once installed, hit “Activate” on the next screen to apply the free WordPress theme to your site.
As you can see, Activation switches your site to the new theme’s design and settings. Without this step, the theme stays inactive, and your site’s appearance won’t update.
That’s it! You can now install a theme from your WordPress Repository.
But what if you want to install a premium theme for WordPress?
Method 2: Install a Theme Using the Upload Method From WordPress Admin
Premium WordPress themes offer features such as custom layouts, SEO tools, and eCommerce support, making them ideal for professional websites.
Apart from that, they often include dedicated support, unlike many free options. This helps you get help quickly, saving you time and energy.
The good news is that many theme companies also offer free versions, allowing you to test designs before upgrading.
With that in mind, apart from helping you install premium WordPress themes, you can also use it to install free themes, although you will need to take extra steps compared to Method 1.
Now, I source premium themes from reputable marketplaces, such as aThemes, Thrive Themes, or Elegant Themes.
My purchases from these platforms have consistently delivered polished, feature-rich themes for client projects.
On top of this, the theme upload method is fast and managed entirely within the WordPress dashboard.
So, how do you install a WordPress theme using the upload method?
Now, for consistency, we will use Sydney Pro for this tutorial.
After purchasing your premium theme from a marketplace, download the .zip file to your computer. Remember, only .zip files are supported in this section, so don’t extract them beforehand.
For better efficiency, consider saving it in a dedicated folder.
Next, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance » Themes, just like you did in Method 1. But this time, select “Upload Theme” to access the theme installation page.
On the next page, hit the Choose File button and then select the theme .zip file you saved on your PC. You can also drag and drop the theme’s .zip file into the upload section.
After this, select “Install Now” to begin uploading and installing the theme.
Once done, you will see an “Activate” button next. Select it to set the premium WordPress theme for your site. This applies the theme’s design and settings to your site, making it visible to visitors.
That’s It! You can now install a premium or free theme using the WordPress upload method.
Now, what if you want a more advanced way to install a theme for WordPress?
Method 3: Installing a WordPress Theme Using FTP
The FTP method is advanced and not ideal for beginners, but it’s perfect for custom setups that require precise control over WordPress theme and site design.
This method excels for large theme files or dashboards with upload restrictions, as it allows direct server access. This is why I rely on this method when other options aren’t available.
So, how can you install a theme with your FTP?
First, there are many FTP Client platforms like WinSCP, Cyberduck, and Total Commander.
But I use FileZilla, and we will also use this FTP Client portal for this tutorial.
Then, like with the other methods above, download your theme’s .zip file to your Computer. But this time, unzip the file to create a folder containing the theme’s files.
Also, ensure that you extract it to a location you can easily find, such as your desktop.
Step 1: Set up your FTP Account with your Host
Log in to your cPanel. In my case, I will log into my Bluehost cPanel. To access cPanel, navigate to Hosting and select “cPanel” under Quick Links.
Then navigate to the FTP Accounts section under “Files.”
Then, on the next page, create an FTP account with a username and password. Remember to save these details securely, as they’re needed for FileZilla.
Step 2: Set Up Your FTP Client
First, go to your new FTP account in your hosting account and select Configure FTP Client. This provides all the necessary information to add to FileZilla for connection.
Next, install FileZilla or your preferred FTP client on your computer. To ensure you get a trusted version, download it from the official FileZilla website and follow the setup prompts.
FileZilla’s installation is quick and supports Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you have nothing to worry about.
Once installed, open the program to begin configuring your site connection. After this, navigate to File » Site Manager.
Then, select “New Site” and enter the name of the site you want to grant FileZilla access to. Then, on the right, enter all the information you get under Configure FTP Client from your hosting account.
After this, the Site Manager window lets you save connection details.
You are now ready to upload a WordPress theme through an FTP client manually.
Step 3: Upload WordPress theme through FTP Client
In FileZilla, locate the right column showing your site’s files. Navigate to the /wp-content/themes/ directory to upload the theme in WordPress by dragging the unzipped theme folder there.
You follow this path because /wp-content/themes/ directory stores all your site’s themes.
Once done, return to your WordPress dashboard and go to Appearance » Themes. Here, you should find the uploaded theme ready to use.
All you need to do now is select “Activate” to apply the uploaded theme.
