How to Fix “Missing a Temporary Folder” Error in WordPress

How to Fix “Missing a Temporary Folder” Error in WordPress

Last modified: October 16, 2020

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If you’re finding it impossible to upload any new images or update themes/plugins on your WordPress website, you might find that you’re experiencing the ‘Missing a temporary folder’ error on your WordPress website. This article will show you how you can easily fix the error on your website, without the need of a developer.

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What Causes the ‘Missing A Temporary Folder’ Error on WordPress Websites?

The error is often caused by an incorrect PHP setting on the hosting environment. There is a specific setting within the PHP area that defines the temporary folder that the website such use to store data temporarily before the data can be saved to the desired location.

When you upload any object to the WordPress website, you’ll need to have access to the temporary folder. This will also be required when you have an update for a theme/plugin.

Often, if the location of this folder is not defined, or is wrong, then WordPress will be unable to store the new items before it stores the item in the proper place. Therefore, you will experience an error.

However, despite how complex this error sounds, it is very easy to solve.

How to Fix Missing Temporary Folder Error in WordPress

The first thing that you will need to do is to access your WordPress files using an FTP client or through the file manager in cPanel dashboard that can be found through your hosting account. You will then need to locate, download and open the wp-config.php file.

Now you will need to add in this line of code just before the final line within the file that reads: ‘That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging’.

define('WP_TEMP_DIR', dirname(__FILE__) . '/wp-content/temp/');

Once the line has been added, save the changes to the file and then re-upload the wp-config.php file back to your website.

Then you need to go back to the wp-content/ folder. Inside this, create a new folder. You would need to name this new folder as ‘temp’.

Now you should be able to go to your WordPress website’s admin area and upload an image. This is the best test. If this doesn’t work, then you might need to check the directory permissions of your wp-content folder.

Contact your WordPress Host

This error is often caused by the poor configuration of a hosting environment. The solution presented here is just a workaround. You are advised to contact your hosting provider to fix the problem. If they refuse to do this, switch to a new WordPress hosting solution provider.

Final Word: How to Fix “Missing a Temporary Folder” Error in WordPress

Don’t let the ‘Missing a Temporary Folder’ harm your business’ website. Learn how to fix it above and ensure that you get the full use out of your website.

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