How to Fix “Sorry, You Are Not Allowed to Upload This File Type (.RAR)” in WordPress (100% Working)

If you use WordPress regularly, you may encounter this error while uploading a .rar file:

“Sorry, you are not allowed to upload this file type.”

This happens because WordPress blocks certain file formats for security reasons. The good news is—you can fix this permanently with a simple method.

🚫 Why This Error Happens On WordPress?

WordPress restricts file uploads using two checks:

• File Extension → .rar
• MIME Type → actual file identity (e.g., application/vnd.rar /.Zip)

Even if you allow the extension, the upload may still fail due to strict MIME validation.

✅ METHOD 1: Permanent Fix (Allow Extension + MIME Type)

This is the most effective method and works on all themes.

🔧 Step 1: Open functions.php

• Go to Dashboard
• Navigate to Appearance → Theme File Editor
• Open: functions.php

🔧 Step 2: Add This Code

Remove any previous upload-related code and add this:

function allow_rar_uploads($mimes) {
    $mimes['rar'] = 'application/vnd.rar';
    return $mimes;
}
add_filter('upload_mimes', 'allow_rar_uploads');

function fix_rar_mime_check($data, $file, $filename, $mimes){
    $ext = pathinfo($filename, PATHINFO_EXTENSION);
    if($ext === 'rar'){
        $data['ext'] = 'rar';
        $data['type'] = 'application/vnd.rar';
    }
    return $data;
}
add_filter('wp_check_filetype_and_ext', 'fix_rar_mime_check', 10, 4);

function allow_rar_uploads($mimes) {
    $mimes['rar'] = 'application/vnd.rar';
    return $mimes;
}
add_filter('upload_mimes', 'allow_rar_uploads');

function fix_rar_mime_check($data, $file, $filename, $mimes){
    $ext = pathinfo($filename, PATHINFO_EXTENSION);
    if($ext === 'rar'){
        $data['ext'] = 'rar';
        $data['type'] = 'application/vnd.rar';
    }
    return $data;
}
add_filter('wp_check_filetype_and_ext', 'fix_rar_mime_check', 10, 4);

💾 Step 3: Save Changes

Click Update File.

🔄 Step 4: Clear Cache

• Clear hosting/server cache
• Hard refresh: Ctrl + F5

📤 Step 5: Upload File

Go to:

Media → Add New

Upload your .rar file again.

🎯 Result

After applying this fix:

• ✅ .rar uploads work without error
• ✅ No more “file type not allowed” message
• ✅ Works across all WordPress themes

Allowing .rar uploads can introduce risks.

Only use this if:

• You are the only uploader, OR
• You fully trust the files

Avoid enabling this on multi-user or public upload sites.

💡 Alternative (Safer Option)

Instead of enabling .rar, you can:

• Convert .rar → .zip
• Upload normally (WordPress supports .zip by default)

✅ Conclusion

This method fixes the issue completely by handling:

• File extension validation
• MIME type verification

Once applied, the upload restriction is removed and your .rar files will work without any issues.

Note: While following these steps, make sure to apply the settings carefully and restart your computer if required to ensure the changes work properly.

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