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What is the switch_themes permission in WordPress? #
The switch_themes permission allows users to choose a new active theme for a WordPress site.
If you have the switch_themes permission, you will be able to go to “Appearance” and click “Add New”. From here, you can click “Activate” and choose a new theme for your site.

Who has the switch_themes permission? #
The switch_themes permission is available on single WordPress sites and on multisite networks.
By default, the switch_themes permission is only given to Super Admins and Administrators.
Users not in these roles are not allowed to change the theme on a site.
How to control who has the switch_themes permission #
You can control who has the switch_themes permission by installing the PublishPress Capabilities plugin.
- After installing PublishPress Capabilities, go to “Capabilities” in your WordPress admin menu.
- Using the dropdown in the top-left corner, choose the role you want to edit.
- Click the “Themes” tab.
- Check the box “switch themes”.
- Click “Save Changes”.
