WordPress Media Upload HTTP Error – Causes & Fixes

Uploading images is a routine part of using WordPress, but sometimes you might get a frustrating message: “HTTP error.” This vague warning usually appears during the media upload process, offering no clues about what went wrong. Fortunately, there are several proven solutions you can try to get things working again.

1. Check If the Error Is Temporary

Before diving into deep troubleshooting, first refresh the page and try uploading again. A momentary hiccup in your server, internet connection, or WordPress environment might have caused the issue. Sometimes, the problem resolves itself.

2. Switch to a Default Theme

A poorly coded or incompatible theme can interfere with WordPress functions, including media uploads. Try switching temporarily to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Four, and reattempt the upload. If it works, your theme may need to be updated or debugged.

3. Deactivate All Plugins

Plugins are another common culprit. Disable all active plugins, then try uploading an image. If the error disappears, reactivate plugins one by one until the issue resurfaces. This will help you identify the problematic plugin.

4. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, WordPress can’t handle media uploads because the site doesn’t have enough PHP memory. You can increase the memory limit by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);

This change can help WordPress handle larger files more efficiently and avoid running out of resources during uploads.

5. Adjust Image Editors in WordPress

WordPress uses either the GD Library or Imagick to process images. Imagick can be resource-heavy and cause upload issues on shared servers. You can force WordPress to use GD Library instead by adding this snippet to your theme’s functions.php file:

function change_default_image_editor($editors) {

    return [‘WP_Image_Editor_GD’, ‘WP_Image_Editor_Imagick’];

}

add_filter(‘wp_image_editors’, ‘change_default_image_editor’);

6. Check File Permissions

Incorrect file permissions in the wp-content/uploads/ directory can prevent WordPress from saving images. Set your file permissions to:

• Folders: 755
  
• Files: 644
  

Use an FTP client or hosting file manager to make these changes.

7. Rename the Image File

Sometimes, file names with special characters, symbols, or spaces can trigger upload errors. Rename the file using only letters, numbers, dashes, or underscores before trying again.

8. Check Server Configuration

If the above steps don’t work, your server configuration might be the issue. Check the error logs for clues or contact your hosting provider for assistance. Server limitations related to mod_security, PHP limits, or outdated libraries may need expert adjustment.

The HTTP error during image uploads in WordPress can be annoying, but it’s usually solvable with some detective work. By following these steps, you can identify the root cause and fix it without too much trouble. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact your hosting provider. They can often resolve server-side issues that aren’t visible from the WordPress dashboard.