• Categories
    • Tutorials
    • Beginners Guide
    • WordPress News
    • WordPress Security
    • Best WordPress Plugins
    • WordPress Themes
    • Product Reviews
    • WP Tips & Tricks
  • Guides
    • Start a Blog
    • Make a Website
    • WordPress Hosting
  • Themes
    • Elegant Themes
    • Thrive Themes
    • OptimizePress
  • Hosting Reviews
    • WPEngine
    • Bluehost
    • A2 Hosting
    • Kinsta
    • WPX
  • Coupons
    • WPEngine
    • Flywheel
    • HostGator
    • A2 Hosting
    • WPX Hosting
WordPress Tips & Tricks

How To Fix ‘Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons’ WordPress Error

Last Updated on: January 26, 2019 Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

How To Fix ‘Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons’ WordPress Error

As a WordPress user, there will come a time when you need to upload some types of files to your website.

Maybe you’re making a website that let users download files or maybe you want to add a downloadable incentive to your email optin form.

However, soon you’ll discover that WordPress actually don’t like it when you upload specific types of files. If you try to upload a file that WordPress doesn’t like, you will get an error saying “Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons”

Thankfully, there’s an easy fix for this problem and we’re going to walk you through it, step by step.

What Is ‘Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons’ Error?

First of all, this is a common error for most bloggers and WordPress users. So, don’t be alarmed or panic. The issue can also be easily fixed.

WordPress’ own system is to blame for this error. Even though WordPress is a content management system, it still has a very strict filtering system for accepting only a select few types of files into the system.

Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons error

And, when you trying to upload a file that’s not in WordPress’ supported files list, you’ll encounter the “Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons” error.

What Causes This Error?

As you know there are many different types of files used by different types of applications. For example, .AI is a very common file type used by Adobe Illustrator.

This file type is widely used by designers and illustrators to save and share their work. But, don’t be surprised if you get a “Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons” error when trying to upload an .AI file to WordPress because the file type is not in WordPress’ supported files list.

This is the full list of file types allowed in WordPress by default.

wordpress supported file types

It’s baffling that WordPress still doesn’t support popular and common file types like Illustrator by default. And it’s only one of the dozens of file types that WordPress still doesn’t support.

So yes, this time you can blame WordPress for putting you through this confusing error. But, you can fix this issue manually to upload any file type you want.

How To Fix The Error

There are two simple ways to fix the “Sorry, This File Type Is Not Permitted For Security Reasons” error. One method required using a plugin and the other requires editing a core WordPress file.

Before you proceed we highly recommend that you backup your website. If you don’t have a backup system yet, you can set it up using a free plugin.

Method 1: Use A Mime Types Plugin

There are several mime types plugins that help you add your own file types to the WordPress supported files list, like Pro Mime Types, Mime Types Extended, and Unsafe Mimetypes. Unfortunately, most of these plugins are outdated.

We’re using the WP Add Mime Types plugin for the tutorial since it’s been updated to support the latest WordPress versions. Feel free to try and use a different plugin if you prefer.

Step 1: Install WP Add Mime Types Plugin

To Install the plugin, login to your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins >> Add New.

install wp mime types plugin - 1

Search for the WP Add Mime Types plugin and click the Install and then Activate buttons to enable the plugin.

Step 2: Customize The Plugin

After the installation, a new page will appear in the Settings page called Mime Type Settings. From this page, you can add certain file types to add them to the WordPress system.

install wp mime types plugin - 2

Search for the file type you want to add and copy-paste it into the Add Values box. Make sure that you copy the entire line related to the file type extension you’re trying to add.

Then click on the Save button to save the changes. Once the file type is enabled, it will be highlighted in color red on the list.

install wp mime types plugin - 3

The only issue with this method is that even the mime type plugins have limits when it comes to adding certain file types. For example, the plugin doesn’t allow uploading of .AI files. But, the second method lets you avoid that problem and upload any file you want.

Method 2: Edit WP-Config File

WP-Config.php is a core file used by WordPress that handles many of WordPress functionality. You can edit this file to disable the system that prevents uploading of certain file types. After that, you’ll be able to upload any file type you want.

Step 1: Access Your Server

You can edit the WP-Config file by using an FTP client app or by logging into your server CPanel and using the File Manager.

Navigate to the public folder where your WordPress website is hosted and where all the WordPress core files are located.

Step 2: Edit WP-Config.php

Then open and edit the WP-Config file.

edit-wp-config file

Once you have the file opened, simply search for the term /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */

Then paste the following line of code right above it

define(‘ALLOW_UNFILTERED_UPLOADS’, true);

edit-wp-config file - 2

That’s it!

