WordPress Uploads Temporarily Disabled? Add Images

Trying to add an image to WordPress, but your hosting company has temporarily disabled file uploads?

You may still be able to add your images using File Manager in your hosting account, then use a free plugin to make them appear in your WordPress Media Library.

There are two parts to this workaround:

1. Upload your images directly into the correct folder on your hosting account.
2. Use Media Sync to add those images to your WordPress Media Library.

You do not need to write any code. You will need access to both your hosting account and your WordPress dashboard.

Why would your host temporarily block uploads?

Your hosting company may temporarily restrict PHP file uploads while it applies a security fix. PHP is part of the software WordPress uses to run your website.

For example, on 22 October 2026, VentraIP reported temporary restrictions on PHP file uploads for customer websites while security updates were being rolled out. These restrictions can affect uploads through website forms, including the usual WordPress image upload process.

In its latest update, VentraIP advised that patched PHP versions are being rolled out across its servers. It will remove the upload restriction once patched versions are deployed on all servers.

Check the VentraIP service status page for the latest update.

If this happens, it does not automatically mean there is something wrong with your images or your WordPress website.

Can you still add images while uploads are restricted?

Yes, there may be a workaround if your host still allows uploads through cPanel File Manager.

File Manager gives you another way to place images into your website folders. A plugin can then register those files in WordPress so you can select them from your Media Library.

However, this depends on the restrictions your host has put in place. VentraIP’s notice confirms restrictions on PHP uploads, but does not confirm that this workaround is available on every affected account.

If you are unsure, check with your hosting support team that File Manager uploads are allowed during the restriction. You do not need to turn off security settings or change PHP settings to follow this guide.

This process also does not fix problems such as a full hosting account, damaged images or file types WordPress does not support.

Before you start, back up your website

Always have a current backup before installing a new plugin or making changes to your website files.

Your backup should include both your website files and your database.

You will also need:

• Access to your hosting account and cPanel.
• Access to File Manager.
• A WordPress administrator login.
• The images you want to add.

Start with one image so you can check the process works before adding more.

Step 1: Open File Manager in cPanel

1. Log into your hosting account. If you use VentraIP, start in VIPcontrol.
2. Open cPanel for the website you want to update.
3. Find and open File Manager.

You will now see the files and folders stored in your hosting account.

Make sure you are working in the correct website folder, especially if your hosting account contains more than one website.

Step 2: Find your WordPress uploads folder

For many websites, the folder path will be:

public_html → wp-content → uploads → current year → current month

For example, if you are adding images in October 2026, this would usually be:

public_html → wp-content → uploads → 2026 → 10

The month uses a number:

• January is 01.
• February is 02.
• October is 10.
• December is 12.

Some websites are installed in a different folder, and some use a different uploads setup. If you cannot find these folders, check with your host before creating or moving anything.

Step 3: Upload your images

Once you are inside the correct month folder:

1. Click Upload in File Manager.
2. Select the image from your computer.
3. Wait until the upload finishes.
4. Return to the folder and check that your image is listed.

Use a clear filename so you can recognise it later, such as:

wordpress-media-upload-workaround.jpg

If File Manager asks whether you want to replace an existing file, stop and check the filename. For this guide, you are adding a new image, so avoid overwriting an image your website already uses.

Your image is now on your hosting account, but it will not automatically appear in your WordPress Media Library.

That is what the next step is for.

Step 4: Install the free Media Sync plugin

Media Sync scans your uploads folder and lets you add selected files to your WordPress Media Library. At the time of writing, it has 50,000+ active installations. The free version provides the scan and import features used in this guide.

To install it:

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins → Add New.
3. Search for Media Sync.
4. Find Media Sync by erolsk8.
5. Click Install Now.
6. Click Activate.

Use the built-in plugin search for this step. You do not need to upload a plugin ZIP file.

If plugin installation is also blocked, contact your host for help.

Is there an alternative plugin?

Another free option is Bulk Media Register, which can register files already stored on your server in the Media Library. Its screens and steps differ from Media Sync. You only need one of these plugins for this task.

The instructions below use Media Sync.

Step 5: Scan your uploads folder

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Media → Media Sync.
2. Find the Sync – uploads directory section.
3. Click Scan Files.
4. Wait for the scan to finish.

You should then see options such as Re-scan and Import Selected, along with a list of files and folders.

Leave the default settings in place for now, including Dry Run.

Step 6: Find the images you uploaded

Scroll down to the folder list.

1. Find the current year folder, such as 2026.
2. Click the small arrow to the left of the folder name to show its subfolders.
3. Find the current month folder, such as 10 for October.
4. Click the arrow beside that folder to show its files.
5. Look for the filename of the image you uploaded through File Manager.

You may see plenty of greyed-out files marked Already in, alongside a Media Library icon.

These files are already registered in WordPress. Leave them alone.

Only tick the box beside the new image you want to import. Avoid selecting an entire folder, as it may contain other files you do not need to add.

Step 7: Import your selected image

Once you have selected your image further down the page, return to the import controls at the top.

The image above shows Dry Run ticked. This setting only tests the import. You need to untick it before importing so Media Sync can save your selected image to the WordPress Media Library.

1. Scroll back to the top of the Media Sync screen.
2. Find Dry Run (test without making database changes).
3. Untick that box.
4. Click Import Selected.
5. Wait for the import to finish.

The plugin developer recommends trying one file first. After your first image imports successfully, you can repeat the process for any other images you need.

Step 8: Check your WordPress Media Library

Go to Media → Library.

Find the image you imported and open it.

Check that:

• The image displays correctly.
• The title makes sense.
• You have added useful alt text where needed.

You can now select the image from your Media Library when editing a page or blog post.

Preview the page before publishing to check that the image looks right.

What if the image does not appear?

Start with these simple checks:

1. Check Dry Run was unticked. A test run does not save the image to your Media Library.
2. Check you selected the correct file. Look for the exact filename you uploaded.
3. Check the upload location. The image needs to be inside the uploads folder for the WordPress website you are working on.
4. Clear any Media Library filters. A date or file-type filter may hide the image.
5. Try one image at a time. This makes it easier to see whether the process is working.

If you see an error, the import keeps running without finishing, or File Manager uploads are also blocked, contact your hosting support team. Further hosting restrictions may be preventing the process.

Can you return to normal uploads afterwards?

Yes. Once your hosting company restores PHP file uploads, try adding an image through Media → Add New again.

This workaround is a temporary way to add images while the usual upload method is unavailable. It does not restore upload fields on contact forms or other forms your visitors use.

Need a hand with your WordPress website?

If you would like support working through tasks like this, my WordPress Learners Lounge gives you a place to ask questions and get live WordPress help.

For focused help with your own website, you can also book a Power Hour.

You do not have to figure it all out on your own. 💜