That’s It! You can now upload a theme manually through an FTP client portal.
I should point out that FTP isn’t just for themes. You can also download site files or upload assets like plugins. On top of that, I’ve used it to resolve issues with free themes that would otherwise fail to install.
Now that you have installed a WordPress theme, how do you customize it?
How to Customize Your Theme
Any WordPress theme can be tailored to match your site’s vision. It lets you control its look and functionality, from colors to layouts.
For this tutorial, we’ll use the Sydney theme as our example.
This is because it allows you to customize blogs, eCommerce stores, portfolio sites, and more. It can help you create designs that stand out with minimal effort.
The steps below apply to most themes that support the use of the WordPress Customizer, not just Sydney.
First, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance » Customize. This opens the WordPress Customizer, where you can modify settings for WordPress website themes.
The Customizer displays a live preview of your site on the right. Then on the left, you have customization options, like General, Header, Hero Area, Typography, and many more.
These options allow you to adjust settings such as fonts, colors, or header images. You can play around with these to see what works best. But again, always remember to have a site backup in case you break something.
Once done, save your changes by clicking the “Publish” button at the top of the Customizer. This applies your customizations to the live site immediately.
If the default WordPress customizer is a bit clunky for you. Premium themes, such as Sydney, feature a custom theme dashboard that provides a better user experience.
The tab arrangement makes it easier to navigate as opposed to the default WordPress customizer, which is in a squeezed list.
From this dashboard, you can also access Sydney documentation and support.
Awesome! You can now install and customize WordPress themes for your website. But are you curious about what other themes you can use apart from Sydney?
If you are, explore our theme recommendations below.
- Best Responsive WordPress Themes: These adapt to any device, and I have tested them on my sites for speed and flexibility. They’re great for mobile-first designs.
- Best Free WordPress Themes: Budget-friendly options that still perform well, used on my starter sites. They balance quality and cost.
- Best Blog Themes WordPress: Perfect for writers, these load fast and look clean. I’ve set them up for client blogs with great results.
- Best eCommerce WordPress Themes: Built for online stores, tested with WooCommerce on my sites. They handle products and payments smoothly.
Congratulations! You now have all the tools to install and customize a theme. If you have any questions, check out the commonly asked questions below.
FAQs: How to Install a Theme
Can I install a WordPress theme without a hosting service?
No, you need a hosting service to install a WordPress theme on a live WordPress site. This provides the server to store and run your site’s files. Though local setups like Local by Flywheel work for testing sites.
Why won’t my WordPress theme activate?
If your WordPress theme won’t activate, check for plugin conflicts or an incomplete upload. I’ve resolved this issue for clients by temporarily deactivating plugins and re-uploading the theme file, ensuring all files are intact before activating the theme on the Themes page.
Is Sydney a free WordPress theme?
Yes, Sydney is a free theme available in the WordPress Theme Repository. It offers a solid free version with optional premium upgrades. I’ve used Sydney’s free version for client blogs, confirming its quality and flexibility for basic site needs without any cost.
How do I fix a failed theme installation?
A failed installation is often due to a corrupted .zip file or server limits. I’ve resolved this by downloading a fresh theme file and increasing the server’s upload limit in cPanel. Then, retry the installation via the Upload method.
Can I switch themes without losing content?
Absolutely. Switching themes doesn’t affect your site’s content, such as posts or pages, but some settings may reset. That is why it is important to back up your site to preserve customizations before activating a new theme.
Final Verdict
The three methods for installing WordPress themes each serve a purpose. The Theme Repository is my top pick for beginners, offering a fast, safe way to add free WordPress themes without complications.
On top of this, the Upload method suits premium themes, delivering advanced features through a simple dashboard process. While FTP is best for advanced users handling custom or restricted setups with full server control.
Whatever method you select, ensure that you follow the steps above to avoid breaking your site or causing a plugin conflict.
I hope you enjoyed learning about how to install a WordPress theme. If you did, then the posts below may interest you.
- The Ultimate WordPress Toolkit
- 11 Best WordPress Coming Soon & Maintenance Mode Plugins
- 19 Best WordPress Page Builders Reviewed
These articles will help you understand WordPress more deeply. They will also help you customize and improve the user experience of your site without coding.
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