Hello @Eatwood
You can use themes on Shopify Basic plan.
After adding the theme, you will see it in the Theme library section, use it by clicking Publish, so it replace current theme.
Hope it helps 
Topic summary
Users on a promotional Basic Shopify plan report that after “adding” a free theme, nothing appears under Online Store > Themes, raising concern that a higher plan might be required.
One reply states themes are available on Basic: after adding, the theme should appear in the Theme library; clicking Publish makes it the active theme. A screenshot illustrates the expected Theme library and Publish flow.
Multiple follow-ups say the Theme library or Publish option does not show, and the UI differs from tutorial videos. Screenshots show the Themes section appearing empty despite attempts to add themes.
There’s disagreement: while one participant asserts Basic supports themes, another suggests access to free themes may require upgrading (implying plan confusion), calling the messaging misleading. One person mentions being on support chat and “figuring it out,” but no solution details were shared.
Key terms: Theme library (where added themes should appear) and Publish (activates a theme).
Outcome: No confirmed resolution. The thread remains open with unanswered questions about plan eligibility or UI differences. Images are central, documenting that themes do not appear after being added.
