WordPress stopped working: How do I delete a (broken) WordPress Theme?

You have two options for deleting a broken WordPress theme. In Option 1, you must still be able to log into your WordPress site. Option 2 provides a solution if you can no longer log into the backend.

Deleting vs. Deactivating – what is the difference?

Only one theme can be active at a time. All others are automatically deactivated but still consume resources on the web server. At the same time, they represent a security risk, as it cannot be ruled out that attackers might exploit vulnerabilities in deactivated themes.

Recommendation: Delete all unused themes except for one of the default themes (Twenty Twenty-Three, Twenty Twenty-Four, or Twenty Twenty-Five) alongside your active theme. If you need to delete your active theme, WordPress can then fall back on the default theme.

Option 1 – Deleting a theme in the WordPress Dashboard

1. Log into your WordPress installation
2. Select Themes under Appearance
   
   
   
   
3. Hover your mouse over the theme you want to delete and click on Theme Details
   Note: If you want to delete the active theme, you must first activate another theme. To do this, hover over the theme and click Activate
   
   
   
   
4. Click on Delete to remove the theme
   
   
   
   Tip: Delete all themes that you do not need!

Option 2 – Deleting a theme via File Manager

1. Log into the customer center via my.helloly.com
2. In the Dashboard under Your Active Products/Services, click on Log in to cPanel
3. Select the WordPress app under helloly Apps Installer
4. Under Current Installations, click on the WordPress icon next to the desired WordPress installation
   
   
   
   
5. Click on the folder icon next to the Website path
6. Now open the wp-content folder by double-clicking it
7. Open the themes folder
8. Right-click on the folder of the desired theme and click Delete
   
   
   
   Note: If you delete your active theme, WordPress will automatically activate another theme. If no other theme is available, WordPress will display an error message on your website.

What should I do if I have deleted the only existing theme?

In that case, you must install a theme.

1. Log into your WordPress installation
2. Select Themes under Appearance
   
   
   
   
3. Click on Add New Theme
   
   
   
   
4. Hover your mouse over the desired theme and click Install