Last Updated on December 25, 2020 by Kelly Thoreson
Installing a new theme on your WordPress blog is easy! There are actually two different ways you can go about installing a new WordPress theme, in the tutorial below, I’ll walk you step by step through both options!
Watch the Video Tutorial
Method I: Search & Install
This method involves locating the theme you’re looking for within your WordPress blog and installing it! It can be done in just 7 easy steps!
Method I: 1. Login to WordPress
Method I: 2. Click on Appearance
Method I: 3. Click Add New
Method I: 4. Search
Type the name of the theme you’re looking for into the search bar on the right of the screen.
Method I: 5. Click Install
The theme you searched for will be in the top left of the search results, click Install. If the theme you searched for didn’t show up, click here to scroll down to Method II.
Method I: 6. Activate
Lastly, click on Activate!
PRO TIP: You can preview what the theme will look like on your blog by pressing Live Preview!
Method I: 7. Confirm & Done!
Confirm that you have successfully activated the new theme by locating the theme (in the upper left of the themes list). If it says, “Active” in the lower left corner of the theme’s icon – you did it!
Since you don’t need Method II, click here to scroll down to the Takeaway & Next Steps!
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Method II: Upload & Install
Didn’t find the theme you were looking for? I’ve been there and I have your solution!
When I first started blogging I would read another blogger’s post talking about how amazing a certain WordPress theme was only to be frustrated and perplexed when I couldn’t find the theme they were referencing!
Eventually I figured out that not all themes are accessible via the search bar in the WordPress themes area of your blog.
But don’t worry, installing a theme that’s not available via the WordPress theme page search bar is just a easy peasy as installing one that is. Next I’m going to show you how to find your desired theme and install it!
Method II: 1. Google Your Theme
Google the name of the theme you have in mind. Let’s use SiteOrgin’s Unwind for this tutorial (the FREE theme I use for this blog).
Method II: 2. Click on the First Search Result
What we’re looking for here is the theme creator’s page for that particular theme. Google is really good at its job so usually, the top search result is the one we’re looking for.
Method II: 3. Click Download
There will be a download option somewhere on the page, click it. Usually, the Download Theme icon is big and near the top. If you can’t find it, try pressing Crtl+F and typing in, “download”, your browser will find anything with the word, “download” in it for you.
Method II: 4. Login to WordPress
Method II: 5. Go to Appearance
Click Appearance on the middle left hand side of your screen.
Method II: 6. Add New
Click Add New in the upper left.
Method II: 7. Upload Theme
Click on Upload Theme in the upper left.
Method II: 8. Click Choose File
Click on Chose File in the upper middle of the screen.
Method II: 9. Select & Open
Navigate to the folder you downloaded the theme into and click Open.
Method II: 10. Install
After you’ve chosen the theme’s zip file upload it to your themes page by clicking Install Now.
Method II: 11. Activate
The last step is to activate your theme. If the installation was successful, you’ll see the screen below. Click Activate.
PRO TIP: You can preview what the theme will look like on your blog by pressing Live Preview!
Method II: 12. Confirm & Done!
You’ll then be directed back to the themes page. If your new theme shows up in the upper left and has the word, “Active” on it – you did it! Done!
Takeaway
Installing a new theme is easy! Regardless of which method you use, you can install a new theme on your WordPress blog in under 5 minutes!
Have questions about this tutorial? Leave them in the comments section below and I will help you!