How To Install WordPress Theme Uploading ZIP File

If you purchased a premium theme or download files, here's the easiest way to install a WordPress theme on your site by uploading a ZIP file

By Claudio Pires
Updated on October 7, 2022
How To Install WordPress Theme Uploading ZIP File

This method works for all themes. If you purchased a premium theme or otherwise found a theme that isn’t listed at WordPress.org, this is the easiest method for you to install a WordPress theme by uploading a .ZIP file on your site.

To get started, you should have a theme ZIP file from wherever you found the WordPress theme. If you’re struggling to find this ZIP file, I recommend that you contact the provider of your theme, as each provider will have a different process.

How To Install WordPress Theme By Uploading A ZIP File

Once you’ve located the ZIP file, here’s how to install it.

Firstly, head to your WordPress dashboard and hover the Appearance. Then, click on ‘themes.’ After that, click on Add New:

How To Install WordPress Theme Uploading ZIP File
How To Install WordPress Theme By Uploading A ZIP File – Appearance > Themes > Add new <

Secondly, on the next screen, click the Upload Theme button at the top:

Secondly, on the next screen, click the Upload Theme button at the top:
Upload WordPress theme from a .zip on your WordPress dashboard panel

After you click the button, a new interface window will appear:

  • First, click Choose File and select the ZIP file from your computer.
  • Then, click Install Now.
Choose File and click on the button
Select your WordPress Theme .zip file from your desktop to upload on WordPress

There will be a slight delay while WordPress uploads and installs your theme. The time depends on your server, theme size, and hosting company. It usually takes 30 seconds. Then, you’ll be able to click the Activate button to make your new theme active:

WP template dashboard activate
After uploading your new WordPress theme, click on the ‘active’ button to start using your new template

Note: Sometimes, you will download a .zip master folder with some files. In this case, open this master.zip and extract/remove the themename.zip from it, do not try to upload the themeMaster.zip on your WordPress. Upload the themeName.zip.

themeMaster.zip on your WordPress. Upload the themeName.zip
install WordPress theme from zip – extract theme files from themeMaster.zip to get the theme files and upload them on WordPress

Here at Visualmodo, all the users can send the WordPress login details to our support crew via private tickets, and our theme installs the themes very fast. Still, if you want to do it by yourself or use another theme just follow this guide’s tips, and it will all do.

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.