Introduction
Most site owners will install and try out a few WordPress themes before they settle on one they like. While this is fine, leaving themes you’re not using installed can take up space and potentially be a drag on your site. Thankfully, WordPress makes it relatively easy to remove themes.
Some of the images associated with the steps are included inline below. All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Delete a WordPress Theme
- Navigate to your WordPress home screen, scroll down the menu on the left side of the screen, and then click “Appearance” to expand that section into a menu.
- Click “Themes” in this menu. The Themes screen is displayed, where you’ll see all of the themes you currently have installed on your WordPress site.
- Hover your cursor over the theme you want to delete.
- Click the “Theme Details” button.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the theme information screen, and then click “Delete.” A window pops up asking if you’re sure you want to delete this theme.
- Click “OK.” Your WordPress theme will be deleted.
Reasons Someone Would Want to Delete a WordPress Theme
1. Outdated and Incompatible
If your WordPress theme is outdated, it may not be compatible with the latest version of WordPress. This can cause your website to break or display errors. To ensure a smooth experience for your users, it’s important to delete outdated themes and switch to a newer, compatible one.
2. Compatibility Issues
Sometimes, themes can cause compatibility issues with other plugins or themes on your website. If you experience frequent errors or strange behavior, deleting the conflicting theme may solve the problem.
3. Slow Performance
A slow website can turn off visitors and harm your search engine rankings. If your theme is causing your website to load slowly, it may be time to delete it and find a faster, more lightweight alternative.
4. Security Vulnerabilities
Outdated or poorly designed themes can leave your website vulnerable to attacks. Deleting a theme with security vulnerabilities is a proactive step towards securing your website and protecting your users’ data.
5. Mobile Unfriendly
With more people accessing websites on mobile devices, it’s important to have a theme that is mobile-friendly. If your theme is not optimized for mobile, delete it and find a theme that offers a great mobile experience.
6. Limited Flexibility
If your theme is not flexible enough to meet the needs of your website, it may be time to delete it. A more flexible theme can allow you to add new features, customize the design, and improve the user experience.
7. Limited Customization
If you’re not satisfied with the customization options offered by your theme, it may be time to delete it and find a theme that better fits your vision for your website.
8. Better Alternative
Sometimes, you simply find a better theme. If you come across a theme that offers more features, better design, or improved performance, it may be time to delete your current theme and switch to the better option.
9. No Longer Maintained
If a theme is no longer maintained or supported by the developer, it may become outdated and cause compatibility issues. To avoid potential problems, delete themes that are no longer maintained.
10. Fresh Start
If you’re ready for a fresh start with a new design and layout, deleting your current theme is the first step. Start fresh and give your website the facelift it deserves.