Still Getting The Same Error?

The above methods should do the trick to help you upload almost any type of file you want in WordPress. However, if you still get the same error you should try contacting your hosting provider and seek their help.

Some web hosts prevent certain types of files being uploaded for security reasons. If you keep getting the error and you desperately need to upload the file in WordPress, contact the hosting provider’s customer support and see if they have some filters preventing you from uploading any files.

+ Share
Disclosure

Editorial Staff

Related Posts

Back to all articles
  • Should You Implement a WordPress Email Subscription Plugin?

    Should You Implement a WordPress Email Subscription Plugin?

  • Top WordPress Support And Maintenance Services

    10 Best WordPress Maintenance and Support Services in 2021

  • ‘Your PHP Installation Appears to Be Missing the MySQL Extension Which Is Required by WordPress’: What It Is and How to Fix It

    ‘Your PHP Installation Appears to Be Missing the MySQL Extension Which Is Required by WordPress’: What It Is and How to Fix It

Coupons

View more deals
  • Imagely Coupon
    20% OFF

    Imagely Coupon

    Photographers and WordPress are a match made in heaven. The flexi
    Get This Deal
  • 20% OFF

    Flothemes Coupon

    As an experienced photographer, it’s not always easy to get the
    Get This Deal
  • Nexcess coupon code
    Save 40%

    Nexcess Coupon

    Looking to save money on managed hosting from Nexcess?
    Get This Deal

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Full Disclosure This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you click on one of the links and purchase an item, we may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). All opinions are our own and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

THE BEST OF WPKUBE

Some of the best content we have published so far.

BEGINNER GUIDES & REVIEWS

1How to Start a WordPress Blog (Step by Step Guide)
2How to Install WordPress - The Complete Guide
38 Best Options for Managed WordPress Hosting Compared
4The 6 Best WordPress Hosting Providers for 2021 Compared
5Top 9 Landing Page Plugins for WordPress (2021)
69 Best List Building Plugins for WordPress In 2021
7How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error on Your WordPress Website
8Beaver Builder Review: Is it The Best Page Builder Plugin for WordPress (2021)?
9What is a Gravatar and Why You Should Get One
10Thrive Themes Review: A Look At The Full Membership
117 Best WordPress Migration Plugins Reviewed and Compared for 2021
12OptimizePress Review: Create Landing Pages with Ease
13How to Make a Website: Complete Beginner’s Guide
14WordPress.com vs WordPress.org: Which is Best for Me?
15Top 22 Best Free Stock Photo Resources For Your Site
1617 of the Best Google Fonts for 2021 (And How to Use Them in WordPress)
17LifterLMS Review: Is it The Ultimate WordPress LMS Plugin?
18How To Fix ‘503 Service Unavailable’ WordPress Error
1911 Best Contact Form Plugins for WordPress in 2021
20How to Use BackupBuddy – The Best Backup Solution for WP??
21How to Add a Custom Logo to Your WordPress Site
22Kinsta Review: Real Test Data + My Likes And Dislikes
23How to Fix Error Establishing a Database Connection in WordPress
24Thrive Architect Review – Best Landing Page Plugin for WordPress!

WPEngine: 50% OFF Deal

Save 50% on one of the best managed hosting providers.

Get this Deal

Flywheel(our review)

Featured In Forbes Huffpost Entrepreneur SEJ

About WPKube

WPKube is an online WordPress resource which focuses on WordPress tutorials, How-to’s, guides, plugins, news, and more. We aim to provide the most comprehensive beginner’s guides to anything about WordPress — from installing plugins, themes, automated installs and setups, to creating and setting up pages for your website.

We have over 500+ tutorials, guides, product reviews, tips, and tricks about WordPress. Founded by Devesh Sharma, the main goal of this site is to provide useful information on anything and everything WordPress.

Twitter Facebook

Useful Links

  • Behind the Scenes
  • Beginner Guides
  • WordPress Hosting
  • WooCommerce Themes
  • MeridianThemes
  • Exclusive WordPress Deals
View All Guides »

Reviews

  • WPEngine 33% OFF
  • Thrive Leads
  • Flywheel 33% OFF
  • Divi Theme 20% OFF
  • Thrive Architect
  • Elegant Themes
Reviews »

Deals

  • InMotion Hosting
  • LifterLMS Coupon
  • LiquidWeb Coupon
  • WPEngine Coupon
  • A2 Hosting
  • FloThemes
More Deals »
© Copyright 2021 WPKube ® All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Site Terms
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy