How to Manually Update a WordPress Theme

Keeping your WordPress theme updated is essential to ensure security, performance, and compatibility with plugins. If the automatic update option is unavailable or you’re using a custom theme, you may need to update it manually. Follow this step-by-step guide to safely update your WordPress theme.

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Before updating your theme, always create a full backup of your website. This ensures that you can restore your site in case anything goes wrong.

How to Backup:

1. Use a Backup Plugin – Install and activate plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator.
2. Manual Backup – Download your website files via FTP and export your database via phpMyAdmin.

Step 2: Download the Latest Theme Version

If you’ve purchased a premium theme, download the latest version from the official source, such as ThemeForest or the developer’s website.

1. Go to your theme provider’s website.
2. Locate the latest version of your theme.
3. Download the theme as a .zip file.

Step 3: Activate a Temporary Theme (Optional)

To prevent issues during the update process, it is advisable to activate a temporary theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.

1. Go to Appearance > Themes.
2. Activate a default WordPress theme.

Step 4: Delete the Old Theme Version

Since WordPress does not allow uploading a theme with the same name, you need to delete the old version.

1. Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
2. Hover over your current theme and click Theme Details.
3. Click Delete at the bottom right corner.

💡 If you’re using a child theme, do not delete it—only remove the parent theme.

Step 5: Upload and Activate the New Theme Version

Now, it’s time to install the latest version of your theme.

1. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
2. Click Upload Theme and select the .zip file you downloaded.
3. Click Install Now and wait for the installation to finish.
4. Click Activate to apply the updated theme.

Step 6: Reapply Customizations (If Needed)

If you made custom modifications to your theme files (instead of using a child theme), they may be lost after the update. Check the following:

• Widgets & Menus: Verify that your widgets and menus are still in place.
• Custom CSS: If you added custom CSS in Additional CSS (Appearance > Customize), ensure it’s still there.
• Custom Code in Theme Files: Reapply any necessary code changes using a child theme or the Code Snippets plugin.

Step 7: Clear Cache & Test Your Site

After updating, clear your cache to see the changes properly.

1. Clear Browser Cache (Press CTRL + Shift + R on Windows or CMD + Shift + R on Mac).
2. Clear Cache Plugins (If using WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache, clear the cache from the plugin settings).
3. Test Your Website – Navigate through your site and ensure everything is working correctly.

Conclusion

Manually updating your WordPress theme is simple if you follow the right steps. Always back up your site before updating, delete the old theme version, and upload the new one. If you frequently customize your theme, consider using a child theme to avoid losing changes.

Have any questions or issues? Drop them in the comments below! 🚀