How to Fix WordPress Image Upload Issue – Step By Step Guide

One of the most frustrating issues you might encounter in WordPress is being unable to upload images to your site. This can happen due to various reasons, such as file size limits, incorrect file permissions, or server configuration problems. In this article, we’ll walk through the common causes of WordPress image upload issue and provide solutions to help you get your images uploaded without any issues.

Common Causes of WordPress Upload Image Issue

1. File Size Limit Exceeded
   WordPress has a default file upload size limit. If your image exceeds this size, you won’t be able to upload it.
2. Incorrect File Permissions
   Incorrect file or folder permissions can prevent WordPress from uploading images to the server.
3. Memory Limits
   If your WordPress site doesn’t have enough allocated memory, you may encounter upload issues when trying to add large images.
4. Corrupted WordPress Core Files
   Sometimes, corrupt WordPress files can prevent the proper functioning of the media library, causing image upload problems.

How to Fix WordPress Upload Image Issues

1. Increase the File Upload Size Limit
   • You can increase the upload limit by editing the php.ini file, adding the following:

     upload_max_filesize = 64M  
     post_max_size = 64M  
     memory_limit = 128M  
     

   • If you’re unsure how to access this file, your hosting provider’s support team can assist you. If you’re using managed WordPress hosting like Kinsta or Pressable, they typically handle this for you.
2. Check File Permissions
   • Verify that your WordPress wp-content/uploads folder has the correct permissions (755 for directories and 644 for files). You can change permissions via FTP or a file manager.
3. Increase PHP Memory Limit
   • Add the following line to your wp-config.php file to increase memory:
     define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );

   • This can help if the issue is related to insufficient memory.
4. Re-upload WordPress Core Files
   • If the problem persists, try re-uploading the WordPress core files (excluding wp-content and wp-config.php). This can help resolve any corrupt files that may be causing the issue.
5. Use a Lightweight Theme
   • Large, resource-heavy themes can cause slow upload times. Switching to a lightweight theme like GeneratePress or Astra can improve overall performance and reduce upload issues.

Conclusion

Image upload issues in WordPress can often be resolved by adjusting file size limits, correcting file permissions, and increasing memory limits. If you’re on a managed WordPress hosting platform like Kinsta or Pressable, these fixes are typically handled automatically. Consider using a lightweight theme and checking for server limitations to ensure smooth image uploads moving forward.