The invention relates to a method for replacing a set top box system theme and a set top box. The method comprises the following steps: S1, sending an instruction for replacing the set top box theme to a server; s2, sending, by the server, replaceable theme list data to the set top box and displaying the replaceable theme list data after receiving the theme replacement instruction; s3, selecting a target theme to be replaced according to the theme list; s4, sending, by the server, the selected theme pack to the set top box, updating, by the set top box, the theme. According to the method for replacing the system theme of the set top box, the system theme of the set top box can be replaced, so that a user can autonomously replace the menu UI display of the user by selecting the favorite theme of the user; the updating process is updated after being directly downloaded from the server, so that the network updating theme is realized, and too much storage space of the set top box is prevented from being occupied; therefore, the server can store various themes, the selection space is large, the interestingness is increased, the stickiness of a user to the set top box is kept, and the user is not prone to being tired.