Guide on how to Install a WordPress Theme

You are here because you want to learn how to install a WordPress theme, right? Well, this post is a simple guide to help you get everything right. We shall be discussing the steps you need to take to complete the installation. Let’s get started.

Before installing the theme

The first thing you need to remember is that installing a new theme means changing the overall look and function of your website. If you want to install a WordPress theme to replace the existing one, here are some important things you have to do.

  • Take note of every additional code you added to the existing theme
  • Copy all your tracking codes
  • Backup your website
  • Turn on maintenance mode when changing the theme
  • Test all functionality and plugins after installing the new theme
  • Test cross browser compatibility
  • Test load time
  • Monitor bounce rate and listen to readers

Install using WordPress admin theme search

When installing a theme from WordPress.org themes directory, the easiest way of doing so is through the search function. Login to the admin area and go to Appearance>>Themes page. Click on ‘Add New’. From here you can locate the theme that you want. You can preview a theme before clicking ‘Install’. The theme will be installed and you will get a success message thereafter. You need now to click on ‘Activate’ and you are done. Additional settings options may need to be configured depending on the theme you are installing. For example, some theme may ask that you install required plugins, review settings or download the demo data.

Install theme using upload method from the WordPress admin area

If you want to install themes that are not in the WordPress directory, you need to use this method. The first step is to download your preferred theme from the source. Next you need to go to Appearance>>Themes page in the WordPress admin area and then click Add New button. From here click on the ‘Upload Theme’ button. You then need to choose the downloaded zip file and click on ‘Install Now’. A success message will be displayed once the theme is installed. You then need to follow the link to activate the theme.

Install WordPress theme using FTP

This option is not for beginners. Start by downloading your preferred theme and then unzip the file. The next step is to connect your website / WordPress hosting account using FTP client. Once you are connected, go to /wp-content/themes/folder. From here you will see a folder with installed themes. Select the unzipped theme folder on your computer and upload it. Once the upload is done, go to the admin area then to Appearance>>Themes. You will see the uploaded theme here.

How to install a WordPress theme