Are you experiencing the “this file type is not permitted for security reasons” error on your WordPress site?
This can be a frustrating issue for any website owner, as it prevents you from uploading certain types of files to your site.
However, resolving it is not a difficult task, thanks to the flexibility of WordPress.
There are a few solutions that can help you fix this problem quickly.
In this article, we will walk you through the necessary steps to troubleshoot and kill this common WordPress bug.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll find helpful tips and solutions in this guide. Let’s start!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does File Type Not Allowed Mean?
File type not allowed means that the type of file that you’re trying to upload has been disabled by WordPress.
This happens because by default WordPress comes with file upload permissions disabled for certain file types.
But just like everything in WordPress, this can also be changed.
Why Does It Say Blocked For Security Reasons?
WordPress doesn’t allow a number of file types because they can be used by cybercriminals to inject malicious code into your site.
However, with proper WordPress security arrangements in place, you can enable the installation of such files on your server.
What You’ll Need to Fix “This file type is not permitted for security reasons” error?
You need the following two things, depending on the method you choose to fix this error:
- Access to your server’s file manager
- WP Extra File Types plugin.
Method #1: Add New Permitted File Types Using Wp-Config.php
Step #1: Log in to your server’s file manager
First of all, log in to the file manager of your server. In most cases, this means logging in to your hosting dashboard (i.e. cPanel, Plesk, etc.) and navigating to the file manager included in that dashboard.
But if you wish, you can also follow this whole procedure using an FTP client (if you know how to use one).
Or if you’re on a managed WordPress host, someone else can do it for you at your request to the host!
Regardless, what matters is that this step and the next few steps are completed properly.
Step #2. Backup your WP-Config file
The next step — and this is the most crucial one so you shouldn’t skip it — is to back up your Wp-Config file.
If you don’t back it up, and something goes wrong, you may have to completely reinstall WordPress on your site from scratch.
So just download a copy of your Wp-Config file before making any changes.
Step #3: Modify the file
Now open the Wp-Config file on your server with its own file editor, and add the following code:
define(‘ALLOW_UNFILTERED_UPLOADS’, true);
Add this code right above the “/* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. *” line.
Once you’ve added the code, save your Wp-Config.php file and close the editor.
Step #4: Test your upload
Now go back to your WordPress dashboard and try uploading the file that wasn’t being uploaded because of the error.
If everything went fine, it will get uploaded easily.
If the file isn’t uploading still, or if you encounter any error and your site doesn’t load, replace the Wp-Config file with the backup file that you downloaded before making any changes.
Method #2: Use the Free WP Extra File Types Plugin
If playing with files manually is not your thing, you can also get the same results by using a plugin. Here are the steps involved in it:
Step #1: Log in to your WordPress dashboard
The first step, of course, is to log in to your WordPress dashboard, if you’re not logged in already.
Use your username and password to log in using an administrator-level account.
Step #2: Install the WP Extra File Types plugin
Next, navigate to Plugins >> Add New and search for “WP Extra File Types”.
Then from the search results, install the following plugin.
After the plugin is installed, activate it by clicking the Activate button.
Step #3: Enable the file type that you want to upload
Now navigate to Settings >> Extra File Types section in your WordPress dashboard and enable the file type you want to enable by checking its checkbox and saving the changes.
Step #4: Test!
By now the file type that you enabled will be added to the list of allowed file types in your Wp-Config file by the plugin.
Now it’s testing time!
So try uploading the file that you were trying to upload. You’ll be able to upload it easily.
Similar Tutorials to Check Out
- “This Site Can’t Provide a Secure Connection” Error: When your SSL certificate has expired or is not set up properly, this is a common error. This tutorial aims to explain what it is and how it can be fixed.
- “Your Connection Is Not Private” Error: This error is a common one for any internet user. If you too see this error often in your browser, this tutorial can come in handy to fix it.
- “Error Establishing A Database Connection” Error: Another common WordPress error that’s seen by many site owners. If you see it on your site as well, this tutorial will help you in fixing it as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
The “this file type is not permitted for security reasons” error on WordPress can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but fortunately fixing it is not a difficult task.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the error quickly and easily.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, the methods explained above will help you upload the file that you want to upload smoothly.
So give them a try, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Also, if you find this tutorial helpful, share it on social media!
