You read our guide on WebP, you know it makes your site faster, and you are ready to upgrade. You drag a WebP image into your WordPress Media Library and get the dreaded red error:
"Sorry, this file type is not permitted for security reasons."
Why is WordPress blocking me?
WordPress added native support for WebP in version 5.8 (July 2021). If you are seeing this error, one of two things is happening:
- Your WordPress is outdated: You are running a version older than 5.8.
- Your Web Host is outdated: Even if WordPress supports it, the server software (LibGD or ImageMagick) might not.
Option 1: The Plugin Fix
You can install a plugin like "Enable Media Replace" or "Allow WebP Image". These force WordPress to accept the file.
Option 2: The Conversion Fix (Recommended)
If your server is old, it might struggle to serve WebP files correctly even if you trick it into uploading them. This can result in broken images for your visitors.
The safest bet for legacy sites is to stick to Compressed JPGs.
Use LocalImageConverter to turn your WebPs back into high-quality JPGs. Our converter ensures standard color profiles that work on every WordPress installation, guaranteed.