WordPress Add Media Button Not Working? 7 Easy Fixes for this Issue

You’re writing a new post on your WordPress site. You’ve got the perfect content in mind. You’ve got an eye-catching image to upload, a video to share, or a beautiful gallery to create—yet you can’t do it. Frustration sets in because suddenly, the Add Media button doesn’t work.

The pesky WordPress Add Media button not working issue can disrupt your workflow and cause unnecessary stress.

Imagine you’re launching a new product. You want your best photos to highlight your hard work. But when the Add Media button fails, it throws a wrench into your plans. This can be especially tough if you’re on a deadline. Your hopes to attract readers or customers with engaging visuals seem to vanish right before you.

Rest assured, you’re not alone. Many WordPress users face this problem. But the good news? We have solutions for you.

This guide will help you fix the WordPress Add Media button not working issue step-by-step. Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy; you’ll find the instructions simple and clear.

TL;DR: If your WordPress Add Media button isn’t working, it’s likely due to script conflicts in plugins or themes. Try adding a code snippet to your wp-config.php file, troubleshoot plugins and themes, or update your site. Clearing caches and adjusting PHP settings might help too. Always backup your site before making any changes to ensure your data is safe.

What causes the WordPress Add Media button not working issue?

Understanding why the Add Media button stops working can save you a lot of frustration. This button is part of the classic WordPress editor, not the new Gutenberg editor. The problem often arises from conflicts in scripts or styles from plugins or themes.

WordPress combines scripts and stylesheets to load them together. This approach boosts speed and performance in the admin area. But if there’s a clash, it disrupts the JavaScript needed for the post editor to work. This clash can disable the Add Media button, making it impossible to upload your files.

Before trying to fix the WordPress Add Media button not working issue, backup your site. A backup lets you recover your site if something goes wrong. Consider using a staging site to test changes. This keeps your live site safe from unexpected problems.

The latest versions of WordPress have moved to using the new Gutenberg Editor. The WordPress Add Media button not working issue occurs with the old WordPress editor. We recommend you update your WordPress version and start using the new editor. Updating your WordPress version is also important from a security standpoint as updates contain bug fixes and improvements.

1. Add code to wp-config.php

If you’re looking for a quick fix, adding a bit of code to your wp-config.php file might do the trick. This method is simple and works well as a temporary solution for the WordPress Add Media button not working issue.

To start, edit the wp-config.php file on your WordPress site. You’ll need to add the following line of code to it:

define('CONCATENATE_SCRIPTS', false );

Make sure you place it right before the line that reads, “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”

This change tells WordPress to load scripts one at a time. Doing so can stop conflicts between buggy scripts and WordPress features. After making this change, try using the Add Media button again to see if it’s working.

2. Troubleshoot your themes and plugins

For a long-term fix, it’s essential to troubleshoot your themes and plugins. As mentioned earlier, conflicts in scripts or styles often cause the Add Media button to stop working. Resolving these conflicts can help restore functionality and fix the WordPress Add Media button not working issue.

Start by deactivating all your plugins to see if the issue resolves. If the Add Media button works afterward, reactivate your plugins one by one. This process helps identify which plugin is causing the conflict. If the issue persists, consider switching to a default theme like TwentyTwenty-Two to check if your theme is the problem.

For those comfortable with tech, the Inspect tool can be handy. It lets you see what errors pop up when you click the Add Media button. This information can guide you in pinpointing the issue and making necessary adjustments.

3. Update your site

Updating your WordPress site regularly is very important. It helps fix many common issues, including problems such as the WordPress Add Media button not working. Keeping everything up-to-date ensures your site runs smoothly.

This involves updating the WordPress core, plugins, and themes. Each update often comes with bug fixes and new features. One of these bug fixes might solve your Add Media button issue.

Don’t forget any other software linked to your site. Regular updates help keep everything secure and functional. This practice will reduce the likelihood of encountering similar problems in the future.

4. Clear all your caches

Clearing your caches can often resolve issues with the Add Media button not working. Over time, caches can store outdated information that might be causing the WordPress Add Media button not working problem.

Start by clearing your browser cache. This can sometimes hold old data that impacts how your site functions.

Next, clear any other caches related to your WordPress site. These might include server caches, caching plugins, or a Content Delivery Network (CDN).

Clearing all these caches helps ensure you’re working with the most up-to-date version of your site. This refresh can often fix the Add Media button issue and improve your site’s performance.

5. Check your file permissions

File permissions can sometimes cause issues with the Add Media button. If they are too restrictive, you might not be able to add media to your site.

Check the permissions for your files and directories. Directories should have permissions set to 755. Files should have permissions set to 644. These settings allow your site to function properly while keeping it secure.

Adjusting file permissions can often solve problems like the WordPress Add Media button not working. Ensuring they are set correctly helps your site run smoothly and securely.

6. Increase PHP memory limit

A low PHP memory limit can affect many WordPress functions. This also includes the Add Media button. WordPress relies on PHP to keep everything running smoothly. If the memory limit is too low, you might run into problems like the WordPress Add Media button not working.

You can fix this by increasing your PHP memory limit. To do this, you will need to edit your wp-config.php file. Add the following line of code to boost the memory limit and help your site run better.

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Make sure you place it right before the line that reads, “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”

Increasing your PHP memory can resolve issues like the Add Media button not working. This small change can improve your site’s performance and functionality.

7. Disable your firewall

Sometimes, a firewall might block actions on your site, causing the Add Media button to stop working. Firewalls like ModSecurity can mistake some actions for threats.

To check if this is the issue, try disabling your firewall temporarily. If you’re unable to do this yourself, ask your web host for help. Then check if it fixes the WordPress Add Media button not working issue.

Remember, this is just a temporary fix. Your firewall protects your site from attacks, so it’s important to turn it back on. Still, testing without the firewall can help pinpoint if it’s the cause of your Add Media button troubles.

How to prevent the WordPress Add Media button not working issue?

Preventing the WordPress Add Media button not working issue is easier than fixing it after an issue arises. Here are some steps you can take to avoid this issue from happening in the future:

Final thoughts

Fixing the WordPress Add Media button not working issue doesn’t have to be stressful. With patience and these steps, you can get your site back on track. These solutions can help whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned WordPress user. Remember, it’s all about finding the root cause and addressing it. Always keep a backup of your site so you’re prepared for the unexpected.

For peace of mind, consider using a tool like MalCare. It offers automatic backups that store your data safely off-site. This ensures your site resources are not loaded while also ensuring the reliability of your backups. MalCare also provides strong security features. It detects malware, cleans it with one click, and scans for vulnerabilities. These features protect your site and keep it running smoothly. It’s a solid investment for anyone looking to secure their WordPress site effortlessly.

FAQs

Why is the media button not working?

The Add Media button might not work because of script or style conflicts in your WordPress site’s plugins or themes. WordPress tries to load all scripts together for faster performance. If these scripts clash, it disrupts JavaScript functions needed for the Add Media button. Such issues can stop the button from working properly.

How do I add a media button in WordPress?

To add a media button in WordPress, use the Classic Editor plugin. First, log in to your WordPress dashboard. Go to “Plugins” and click on “Add New.” Search for “Classic Editor” and install it. Once activated, the Classic Editor will bring back the Add Media button to your post editor. You can then insert images, videos, and other media easily.

Why can’t I load media in WordPress?

You might not be able to load media in WordPress due to file permission issues, conflicts in plugins or themes, or a lack of storage space. File permissions manage who can add files to your site. If they’re too strict, you can’t upload media. Conflicts can happen when plugins or themes interfere with site functions. Also, if your server’s storage is full, uploads might fail.