Have you ever tried to upload an image to your WordPress site only for it to fail? It’s a common issue that can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of creating or updating content. Several factors can cause these image upload errors, including file size limits, incorrect file permissions, or even a conflict with plugins.
Sometimes, server-side restrictions or memory limits set by your hosting provider can also prevent images from uploading properly. If you’re wondering How to Fix Common WordPress Image Upload Errors?, don’t worry this guide will walk you through simple, effective solutions to get your image uploads working smoothly again. Whether it’s clearing browser cache, adjusting server settings, or checking plugin compatibility, you’ll be back to adding beautiful images to your site in no time.
Key Takeaways
➡ Ensure correct permissions (755 for directories, 644 for files) in /wp-content/uploads/.
➡ Increase memory by adding define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); to wp-config.php.
➡ Clear browser and WordPress cache, and disable plugins to identify conflicts.
➡ Use “Regenerate Thumbnails” plugin to fix corrupted image sizes.
Causes of WordPress Image Upload Errors:
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Steps to Fix Image Upload Errors:
Here are the few steps or methods that you can use to fix WordPress image upload errors.
Check File Permissions:
File permissions are one of the most common causes of image upload issues in WordPress. If the server doesn’t have the correct permissions for the uploads folder, it can prevent WordPress from saving or displaying images. To fix this, you’ll need to access your site via FTP. Once connected, navigate to the /wp-content/ directory and find the uploads folder.
Right-click on it, select File Permissions, and set the directory permissions to 755 and file permissions to 644. These settings allow WordPress to read and write files properly. After adjusting the permissions, return to your WordPress admin area and try uploading the image again. If the issue persists, try setting the folder permissions to 777 temporarily, but remember to revert it to 755 after the upload works. Properly set file permissions ensure that WordPress can manage your images without errors.
Increase PHP Memory Limit:
If you’re encountering the “HTTP error WordPress image upload” issue, it might be due to insufficient PHP memory allocated to your site. WordPress requires a certain amount of memory to upload and process images, and when that limit is too low, uploads can fail. To fix this, you can increase the PHP memory limit. This can be done by editing your wp-config.php file and adding the line:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
This will allocate more memory for WordPress, potentially solving issues like WordPress media library upload not working. After making this change, try uploading the image again, and the error should be resolved.
Clear Browser/ WordPress Cache and Cookies:
Sometimes, cached data or cookies in your browser can cause WordPress image upload errors. If you’re wondering, Why can’t I upload images to WordPress?, clearing your browser’s cache might be the solution. Cached files can prevent new images from being uploaded or displayed correctly.
Additionally, clearing the WordPress cache using a caching plugin can help resolve conflicts. Simply clear your browser history and cache, then try uploading the image again. This often solves the problem, allowing for a smooth upload process.
How to Clear Browser Cache & Cookies?
How to Clear WordPress Cache & Cookies?

Disable WordPress Plugins Temporarily:
If you’re facing an HTTP error while uploading image, a plugin conflict might be the culprit. To fix HTTP error WordPress image upload, temporarily disable all plugins and check if the upload works. If it does, reactivate them one by one to pinpoint the plugin causing the issue. Once identified, you can either update, configure, or replace the problematic plugin to restore proper functionality. This method often resolves image upload issues caused by plugin conflicts.
Regenerate Image Sizes:
Sometimes, WordPress image upload errors can occur if the image sizes stored in your media library are corrupted or incomplete. Regenerating image sizes can fix this. You can use a plugin like “Regenerate Thumbnails” to automatically regenerate all image sizes for your existing images. This process ensures that WordPress can properly display images in different sizes across your site, potentially resolving issues where images don’t show up or fail to upload. Simply install and run the plugin to fix any image-related issues.
Try Using Browser Uploader:
If you’re still facing issues with uploading images, consider using the default browser uploader instead of the WordPress drag-and-drop uploader. Sometimes, the latter can cause conflicts or glitches. The browser uploader can bypass some of these issues, allowing you to upload images without encountering errors. This method often resolves problems when other solutions haven’t worked. Simply go to your media library and select the “Upload” option to use the browser uploader.
Additional Tips for Preventing Image Upload Errors in the Future:
Tip |
Description |
Optimize Images Before Uploading | Compress images to reduce their file size and ensure quicker uploads. |
Keep WordPress and Plugins Updated | Regularly update WordPress and plugins to avoid compatibility issues. |
Use Proper File Types | Only upload file types supported by WordPress, such as JPG, PNG, and GIF. |
Monitor Server Resources | Ensure your server has enough resources, such as memory and disk space, to handle image uploads. |
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, WordPress image upload errors can be a hassle, but they are typically fixable with a few simple steps. Whether you’re dealing with an HTTP error while uploading an image, incorrect file permissions, or plugin conflicts, addressing these issues directly will restore your ability to upload images without any trouble.
By following the methods outlined, such as adjusting server settings, clearing cache, or checking plugin compatibility, you’ll be able to fix HTTP error WordPress image upload and prevent future WordPress image upload errors. Don’t let these common problems slow down your workflow now you can easily troubleshoot and get back to creating beautiful content!
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FAQS
Why am I seeing an HTTP error when uploading images on WordPress?
This error can occur due to a low PHP memory limit, incorrect file permissions, or a file size that’s too large. Try increasing the memory limit or checking your file permissions to fix it.
What should I do if WordPress says “Sorry, you are not allowed to upload this file type”?
This error typically happens when WordPress blocks unsupported file types. To fix it, make sure you’re uploading an allowed file format like JPG, PNG, or GIF.
Can plugins affect my ability to upload images on WordPress?
Yes, some plugins may interfere with the image upload process. Deactivating your plugins temporarily can help identify the conflicting plugin.
How do I change file permissions in WordPress to fix upload errors?
Access your website via FTP, navigate to the /wp-content/uploads/ folder, and set directory permissions to 755 and file permissions to 644 to allow proper file access.