Why can't I upload images or files to my website?
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Most failed uploads come down to three things: the file is bigger than your site allows, it's a type the site won't take (an iPhone HEIC photo is the classic), or the server can't save it because of a full disk or a security rule. Shrink the file, save photos as JPG, and try again before asking for help.
How do I get the file to upload?
- Check the limit. Open Media > Add Media File in WordPress. The Media Add New screen guide notes that the maximum upload size shown there is set by your hosting provider.
- Shrink big photos. A photo for a web page rarely needs to be wider than about 2,000 pixels. Use your computer’s photo app to export a smaller copy. WordPress’s image size guide explains why smaller files load faster too.
- Convert HEIC to JPG. iPhones save photos as HEIC by default. Since WordPress 6.7, the site converts HEIC to JPEG only when the server’s image library supports it. Otherwise you’ll see a warning asking you to convert it yourself. Exporting or emailing the photo as JPG from your phone usually does it.
- Rename odd file names. Use plain letters, numbers and dashes, such as spring-menu-2026.pdf.
- Try the browser uploader. The same screen has a simpler “browser uploader” link if drag-and-drop won’t work.
- Expected result: the file appears in the Media Library with a thumbnail.
Which message am I seeing?
| What it says | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| “Exceeds the maximum upload size for this site” | The file is bigger than the limit your host sets. WordPress shows that limit on the Media > Add Media File screen. |
| “Sorry, you are not allowed to upload this file type” | WordPress blocks that type of file for safety, or your user role can’t upload files. |
| “HTTP error” or the upload stalls just before it finishes | The server ran out of time or memory while resizing the image, or a security rule stopped the request. |
| “Unable to create directory” or “could not write file” | The server can’t save the file: a folder permission problem or a full disk. Only your web team can fix this. |
The short version
- Read the exact message: file too big, file type not allowed and “HTTP error” have different fixes.
- Make the file smaller, and save iPhone photos as JPG. Don’t rename a file’s extension to force it through.
Why does this matter?
A failed upload often hides a bigger problem. When uploads start failing for everyone, the most common causes we see are a disk that’s filling up or a security rule that changed. Both can affect more than uploads, so it’s worth reporting rather than working around.
What are the common mistakes and edge cases?
- Uploading a huge file to “fix” blurry images. Bigger isn’t sharper on a web page. It just makes the page slow. See how big images should be.
- Video files. Large videos rarely belong in the Media Library. Put them on YouTube or Vimeo and embed them. See how to add a video.
- Your role can’t upload. In WordPress, Contributors can write but can’t upload files. Ask an administrator to check your role.
- PDFs that are mostly scanned images. These can be very large. Save a reduced-size copy before uploading. See uploading a PDF.
What if this didn’t work?
Send your web team the exact message, the file name, type and size, the page you were working on, and the time. A screenshot helps; crop out anything personal. If the editor itself won’t load or save, see why my editor won’t load or save.
How does E-3 handle this?
If E-3 hosts your site, call 814-399-4655 or email support@e3help.me with the details above. A person at E-3 checks the upload limit, file permissions, disk space and any security rule that blocked the file, and fixes the cause. Our monitoring for hosted sites already tracks disk and database space, so a full disk is usually caught early. If you just need the file on the page, you can also send it to us and we’ll add it. Replies usually come within one business day.
Related questions
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