How to Fix Add Media Button Not Working in WordPress

Here’s how to Fix Add Media button not working in WordPress classic editor.

Experiencing a sudden halt in the functionality of your ‘Add Media’ button within the classic editor can be a puzzling ordeal for WordPress users.

This issue often occurs without displaying any errors or warnings, making it challenging to identify the underlying cause of the malfunction.

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of effortlessly fixing the ‘Add Media’ button not working issue in WordPress.

Fixing the ‘Add Media’ Button Not Working Issue in WordPress.

Understanding the Cause Behind the WordPress ‘Add Media’ Button Disruption

The ‘Add Media’ button in the classic WordPress editor may cease functioning due to conflicts in scripts or styles embedded within your site’s plugins or themes.

WordPress typically consolidates essential scripts and stylesheets, loading them concurrently in the admin area to optimize performance.

However, conflicts in these scripts or styles, especially within plugins or themes, can disrupt the JavaScript functionality of the WordPress post editor, leading to the ‘Add Media’ button malfunction.

Troubleshooting Methods to Fix the Issue

Let’s explore two effective methods to troubleshoot and fix the ‘Add Media’ button not working in WordPress:

Method 1: Fix ‘Add Media’ Button Not Working by Adding Code to wp-config.php

A quick workaround involves adding specific code to the wp-config.php file.

Follow these steps to implement the solution:

1. Edit wp-config.php File: Access and edit the wp-config.php file located in your WordPress site’s root directory.
2. Insert Code: Add the following code just before the line ‘That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging’:

This code instructs WordPress to load individual scripts separately, mitigating JavaScript conflicts between malfunctioning scripts and core WordPress features.

After applying this code, revisit the post edit screen to verify if the ‘Add Media’ button functionality has been restored on your WordPress blog.

Note: While this solution offers a quick fix, it’s not a permanent resolution. It indicates the presence of a problematic script, prompting the need for further troubleshooting.

Method 2: Fix ‘Add Media’ Button Not Working by Troubleshooting Your Theme or Plugin

For a lasting solution, follow these steps to conduct a detailed troubleshooting process:

1. Create a WordPress Staging Site: Undertake the troubleshooting process on a staging site instead of a live one. Several hosting companies like Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine offer one-click staging functionality.
2. Inspect Using Developer Tools: Utilize the browser’s Inspect tool on the classic editor page to identify console errors, pinpointing the source of conflicts in scripts or styles.
3. Deactivate WordPress Plugins: Start by deactivating all plugins and check if this resolves the ‘Add Media’ button issue. Reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic plugin causing the conflict. Refer to our guide on how to deactivate WordPress plugins for detailed steps.
4. Switch to Default WordPress Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Three. If the ‘Add Media’ button starts working, it implies that your theme is causing the conflict.

Upon identifying the source of the issue on your staging site, apply the fix to your live WordPress website.

Conclusion

By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the ‘Add Media’ button not working issue in WordPress.

Additionally, you may find our guide on common WordPress errors and our recommended image management plugins beneficial for further enhancing your WordPress experience.

Stay tuned for more informative articles and tutorials on optimizing your WordPress site’s functionality!