How to Remove Themes From Tumblr

By Andrew Meer

While Tumblr lets you customize your blog by installing free and paid themes, it provides no option for removing an installed theme. You can, however, revert back to your default Tumblr theme, Optica, by manually searching for and applying the theme via Tumblr's Themes panel or Theme Garden.

Themes Panel

Step 1

Click the Account icon on your Tumblr dashboard, and then click Settings.

The Settings option opens Tumblr's Settings panel.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 2

Select a blog from under the Blogs section.

The Blogs section lists your primary blog and any additional secondary blogs.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 3

Click the Edit Theme button next to Website Theme.

The link next to Website Theme lets you preview your blog's theme.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 4

Click Edit Theme on the left sidebar.

The blog's current theme is listed on top of the pane.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 5

Click the magnifying glass icon, enter Optica into the search bar, and then click the Optica search result. To apply the theme, click Use.

The search bar only shows up after clicking the magnifying glass icon.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 6

Click Save to finalize the changes.

Use the Exit button to go back to your dashboard.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Tip

You can also use this procedure to install any theme of your choice.

Tumblr Theme Garden

Step 1

Visit the Tumblr Theme Garden. Search for the Optica theme, and then click the Optica search result.

Clicking the Optica search result loads Optica's Install page.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 2

Click the Install button to start applying the theme.

Use the Preview button to preview the theme.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Step 3

Select the blog to reset, and then click Install to apply the theme.

The pull-down menu features a list of your blogs.
Image Credit: Image courtesy of Tumblr

Tip

As a developer, you can remove any themes uploaded to the Tumblr Theme Garden. Head over to the Theme Management page, and then click Retire on the theme that you want to remove.

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