How Do You Remove a Theme in WordPress?
When you have been playing around with the appearance of your WordPress site you might have downloaded several themes. Themes that are not utilized can accumulate over time and reduce the speed of your site or pose a security risk. That is why it is an essential part of keeping the site clean, fast, and secure to learn how to remove the WordPress theme.
This guide will take you through the process of deleting a WordPress theme safely, when, why and how. The tutorial is easy enough to follow and ideal when one is running a personal site.
Why Should You Remove Unused WordPress Themes?
Before jumping into the removal steps, here are a few reasons why deleting unused themes is a smart move:
Better Website Security
Every theme contains code. Even when it is not in use, old code may be used as a security vulnerability. The elimination of themes that you are not utilizing reduces that risk.
Faster Backups and Site Speed
All files are scanned on your hosting environment when they are backed up and security checks. The longer these processes are, the more themes you have. The reduced number of themes translate to faster loading times of certain hosting configurations as well as faster backups.
Saves Storage Space
Even though themes do not occupy immense space, a number of giant themes will accumulate. Removing them assists in maintaining your site.
Easier Site Management
Having a simplified WordPress dashboard also simplifies matters. Reduction of confusion and clutter can be achieved only by keeping what you actually use.
Before You Start: What You Must Know
You Can’t Delete an Active Theme
The theme in use cannot be deleted using WordPress. You need to activate another theme and then have to remove the one that you do not want.
Keep One Default WordPress Theme Installed
Although you may not be using it, at least have one default theme. This comes in handy when troubleshooting the active theme in case it fails or requires a temporary replacement.
How to Remove a Theme in WordPress
The most common and the safest methods are listed below. The former two are done using your WordPress dashboard, which is the least complicated to the majority of users.
Method 1: Delete a Theme Through the WordPress Dashboard
This is the most user-friendly method and works for nearly everyone.
Step 1: Log Into Your WordPress Admin
Go into your WordPress administration account and type in your username and password.
Step 2: Navigate to the Themes Page
Go to the appearance and then themes where you will find all the installed themes.
Step 3: Choose a Different Active Theme (If Needed)
When you want to delete a theme which is on, first switch on another one.
Step 4: Click on the Theme You Want to Delete
A pop-up window will be displayed including additional information.
Step 5: Hit the Delete Button
Select the option of delete and confirm. Your theme is now removed.
Method 2: Delete a WordPress Theme via the Theme File Editor
You can also delete theme files with the inbuilt editor although this is not a frequent practice.
Step 1: Go to the Theme File Editor
Click on appearance and theme file editor.
Step 2: Select a Theme to View
Select the theme to be removed using the dropdown at the top.
Step 3: Confirm It’s Not Active
It is impossible to erase a running theme.
Step 4: Remove Files
This will require you to manually delete files and that is not the best as you might not be able to delete all of them. Such an approach is not suggested unless there is a need.
Method 3: Delete a WordPress Theme via FTP
FTP is a solid answer to a lock-out of your dashboard or the failure of your site.
Step 1: Connect to Your Site Using an FTP Client
Work with such programs as FileZilla or your hosting file manager.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Themes Folder
Find the folder where your themes are.
Step 3: Find the Theme Folder You Want to Delete
Each theme has its own folder.
Step 4: Delete the Theme Folder
Erase the folder containing the themes. This automatically removes the theme on your site.
Method 4: Delete a Theme Using Your Hosting File Manager
The file manager is offered in the dashboard of most hosting companies.
Step 1: Log Into Your Hosting Account
Open hosting account dashboard.
Step 2: Open File Manager
Find the option of file manager.
Step 3: Access Themes Directory
Find the path to your themes.
Step 4: Delete the Theme Folder
Select a folder of the theme that you would want to remove and delete it.
Important Tips for Safely Removing Themes
Backup Your Website First
Always save your site and then delete any theme. Deleting is generally not a problem, but it is always better to be on the safe side.
Don’t Delete Your Child Theme
When using a child theme, ensure that you are not deleting the parent theme unless you are not in need of it.
Check Widgets and Customizer Settings
There are some themes where custom widgets and settings are stored. Once you are deleting a theme, make sure that you are not losing something that you still require.
Keep Only One Default Theme
WordPress should be used when there is one default theme in case of emergency.
Common Questions About Removing WordPress Themes
Can Removing a Theme Break My Site?
Unless the theme that you are deleting is active. In case it is not active, then it is absolutely safe to remove it.
Will Deleting a Theme Delete My Content?
No. Posts, pages, and media files will remain intact. Nevertheless, themed widgets or bespoke code can go away.
Can I Reinstall a Deleted Theme?
Yes. It can be reinstated any time at the WordPress theme repository or in a backup.
What If the Delete Button Is Missing?
This normally implies that the theme is already in use. Give another theme a kick start.
Keep Your WordPress Site Clean and Secure
Deleting WordPress themes is a simple task that is significant. You can use the dashboard, FTP, or file manager, but the process is straightforward and takes a few minutes to assist in maintaining the smooth operation of your website.
Using these steps will ensure that you can easily delete themes, clean up your website, improve security, and optimize your webpage. WordPress is easier to maintain in a tidy and well-organized installation.
Bill Yeager, Co-Owner of High Point SEO & Marketing in CT
