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WordPress Guide → Errors → HTTP Error
How to fix the HTTP error when uploading images to WordPress
When you try uploading an image to WordPress and get a vague “HTTP error,” it’s not just annoying—it can completely block your workflow. Unfortunately, this error doesn’t explain what went wrong. But the good news is, it’s usually something you can fix on your own.
Let’s look at the most common causes of HTTP upload errors in WordPress and how to fix each one.
What causes the WordPress HTTP image upload error?
The “HTTP error” that shows up in the WordPress Media Library typically points to one of several problems. Some are on your local browser, others are server-related.
Here are the most likely culprits:
- The image file is too large or in an unsupported format.
- File or folder permissions on your server are incorrect.
- A plugin or theme is conflicting with WordPress’s upload process.
- Your browser cache or session is interfering.
- Server limitations like PHP memory or ModSecurity are blocking the upload.
You’ll need to test each area step-by-step to find out what’s going wrong.
Quick fixes to try first
Before diving into deeper troubleshooting, try these simple solutions. They often fix the problem without any technical changes.
Refresh the page and try again
Sometimes, the HTTP error is temporary. Press Ctrl+F5 (or Cmd+R on a Mac) to reload the page completely, then attempt the upload again.
Try a smaller image or different format
Large images may exceed server limits. Try resizing the image to under 2 MB. You can also try converting it to a more common format like .jpg, .png, or .gif using an image editor.
Switch browsers
Occasionally, your current browser may glitch. Open the WordPress dashboard in another browser (like Chrome or Firefox) and try the upload there.
Clear your browser cache
Old or corrupted cache files can interfere with the WordPress interface. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then reload the dashboard.
Check your image file settings
Image-related issues are often the cause, especially for new uploads.
Resize or compress the image
Use tools like TinyPNG or ShortPixel to compress your image without losing quality. This reduces file size and makes uploads smoother.
Confirm the file format is supported
Stick to standard formats like JPEG (.jpg/.jpeg), PNG, or GIF. Formats like WebP are supported in modern versions of WordPress, but may still cause errors on older hosting setups.
Fix file and folder permissions
WordPress needs permission to write files to your server. If your uploads folder has the wrong settings, uploads may fail.
Use FTP or your hosting file manager
Connect to your site using an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your host’s File Manager tool. Navigate to the wp-content/uploads directory.
Check that permissions are set to:
- 755 for folders (this allows WordPress to write into them).
- 644 for files (standard readable/writable permissions).
Reset permissions if needed
If permissions are incorrect, right-click the folder or file and choose File Permissions (or similar), then enter the correct number and apply it recursively for directories.
Disable conflicting plugins and themes
Plugins that modify how WordPress handles files—especially image optimizers or security tools—can interfere with uploads.
Deactivate image optimization or caching plugins
Temporarily disable any plugins that manage images, CDN delivery, or caching. Examples include:
- Smush
- EWWW Image Optimizer
- WP Super Cache
- Jetpack
After disabling each plugin, try uploading the image again. If it works, the plugin was likely the cause.
Switch to a default WordPress theme
Themes can also include functions that alter media behavior. Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four under Appearance > Themes, then test the upload.
Increase your PHP memory limit
If your server runs out of memory while processing the upload, WordPress may show an HTTP error.
Edit your wp-config.php file
Access your site files via FTP or File Manager. Open the wp-config.php file and add this line just before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! */:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
This sets your PHP memory limit to 256MB, which is usually plenty for media uploads.
Update .htaccess or PHP.ini if needed
Some hosting environments also allow memory limits to be set in .htaccess or php.ini. Add one of these if wp-config.php changes don’t work:
In .htaccess:
php_value memory_limit 256M
In php.ini:
memory_limit = 256M
Note: If you’re unsure, ask your hosting provider for help adjusting these limits.
Check for ModSecurity interference
Some web hosts enable a firewall called ModSecurity, which can block legitimate uploads.
Disable ModSecurity (temporarily)
Log into your hosting control panel and look for a ModSecurity section. Disable it temporarily and try uploading the image again. If you don’t see that option, contact your host and ask them to review the ModSecurity logs or whitelist your upload path.
Make sure your server is using a compatible PHP version
Older versions of PHP can create compatibility issues with WordPress, especially during media handling.
Check your current PHP version
In WordPress, go to Tools > Site Health > Info > Server. Look for the line that says PHP version.
Upgrade to PHP 8.1 or later
WordPress recommends PHP 8.1 or higher. If your version is older, contact your host and ask them to update it. Many hosts let you change PHP versions from your control panel.
Review server logs for more detail
When other troubleshooting steps don’t work, your server logs can provide clues.
Access logs via hosting dashboard or cPanel
Log into your hosting account and find the Error Logs or Logs section. This might be under “Metrics” or “Advanced.”
Search for upload-related messages
Look for errors that occurred around the same time as your image upload. Keywords like upload, memory, permissions, or modsec can help point to the root cause.
Still stuck? Contact your hosting provider
If none of the above steps solve the problem, reach out to your web host. Provide:
- The exact time and image file you tried uploading
- Any changes you recently made (plugins, themes, etc.)
- A list of troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried
Most hosts can help you check server-side issues like memory limits, ModSecurity settings, or write permissions.
Prevent future image upload errors
Once the issue is resolved, you can reduce the chances of it happening again with a few best practices.
- Use an image compression plugin like ShortPixel or Imagify.
- Keep your PHP version and WordPress installation updated.
- Test new plugins and themes in a staging environment before applying them to your live site.
- Keep image file sizes under 2 MB when possible.
- Use standard image formats like JPG and PNG unless you’re sure your setup supports newer types like WebP.
Next steps for fixing HTTP error when uploading images to WordPress
WordPress HTTP errors can be vague, but they’re usually fixable once you know where to look—starting with image size, plugins, and server settings.
If you’re still running into issues, start by checking permissions, increasing memory, and contacting your host to rule out server-side causes.
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Haritha Jacob is a knowledgeable System Engineer with extensive experience in resolving costumers’ complaints and issues. She has experience with various programming languages and operating systems, enterprise backup and recovery procedures, system performance-monitoring tools, and more.