Disable Real MIME Check

What is Disable Real MIME Check?

Disable Real MIME Check is a targeted fix for a specific WordPress 4.7.1 upload bug. Created by Sergey Biryukov, this plugin temporarily disables the strict MIME check that prevented non-image files from uploading on certain server setups. It has been available for 9 years, since the original issue surfaced. Despite its narrow scope, the plugin maintains 10K+ active installs and a 4.9/5 rating from 34 reviews. A remarkable 97% of those ratings are five-star, reflecting its perfect fit for the moment it was designed to solve.

The plugin’s longevity is unusual for a temporary workaround. Most users install it, fix their uploads, and keep it inactive as a safety net. The 3% one-star ratings likely stem from users who expected broader functionality or left it active past its intended lifespan.

Key Features of Disable Real MIME Check

• Strict MIME Check Bypass: Disables the real MIME type validation introduced in WordPress 4.7.1, restoring uploads for PDFs, archives, and other non-image files.
• Zero Configuration: Activate the plugin and it works immediately—no settings pages, no options to tweak.
• Lightweight Codebase: Adds minimal overhead to your server, consisting of a single filter that hooks into WordPress core.
• Targeted Compatibility: Tested up to WordPress 4.7.33, ensuring it works across all minor releases of the 4.7 branch.
• Safe for Temporary Use: Designed to be removed after the official fix in WordPress 4.7.3, preventing long-term security gaps.
• Simple Installation: Upload the folder to /wp-content/plugins/ and activate—takes under 30 seconds.
• No Database Changes: Operates entirely through PHP filters, leaving no traces in your database after deactivation.
• Developer-Friendly: Source code is straightforward, making it easy to audit or adapt for custom server configurations.

Who Should Use Disable Real MIME Check?

This plugin is for site owners running WordPress 4.7.1 or 4.7.2 who encounter the “Sorry, this file type is not permitted for security reasons” error when uploading non-image files. It suits beginners and experienced users alike—no technical skill is required beyond basic plugin activation. If you manage a media-heavy site that handles PDFs, ZIPs, or DOCX files, this is your quick fix.

With 10K+ active installs, the audience is clearly those stuck on an older WordPress version. The 9-year plugin age and 4.9/5 rating from 34 ratings confirm that it remains relevant for legacy setups. If you have updated past WordPress 4.7.3, you do not need this plugin—remove it to maintain standard security protocols.

Installation & Setup

Installation is beginner-friendly. Upload the disable-real-mime-check folder to /wp-content/plugins/ via FTP or your hosting file manager, then activate it from the Plugins menu. No configuration is required—uploads should work immediately after activation. The developer explicitly notes to remove the plugin once WordPress 4.7.3 is installed, as the core fix makes this workaround unnecessary.

Support & Community

Support threads show 0 open and 0 resolved issues in the last 2 months, a 0% resolution rate. This reflects the plugin’s nature: it either works or it doesn’t, and users rarely need help. The 97% five-star rating from 34 reviews suggests that for the vast majority, activation solves the problem instantly. The 3% one-star ratings may come from users on incompatible WordPress versions or those who expected ongoing updates.

Given the plugin was last updated on Nov 28, 2017 and hasn’t changed since, the lack of support activity is expected. Sergey Biryukov’s work here is a classic “set and forget” tool—install it, fix your uploads, and move on. For the specific use case of fixing mime type error wordpress upload issues in WordPress 4.7.1 or 4.7.2, this plugin remains the definitive solution.