# Changing the WordPress theme manually

> Switch your WordPress theme without the dashboard, using File Manager or phpMyAdmin, when a broken theme locks you out.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/changing-the-wordpress-theme-manually/

Normally, you can change your WordPress theme easily from the **Appearance → Themes** section in the dashboard. However, if the dashboard becomes inaccessible (for example, due to a broken theme), you can change the theme manually. On **ruachost.com**, there are two main methods: via **File Manager** or via **phpMyAdmin**.

## Why Change a Theme Manually?

- Recover access when the dashboard is broken.
- Replace a corrupted theme with a working one.
- Switch themes during troubleshooting.

## Method 1: Rename and Copy Theme Folders

1. **Log in to cPanel** from your ruachost.com  hosting account.
2. Go to **Files → File Manager**.
3. Navigate to the folder where WordPress is installed (usually `public_html`).
4. Open the **wp-content/themes** directory.
5. Right‑click the folder of the currently active theme → **Rename**.

   - Example: rename `twentytwenty` to `twentytwenty.original`.
6. Right‑click the folder of the new theme you want to use → **Copy**.
7. Name the copied folder with the original theme’s name (e.g., `twentytwenty`).
8. Save changes → The new theme takes effect immediately.

## Method 2: Modify the WordPress Database

1. **Log in to cPanel** → Go to **Databases → phpMyAdmin**.
2. Select your WordPress database (usually `username_wpXXX`).
3. Open the **wp_options** table.
4. Locate the rows with `option_name` = `template` and `stylesheet`.
5. Click **Edit** for each row.
6. Replace the current theme name with the new theme’s folder name.
7. Click **Go** to save changes.
8. WordPress will now load with the new theme.

## Important Notes

- Ensure the new theme is already installed in `wp-content/themes`.
- Always back up your site before making manual changes.
- If the new theme is missing or misnamed, WordPress may revert to a default theme.