How to Delete a Theme in WordPress

If you’re using WordPress to manage your website, you might need to delete a theme. This could be because you’re cleaning up old themes you no longer use or want to simplify your site’s backend. Whatever your reasons, removing themes can help make your site more efficient and reduce security risks associated with outdated software.

Before you start deleting anything, it’s crucial to back up your website. This means saving a copy of your site’s content and settings just how they are now. Backing up is like taking a snapshot; if anything goes wrong, you can restore your site to how it was before you made any changes. Always remember, better safe than sorry!

Preparing to Delete a WordPress Theme

Checking the Active Theme

First, you need to find out which theme your website is currently using. This is important because you don’t want to accidentally delete the theme that’s making your website look and function correctly. To check your active theme, log in to your WordPress dashboard, go to the Appearance menu, and click Themes. Here, you’ll see all the themes you’ve installed. The theme that is currently active will have a label that says Active.

It’s crucial not to delete this active theme directly from your website because it will leave your site without a proper design and could cause display or functionality problems. If you want to delete the active theme, you should activate a different one. This way, your website will remain operational and look good while you make the change.

Backing Up Your Website

Backing up your website is like keeping a safety net under your digital presence. If anything goes wrong, you can use this backup to get your site back to how it was before making any changes. You should always back up your files and your database because your files include your themes, plugins, and media. In contrast, your database holds your posts, comments, and settings.

There are many tools and plugins available to help you with backups. Some popular options include UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, and VaultPress. These plugins can automatically back up your site to a location like Dropbox, Google Drive, or their own cloud services. Select one that fits your requirements and budget, and set it up to regularly save your website data. This way, you’re always prepared for any situation.

Steps to Delete a WordPress Theme

Accessing the Theme Directory

To delete a theme, first, you need to get to the right place in your WordPress dashboard. Log in to your dashboard, click on Appearance, and then choose Themes. This will take you to the theme directory, where you can see all the themes that you have installed on your website.

Deleting the Theme

Once you are in the Themes section, follow these steps to safely remove a theme:

1. Hover over the theme you need to delete, and a Theme Details button will appear. Click on it.
2. A new window will pop up showing details about the theme. There is a Delete link at the bottom right of this window. Click on this link.
3. A confirmation window become visible asking if you want to delete the theme. Click OK to confirm and delete the theme.

Suppose you can’t delete the theme through the dashboard, perhaps because the delete option is not available or it gives an error. In that case, you’ll need to try another method.

Using FTP to Delete a Theme

If deleting from the dashboard doesn’t work, you can delete the theme using FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which lets you manage your site’s files directly on the server.

1. First, you require to connect to your website using FTP software. Enter your website’s FTP address, username, and password. You can get this information from your web hosting provider.
2. Once connected, navigate to the wp-content/themes folder. Here, you’ll see folders for each theme installed on your site.
3. Find the folder of the theme you need to delete. Right-click on it and choose Delete from the menu. Confirm the deletion.

Using FTP is straightforward, but be cautious. Deleting the wrong file or folder can disrupt your site, so double-check before removing anything.

These steps will help you safely remove any WordPress theme, whether directly through your WordPress dashboard or using FTP.

Post-Deletion Steps

Checking the Site’s Functionality

After you’ve deleted a theme, it’s important to ensure your website works properly. Start by going through your website like a visitor. Check different pages to see if they load correctly and look for any errors. If everything seems fine, remove the theme without affecting your site’s performance.

If you notice any issues like pages not loading or displaying errors, here’s what you can do:

1. Clean your browser’s cache & try loading the site again.
2. If the problem persists, check if the active theme is properly set up and compatible with your WordPress version.
3. If necessary, restore your website using the backup you made earlier. This will bring everything back to how it was before you deleted the theme.

Cleaning Up Unused Database Entries

Sometimes, themes leave behind data in your website’s database, even after they’re deleted. Cleaning this up can help keep your site running smoothly.

To clean up leftover data:

1. Consider using a plugin like WP-Optimize or Advanced Database Cleaner. These tools can help you safely remove unnecessary data without damaging your website.
2. Install and activate the plugin, then follow its instructions to scan and clean your database.

Remember, while cleaning up the database is helpful, it’s optional unless you’re experiencing specific issues that require it. Always back up your website before making any changes to the database. This way, you’re keeping your site safe while ensuring it runs at its best.

In this guide, we’ve explored the steps for safely deleting a WordPress theme, including preparations like backups, the deletion process, and post-deletion checks to ensure your site remains in top shape. Keeping your WordPress site streamlined by removing unused themes can significantly enhance its performance and security. Now might be an excellent opportunity to explore new themes or rethink your website’s design to ensure it remains appealing and functional.

If you need help with your website or are considering a new design, don’t hesitate to contact Chetaru, a Custom WordPress design agency. We’re here to assist you with all your web design needs.