WordPress-powered websites have their share of errors just like any other CMS platform. Typically, the issues include the “infamous” white screen of death or database connection errors. Another common error is the WordPress image upload HTTP error—or simply, HTTP error—that occurs when you try to upload an image or video to your website.
While the WordPress image upload HTTP error fix is straightforward, it is often frustrating to come across this error as it can happen due to a variety of reasons. What is the HTTP error in WordPress and how do you fix this problem? Let’s answer these questions in the following sections.
What is an HTTP error in WordPress?
The WordPress HTTP error occurs when you try to upload an image or video using the media library tool provided with WordPress. The in-built media library tool makes it easier to access all your website images and videos and has specific settings and configurations.
When the uploaded image or video does not meet these settings, the tool displays the HTTP error, which indicates that the upload process has reported a problem that needs to be fixed. However, the HTTP error is difficult to troubleshoot as they do not report its exact cause.
Having said that, it is easy to fix the HTTP error on image upload on WordPress sites. Next, let us look at some easy steps to fix this problem.
How do I fix Image Upload errors in WordPress?
Primarily, the WordPress HTTP error occurs due to problems at the following ends:
- On the user’s end can be due to an incorrect image file format or size or a plug-in-related issue
- On the WordPress host end could be because of incorrect server configuration or any server issue or memory limit
Here is how to fix the HTTP image upload error in WordPress:
1. Confirm the HTTP error problem
Mostly, the HTTP image upload error is caused by a temporary glitch in the WordPress hosting problem. This could be caused by low availability of server resources or unusually high web traffic. Your best response can be to just wait for a few minutes and try re-uploading your file.
If this still does not work, check for any characters such as apostrophes or semi-colons in your file name and remove them before re-uploading.
2. Clear your browser cache and refresh your page
Surprisingly, this is the most common fix to the HTTP error upload image problem in WordPress.
On most occasions, the HTTP error could be a temporary problem that can be solved by clearing your browser cache and refreshing the page where you are uploading the image or video. By clearing your browser cache, you can remove any stored data in your browser, which should resolve the problem.
3. Change your browser
The HTTP error can also be caused by incorrect settings in your browser or even by the browser itself. If the problem continues to persist on your browser, try using a different browser to upload the image file.
Read, Also – Essential Checklists Before Save Data in WordPress
4. Deactivate your WordPress plug-in
Has the WordPress HTTP error appeared after you have installed a new plug-in? If yes, the best solution is to deactivate the installed plug-in and then re-upload your image file. Most often, this problem is reported after installing security plug-ins or image optimization plug-ins. If the problem persists even after deactivating these plug-ins, try to temporarily deactivate all your installed plug-ins and themes.
Another plausible solution is to switch to the default WordPress theme.
5. Rename your image file
Among the easiest WordPress image upload HTTP error fixes, try to rename your image file before uploading it again to your website. As WordPress does not allow you to rename an existing uploaded file, you need to rename it on your local computer and then re-upload it.
As a rule, WordPress image file names must be a combination of alphabets, numbers, and dashes. Avoid special characters like semi-colons, apostrophes, or equal signs.
6. Increase your WordPress memory limit
The WordPress HTTP error can also be caused by insufficient memory, which is typically the problem with shared WordPress hosting. To fix this problem, you need to increase the WordPress memory limit that the PHP code can utilize on your web server. To increase your memory limit, add the following code to the wp-config.php file in your WordPress installation:
define (‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', ‘256M’);
This increases the memory limit to 256MB which is sufficient to upload any image file.
7. Resize the image file
Another easy method to fix the image upload problem in WordPress is to reduce the file size of the file being uploaded. Overall, WordPress accepts any file size ranging from 2-150MB. If your file size exceeds this limit, then it causes an uploading error.
You can compress your image file using the Imagify plug-in or online sites like tnypng.com.
8. Check for file upload permissions
As a WordPress user, you may not be able to upload the image file simply because you do not have the necessary permissions. You need to check if you have permission to upload images (or any WordPress file).
You can either check for folder permissions using any FTP client or check the /wp-content/uploads folder (in your WordPress installation) for the necessary permissions.
9. Check your PHP version
If you are running a WordPress site on version 3.2 or higher, then you need to run the site on PHP version 5.2.4 or higher. An outdated PHP version can lead to an HTTP error. In some cases, your WordPress host may be using an older PHP version, which is why you cannot upload any image files.
To resolve this issue, check with your web hosting company if there are using PHP version 5.2.4 or higher.
10. Contact your WordPress hosting company
If the WordPress HTTP error persists even after completing all the above steps, then it is best to report the problem to your web hosting company. Once they have made the fixes at their end, you can try to re-upload your image file.
Conclusion
If your WordPress file is continually not allowing you to upload your image files, the most likely reason is the image upload HTTP error. While fixing this error is easy, it can be quite frustrating and time-consuming to find the solution.
As a recognized WordPress plug-in development company, Flipper Code has an experienced professional team of experts who can assist you in your development efforts. If you are constantly facing WordPress errors, we can help in resolving them at the earliest.
Do you need customization or consultation services? Contact us today.
Read, Also – How to Use Export/Import in WordPress
