This step-by-step guide will walk you through the most common methods for installing a WordPress theme, whether it’s free, premium, or custom-developed.
Method 1: Install a Theme from the WordPress Dashboard
Step 1: Log In to Your WordPress Admin Dashboard
- Navigate to your WordPress login page (
yourdomain.com/wp-admin) - Once logged in, go to Appearance (1) → Themes (2), then click Add New (3).
Step 2. Browse or Search for a Theme
- Use the tabs like Popular, Latest, or Favorites to explore themes.
- If you have a specific theme in mind, type its name into the Search themes… field
Step 3. Install and Activate the theme
To install a theme (e.g., “Inspiro”), hover over its image and click the Install button.
When the installation of your theme is ready, WordPress will show a success message (1). To start using the theme, click Activate (2).
Method 2. Upload a theme via the WordPress Dashboard (For Premium or Custom Themes)
If you’ve purchased a premium theme or have a custom .zip theme file, follow these steps:
Step 1. Download the archived theme
Download the theme archive from the developer or theme marketplace.
Step 2. Upload and install the theme
In your WordPress Dashboard, go to Appearance (1) → Themes (2) → Add New (3)
To upload the theme, click the Upload Theme button.
Click Choose file and select the theme .zip file.
Once your theme is installed, you will see a Theme installed successfully message (1).To start using this theme on your website, click the Activate button (2).
Method 3. Install a theme using an FTP Client (Advanced Users)
This method is useful for uploading large themes or when the WordPress dashboard isn’t accessible.
Step 1. Connect via FTP Client
- Use an FTP client like FileZilla
- Enter your FTP login credentials (or create an FTP user via your WPX hosting panel)
Navigate to the theme folder:
public_html/wp-content/themes(for your main site), or
domains/yourdomain.com/public_html/wp-content/themes(for other sites)
Step 2. Upload the theme files
- Before uploading the theme, unzip it.
- Then, in the wp-content/themes folder, drag and drop the theme folder.
You should now see the theme that you just uploaded.
Step 3. Activate the Theme in WordPress
- Go back to your WordPress Dashboard
- Navigate to Appearance → Themes
- Locate your uploaded theme and click Activate
Method 4: Upload a theme using the WPX File Manager
Step 1. Access File Manager
- Log in to your WPX Hosting account here.
- Go to Control Panel → FTP Users & Files → File Manager
In the File Manager, navigate to:
public_html/wp-content/themes(for your main site), ordomains/yourdomain.com/public_html/wp-content/themes(for other sites)
Step 2: Upload and Extract the Theme ZIP
In File Manager, click File → Upload Files
Upload the .zip file, then right-click on it and choose Extract Archive.
Step 3: Activate the theme in WordPress
- Go back to your WordPress Dashboard
- Navigate to Appearance → Themes
- Locate your uploaded theme and click Activate
That’s it! Your theme is now active!
Stuck at any point? Don’t worry, just click the live chat widget in the bottom-right, and one of our support agents will assist you in under 30 seconds.