How to Overwrite a Theme

By Devin

If you’re trying to install a theme update manually, you might get this message:

Installing the theme…
Destination folder already exists.
Theme install failed.

In order to update the theme, you’ll actually need delete the current version before you can upload the new one.

Here’s how to do that:

  • Go to “Appearance > Themes”
  • Temporarily switch to an alternate theme
  • Then, click “Theme Details” for the theme you are trying to replace
  • Click the “Delete” link in the bottom right
  • Now click the “Add New” button and upload the new theme version
  • Switch to the new version of the theme you uploaded

About Devin

I am a developer based in Austin, Texas. I run a little theme shop called DevPress and help manage a WooCommerce shop with Universal Yums. Find me on twitter @devinsays.

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