Troubleshooting Guide: WordPress Theme Editor Missing – How to Fix It

The Theme File Editor in WordPress lets you change your theme's code right from your dashboard.

With a bit of coding knowledge, you can control how your website looks and works.

Usually, you find the editor by going to Appearance > Theme File Editor. But sometimes, it might not be there.

If you face a WordPress Theme Editor Missing, first make sure your theme is fully activated. Then, check your security plugin settings and update the 'wp.config.php' file. If it's still missing, try deactivating your plugins one by one to find the problem.

Step 1: Active The Theme

Many new WordPress users face missing theme editor problems because their chosen theme isn't fully activated yet. Once you pick the theme you want, just installing it isn't all you need to do. You also have to click "Activate" to make it work on your website.

Step 2: Update ‘wp.config.php’ File

If the problem keeps happening, you can try updating your 'wp.config.php' file yourself.

To do this, you can either log into your cPanel or use the WP File Manager plugin. I suggest using the plugin because it might be easier for some people than accessing cPanel.

Once you're in, find the 'wp.config.php' file, right-click on it, and choose Code Editor. Then you can make the necessary changes.

To enable the theme editor, follow these simple steps:

1. In the Code Editor field, find this line:

"define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true)".        

2. Change it to

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', false);        

3. Click on Save & Close.

4. Refresh the page.

Now, you should be able to access and use the theme editor.

Step 3: Deactivate & Reactivate All Plugins

If things aren't working, there's a good chance a plugin might be causing trouble because it doesn't get along with your theme.

Here's what you can do: first, turn off all your plugins one by one and see if your WordPress dashboard gets back to normal. If it does, turn them on again one by one.

After each one, check if the theme editor comes back. If it does, keep going. If not, the last plugin you turned on is likely causing the problem.

Now you have some choices. You can get rid of the plugin that's causing trouble and try finding a different one that does the same thing. Or if you really need that plugin, you might want to ask the people who made it for help.

If you're having trouble finding the WordPress Theme Editor Missing issue, don't worry! Just follow the steps we talked about to fix it. If you keep having problems, you can ask for help on WordPress forums or community groups. You can also send me a message if you need help.