How to Install a Theme on WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)
One of the best things about WordPress is how easy it is to change your website’s design. Learning how to install a theme on WordPress allows you to customize your site’s appearance without coding.
In this guide, you’ll learn three simple methods to install a WordPress theme and choose the right one for your website.
Watch Instead of Reading? Video Tutorial Available
In case you prefer learning visually, we’ve created a step-by-step WordPress Dashboard video tutorial that walks you through how to install a Theme on WordPress
What Is a WordPress Theme?
A WordPress theme controls your website’s:
- Layout and structure
- Colors and fonts
- Header, footer, and sidebar design
Themes allow you to change your website’s look without affecting your content.
Things to Do Before Installing a Theme
Before installing a new theme:
- Back up your website
- Check theme compatibility with your WordPress version
- Read reviews and ratings
Getting Started With the WordPress Dashboard (Beginner’s Guide)
Method 1 – Install Theme From WordPress Dashboard (Recommended)
Step-by-Step
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Appearance → Themes
- Click Add New
- Search for a theme
- Click Install, then Activate
This is the easiest and safest method for beginners.
Method 2 – Upload a WordPress Theme (.ZIP File)
This method is useful for premium or custom themes.
Steps
- Go to Appearance → Themes → Add New
- Click Upload Theme
- Choose the theme ZIP file
- Click Install Now
- Activate the theme
Method 3 – Install Theme Using FTP (Advanced Users)
This method is recommended only if other methods fail.
Steps
- Download and extract the theme ZIP file
- Connect to your website using FTP
- Upload the theme folder to /wp-content/themes/
- Go to Appearance → Themes
- Activate the theme
- FTP is optional for beginners.
How to Customize Your WordPress Theme
After activation:
- Go to Appearance → Customize
- Change colors, fonts, and layout
- Set homepage and menus
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Installing too many themes
❌ Using outdated themes
❌ Ignoring mobile responsiveness
❌ Not checking plugin compatibility
Free vs Premium WordPress Themes
Free Themes
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Good for beginners
Premium Themes
✔ Advanced features
✔ Better support
✔ Professional design
Divi Free Educational Theme
FAQs
Can I change my WordPress theme anytime?
Yes, you can change themes without losing content.
Will installing a theme affect SEO?
Yes. Fast, clean themes improve SEO performance.
How many themes can I install?
You can install multiple themes, but activate only one.
Now you know how to install a theme on WordPress using different methods. Whether you choose a free or premium theme, always prioritize speed, responsiveness, and simplicity.
A well-chosen theme sets the foundation for a successful website.
Table of Contents
Quick Links
- How to Create a Custom Contact Form Using Forminator
- How to Design a High-Converting Contact Page with Elementor (Step-by-Step)
- How to Design a Website Service Page Using WordPress
- Free Health Science Courses on Udemy (Today’s Verified Coupons)
- Logo Design Essentials: Photoshop & Illustrator Courses Today’s Free Udemy Coupons
Popular
[{"id":1874,"link":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/how-to-create-a-custom-contact-form-using-forminator\/","name":"how-to-create-a-custom-contact-form-using-forminator","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/mejosom\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-brettjordan-5444631.jpg","alt":"How to Design a High-Converting Contact Page with Elementor"},"title":"How to Create a Custom Contact Form Using Forminator","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Emerenini Maduabuchi","link":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/author\/maduabuchiemereninigmail-com\/"},"date":"Feb 14, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-14 07:42:13","modifiedDate":"2026-02-14 08:42:15","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-14 07:42:15","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/category\/wordperss-tutorials\/\" rel=\"category tag\">WordPress Tutorials<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/category\/wordperss-tutorials\/\" rel=\"category tag\">WordPress Tutorials<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/contact-page-design\/' rel='post_tag'>contact page design<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/conversion-optimization\/' rel='post_tag'>conversion optimization<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/elementor-contact-page\/' rel='post_tag'>Elementor contact page<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/high-converting-contact-page-2\/' rel='post_tag'>high-converting contact page<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/wordpress-contact-page\/' rel='post_tag'>WordPress contact page<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":19},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":1861,"link":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/how-to-design-a-high-converting-contact-page-with-elementor-step-by-step\/","name":"how-to-design-a-high-converting-contact-page-with-elementor-step-by-step","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/mejosom\/uploads\/2026\/02\/pexels-david-besh-884788.jpg","alt":"How to Design a High-Converting Contact Page with Elementor"},"title":"How to Design a High-Converting Contact Page with Elementor (Step-by-Step)","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Emerenini Maduabuchi","link":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/author\/maduabuchiemereninigmail-com\/"},"date":"Feb 7, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-07 15:42:30","modifiedDate":"2026-02-12 18:29:34","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-12 17:29:34","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/category\/wordperss-tutorials\/\" rel=\"category tag\">WordPress Tutorials<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/category\/wordperss-tutorials\/\" rel=\"category tag\">WordPress Tutorials<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/contact-page-design\/' rel='post_tag'>contact page design<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/conversion-optimization\/' rel='post_tag'>conversion optimization<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/high-converting-contact-page\/' rel='post_tag'>high-converting contact page.<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/wordpress-contact-page\/' rel='post_tag'>WordPress contact page<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":22},"status":"publish","excerpt":""},{"id":1829,"link":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/how-to-design-a-website-service-page-using-wordpress\/","name":"how-to-design-a-website-service-page-using-wordpress","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/mejosom\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-03-073650.png","alt":"Service list"},"title":"How to Design a Website Service Page Using WordPress","postMeta":[],"author":{"name":"Emerenini Maduabuchi","link":"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/author\/maduabuchiemereninigmail-com\/"},"date":"Feb 3, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-03 16:50:48","modifiedDate":"2026-02-04 16:27:56","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-04 15:27:56","commentCount":"1","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/category\/wordperss-tutorials\/\" rel=\"category tag\">WordPress Tutorials<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/emerenini.com\/category\/wordperss-tutorials\/\" rel=\"category tag\">WordPress Tutorials<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/service-page-design\/' rel='post_tag'>service page design<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/website-services-page\/' rel='post_tag'>Website services page<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/wordpress-for-beginners\/' rel='post_tag'>WordPress for beginners<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/wordpress-service-page\/' rel='post_tag'>WordPress service page<\/a><a href='https:\/\/emerenini.com\/tag\/wordpress-website-design\/' rel='post_tag'>WordPress website design<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":26},"status":"publish","excerpt":""}] 
2 thoughts on “How to Install a Theme on WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)”