Are you trying to upload an image in WordPress and suddenly see:
This is one of the most common WordPress problems in 2025 — but the good news is: it’s easy to fix.
This guide explains all reasons and solutions step-by-step.
1️⃣ Check the Image Size
Many hosting providers block large images.
Try:
-
Reduce file size
-
Use JPEG instead of PNG
-
Compress with TinyPNG or ShortPixel
Recommended size: under 2MB.
2️⃣ Increase PHP Memory Limit
Low memory triggers upload errors.
In wp-config.php, add:
This is the most common fix.
3️⃣ Switch PHP Version (Very Important in 2025)
Old PHP versions cause failures.
Switch to:
✔ PHP 8.2
✔ PHP 8.3
Avoid:
❌ PHP 7.4
❌ PHP 8.0
You can change this in cPanel → Select PHP Version.
4️⃣ Disable ModSecurity Temporarily
ModSecurity often blocks image uploads.
In cPanel:
Security → ModSecurity → Turn Off (for testing)
If upload works, add a rule exception via hosting support.
5️⃣ Clear Cache
If you use:
-
LiteSpeed Cache
-
WP Rocket
-
Cloudflare
Clear:
✔ Page cache
✔ CDN cache
✔ Browser cache
Sometimes the old cache causes false HTTP errors.
6️⃣ Rename the File
Avoid filenames with:
❌ spaces
❌ special characters
❌ emojis
❌ brackets
Use:
Instead of:
7️⃣ Increase Upload Limit
In cPanel → PHP Settings:
-
upload_max_filesize: 64M
-
post_max_size: 64M
-
max_execution_time: 300
8️⃣ Temporary Plugin Conflict Test
Disable:
-
Security plugins
-
Image optimization plugins
-
CDN plugins
-
Page builders (for testing)
If upload works, reactivate plugins one by one.
9️⃣ Check File Permissions
Correct file permissions:
-
wp-content/uploads → 755
-
Files inside → 644
Wrong permissions cause HTTP errors.
🔟 Fix Using .htaccess
Add:
This bypasses ModSecurity blocks.
🎉 VPSUForm Users: Extra Note
If your form uploads fail:
-
Increase max upload size
-
Enable AJAX upload
-
Check allowed file types
-
Reduce server timeout
VPSUForm supports high-quality file uploads with automatic validation.
🟢 Final Thoughts
The WordPress HTTP Image Upload Error looks scary, but 99% of the time, it’s caused by:
✔ Low memory
✔ File size limits
✔ ModSecurity
✔ PHP version
✔ Permissions
Follow the steps above and the error will be gone.