If you’ve ever tried to manually install a WordPress theme and encountered errors like “theme package could not be installed” or “file size limit exceeded,” you’re not alone. This is where manual WordPress theme installation becomes useful, providing more control when the default upload method fails.
In this complete beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to manually install a WordPress theme using FTP or cPanel, even if you have zero technical experience. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll know when manual installation is necessary, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to activate your theme safely.
Let’s dive in.
What Does It Mean to Manually Install a WordPress Theme?
Manually installing a WordPress theme means uploading the theme files directly to your website instead of installing it through the WordPress dashboard.
Normally, WordPress allows you to install a theme by going to:
Appearance → Themes → Add New → Upload Theme
However, this method doesn’t always work — especially with premium themes, custom themes, or large theme ZIP files.
Common Reasons to Install a WordPress Theme Manually
– Your hosting provider limits file upload size
– You see the error: “The theme is missing the style.css stylesheet”
– Your WordPress dashboard upload fails
– You’re installing a premium theme from ThemeForest or another marketplace
– Your site dashboard is inaccessible
Manual theme installation gives you full control and helps you fix installation problems quickly.
What You Need Before Manually Installing a WordPress Theme
Before you start, make sure you have the following ready.
1. The WordPress Theme ZIP File
Download the theme from a trusted source such as:
⚠️ Important: Many premium themes come with multiple ZIP files. Make sure you’re uploading the actual theme ZIP, not a full package bundle.
2. FTP or Hosting Access
You’ll need one of the following:
– FTP access (using FileZilla or Cyberduck)
– cPanel File Manager access
Your hosting provider usually sends these details by email.
3. WordPress Admin Access
You’ll need to log in to WordPress to activate the theme after uploading it.
Method 1: How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme Using FTP
This is the most reliable method and works on nearly all hosting providers.
Step 1: Extract the Theme ZIP File
– Locate the downloaded theme ZIP file on your computer
– Right-click → Extract
– You should now see a folder with the theme name
👉 The extracted folder must contain files like:
– style.css
– functions.php
– index.php
If you don’t see these files, you’re likely using the wrong ZIP file.
Step 2: Connect to Your Website Using FTP
1. Open your FTP client (FileZilla is recommended)
2. Enter your:
– FTP host
– Username
– Password
– Port (usually 21)
3. Click Connect
Once connected, you’ll see your website files.
Step 3: Navigate to the WordPress Themes Directory
In the remote site panel, go to:
/wp-content/themes/
This folder contains all installed WordPress themes.
Step 4: Upload the Theme Folder
– Drag the extracted theme folder from your computer
– Drop it inside /wp-content/themes/
– Wait for the upload to complete
⏳ Upload time depends on theme size and internet speed.
Step 5: Activate the Theme in WordPress
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard
2. Go to Appearance → Themes
3. You’ll see the newly uploaded theme
4. Click Activate
🎉 Your WordPress theme is now installed manually using FTP.
Method 2: How to Manually Install a WordPress Theme Using cPanel
If FTP feels complicated, cPanel offers a simpler browser-based alternative.
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
– Log in through your hosting dashboard
– Click cPanel
– Open File Manager
Step 2: Open the Themes Directory
Navigate to:
public_html → wp-content → themes
Step 3: Upload the Theme ZIP File
1. Click Upload
2. Select your theme ZIP file
3. Wait for the upload to finish
Step 4: Extract the ZIP File
– Right-click the uploaded ZIP file
– Click Extract
– Ensure the theme folder appears directly inside the themes folder
⚠️ Avoid nested folders like:
themes/theme-name/theme-name/
Step 5: Activate the Theme
– Go to WordPress Dashboard → Appearance → Themes
– Locate the theme
– Click Activate
Your theme is now installed manually using cPanel.
Common Errors When Manually Installing WordPress Themes (And How to Fix Them)
“The Theme Is Missing the style.css Stylesheet”
Cause:
– You uploaded the wrong ZIP file
– The theme folder is nested incorrectly
Fix:
– Extract the ZIP again
– Upload only the actual theme folder containing style.css
Theme Not
