Banner

File upload issues in cPanel can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re trying to manage your website files via the cPanel File Manager or FTP. If your File Upload is not working or gets stuck, it can disrupt website updates, media uploads, or even essential configuration changes. But don’t worry — this guide by Hostrago provides step-by-step solutions to quickly fix the cPanel File Upload not working problem.

Whether you’re a developer, website owner, or managing multiple cPanel accounts via WHM, understanding the root cause of upload failures can save you a lot of time. In this guide, we’ll discuss the common reasons why file uploads fail in cPanel and how you can resolve them efficiently.

Common Causes of cPanel File Upload Issues

Before jumping into the solutions, let’s explore the typical causes that lead to file upload errors in cPanel:

  1. File Size Limitations:
    cPanel has default limits for file upload size. If your file exceeds this limit, the upload will fail.
  2. Incorrect File Permissions:
    Files and folders need correct permissions to allow uploads. Incorrect settings can block uploads.
  3. Browser Compatibility Issues:
    Sometimes, outdated browsers or cache problems can prevent successful uploads via File Manager.
  4. PHP Configuration Restrictions:
    The php.ini file in your hosting server controls many PHP settings, including upload limits.
  5. Disk Quota Limits:
    If your hosting account has reached its allocated disk space, file uploads may be blocked.
  6. Temporary Technical Glitches:
    Occasional server issues or maintenance may temporarily disrupt the file upload process.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix cPanel File Upload Not Working

1. Increase Maximum File Upload Size via WHM or cPanel

You can increase your file upload limit by modifying the PHP configuration. Follow these steps:

  • Login to WHM > Navigate to MultiPHP INI Editor.
  • Select the PHP version used by your domain.
  • Increase the values for:
    • upload_max_filesize
    • post_max_size
    • max_execution_time

For a detailed guide, read our tutorial on

2. Clear Browser Cache or Try a Different Browser

Browser cache can interfere with the File Manager interface in cPanel. Clear your cache or switch to another browser like Chrome or Firefox. If you’re still facing issues, try uploading via FTP client like FileZilla.

3. Check File Permissions in cPanel

Ensure your directory permissions are correctly set (generally 755 for folders and 644 for files). You can check and modify them via:

  • cPanel > File Manager > Right-click File/Folder > Change Permissions

Incorrect permissions can prevent uploads or cause the uploaded files to malfunction.

4. Verify Disk Space Quota

If your hosting account is full, you won’t be able to upload files. Check disk usage:

  • cPanel > Disk Usage

Free up space by deleting unnecessary files, backups, or email data.

5. Use FTP for Large Files

If you’re uploading large files, FTP is often more reliable than the cPanel File Manager. Setup your FTP account via:

  • cPanel > FTP Accounts

We recommend using FileZilla or Cyberduck for smooth transfers.

Contact Your Hosting Provider

If all else fails, it might be an issue from the hosting server side. Reach out to Hostrago Support for assistance, as sometimes there are server-level restrictions that can’t be modified from cPanel or WHM.

You can contact us anytime here:
👉 Hostrago Contact & Support

Conclusion

Fixing the File Upload problem in cPanel is easier when you know where to look — from increasing PHP limits, clearing browser cache, verifying permissions, to checking your disk space. Using FTP for large uploads is another efficient method to bypass browser-related issues.

At Hostrago, we aim to make website management simple and hassle-free. If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert support team for quick solutions.

Categorized in:

cPanel,