How To Delete A WordPress Theme? [in 2023]

Written by: Mark Coleman
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Have you ever encountered issues trying to delete a WordPress theme? It can be frustrating when you want to get rid of an outdated or unused theme, but the process doesn’t seem to work.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why and when you should delete a WordPress theme, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it safely.

Additionally, we’ll address common issues that prevent users from deleting themes and offer solutions to fix them.

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to Delete A WordPress Theme, check out this video tutorial:

How To Delete A WordPress Theme?

Here is how to delete a WordPress theme:

  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Hover over “Appearance” and click on “Themes.”
  3. Locate the theme you want to delete and click on “Theme Details.”
  4. Click on the “Delete” option.
  5. Confirm that you want to delete the theme by clicking “OK.”
  6. The theme has now been successfully deleted.

It’s important to note that deleting a theme will not delete any content on your website. If you want to remove all content associated with the theme, you will need to manually delete it. Additionally, if you have made any customizations to the theme, those changes will also be deleted. So, make sure to backup your website before deleting any themes.

Can’t Delete A WordPress Theme – How to fix it?

Deleting a WordPress theme can be a simple process, but there are times when you may encounter issues. Here are some possible solutions:

  1. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions: If you are unable to delete a theme, it could be due to insufficient permissions. Make sure that you are logged in as an administrator or have the necessary permissions to delete themes.
  2. Try switching to a different theme: If you are having trouble deleting a theme, try switching to a different theme and then delete the one you want to remove. This may help resolve any conflicts that may be preventing you from deleting the theme.
  3. Delete the theme manually: If the above solutions do not work, you can delete the theme manually by using FTP. First, connect to your website using FTP and navigate to the wp-content/themes directory. Find the theme you want to delete and delete its folder. This will remove the theme from your WordPress installation.

By following these solutions, you should be able to delete your WordPress theme safely and without any issues. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to seek help from the WordPress community or contact their support team.

Why and When Should You Delete A WordPress Theme?

Deleting a WordPress theme is an important task that every website owner should know how to do. Here are some reasons why and when you should delete a WordPress theme:

  1. Security Concerns: If a theme is no longer supported or updated by the developer, it can pose a security risk to your website. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated themes to gain access to your website and cause harm. Therefore, it is crucial to delete such themes and replace them with updated ones.
  2. Website Speed: Having too many themes installed on your website can slow it down. Each theme comes with its own set of files and code, and having unused themes can take up valuable space on your server. Deleting unused themes can help improve your website’s speed and performance.
  3. Organizational Purposes: Over time, you may accumulate several themes that you no longer need or use. Deleting these themes can help you keep your WordPress dashboard organized and clutter-free.

Now that you know why and when to delete a WordPress theme, let’s take a look at how to do it safely:

  1. Login to your WordPress dashboard and hover over the “Appearance” tab.
  2. Click on “Themes” to view all the themes installed on your website.
  3. Select the theme you want to delete and click on “Theme Details.”
  4. Click on the “Delete” option and confirm the action.
  5. The theme will be successfully deleted from your website.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your website secure, fast, and organized.

Conclusion – Delete A WordPress Theme

Deleting a WordPress theme may seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential for maintaining a secure, fast, and organized website.

In this blog post, we’ve covered why and when you should delete a theme, how to do it safely, and common issues that prevent users from deleting themes.

Remember to always backup your website before making any major changes, and try the solutions we’ve provided if you encounter any issues..

Follow these steps and keep your website running smoothly!

Mark Coleman - HowTOBuildWebsites
Written by Mark Coleman


Mark Coleman is the founder of HowToBuildWebsites.org, which provides comprehensive tutorials on website builders like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and Shopify. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a business degree, developing an interest in web design's changing landscape and website builders' potential.

Mark enjoys experimenting with new web technologies, refining his web development skills, and actively participating in web design and development communities.

Learn more about him and read his articles here on HowToBuildWebsites.org.

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