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Cloudways disables certain PHP functions by default for security. The tmpfile() function is one of these, and MainWP requires it for uploading plugins and themes via ZIP file.

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What You’ll Learn

  • How to identify if tmpfile() is disabled
  • How to enable tmpfile() in Cloudways
  • How to verify the change worked

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Prerequisites

  • Cloudways account with access to Application Settings
  • MainWP Dashboard installed on a Cloudways application

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When You Need This

Enable tmpfile() if you encounter:
  • Plugin or theme uploads failing from your MainWP Dashboard
  • “tmpfile() has been disabled” error messages
  • ZIP file installations timing out or producing errors
  • The Favorites extension unable to deploy plugins

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Enable tmpfile() on Cloudways

1

Log in to Cloudways

Access the Cloudways Platform at platform.cloudways.com and navigate to your servers list.
2

Select your application

Click on the server, then select the application where your MainWP Dashboard is installed.
3

Open Application Settings

From the left sidebar, click Application Settings.
4

Navigate to PHP FPM Settings

Select the PHP FPM SETTINGS tab at the top of the settings panel.
5

Remove tmpfile from disabled functions

Locate the DISABLED FUNCTIONS field. Find tmpfile in the list and delete it.
6

Save changes

Click SAVE CHANGES. Cloudways applies the new PHP configuration.

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Verify the Change

After saving changes, confirm tmpfile() is enabled:
1

Check Server Information

In your MainWP Dashboard, go to MainWP > Info > Server.
2

Review disabled functions

Look for tmpfile in the PHP functions list. It should no longer appear under disabled functions.
3

Test an upload

Optionally, test by uploading a small plugin ZIP file through MainWP > Plugins > Install Plugins > Upload.

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If Changes Don’t Take Effect

If tmpfile() still appears disabled after saving:
  1. Clear any server-side caching in Cloudways
  2. Wait a few minutes for the PHP-FPM process to restart
  3. Clear your browser cache and check Server Information again
  4. Contact Cloudways support if the function remains disabled

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Self-Check Checklist

  • Logged into Cloudways Platform
  • Located correct application (MainWP Dashboard)
  • Removed tmpfile from DISABLED FUNCTIONS list
  • Saved changes
  • Verified tmpfile no longer appears as disabled in MainWP
  • Tested plugin/theme upload