Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Troubleshooting WordPress Download Error "Failed to Download PDF"

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) used by millions of website owners globally. Whether you are a blogger, small business owner, or large-scale corporation, WordPress offers unmatched flexibility and scalability to help you create a professional website.

However, like any other software, WordPress is not immune to errors that can hinder its performance. One of the most common errors that WordPress users encounter is the "Failed to download PDF" error when attempting to download a PDF file from the website.

If you are facing this issue, below are some troubleshooting tips to help you fix the WordPress download error "Failed to download PDF."

Check for Broken Links

In most cases, the "Failed to download PDF" error is as a result of broken links within your website. Check for broken links in your PDF links and make sure that they point to the correct file path. You can use a broken link checker plugin to scan your website for any broken links quickly.

Disable 3rd-Party Plugins

If the PDF download error persists even after fixing broken links, the next step is to disable third-party plugins running on your website, one by one, to identify the root cause of the issue. Some plugins may conflict with your website and cause PDF download errors.

Clear Browser Cache

Another reason why you might receive a "Failed to download PDF" error is because of cached files on your browser. Clear your browser cache regularly to prevent slow download speeds and errors with PDF files.

Increase PHP Memory Limit

Increasing your website's PHP memory limit can also help fix WordPress PDF download errors. By default, WordPress allocates 40MB of memory, which may not be sufficient for larger files. You can add the following code to your wp-config file to increase the memory limit:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Contact Hosting Provider

If you have tried all the troubleshooting tips above and the PDF download error still persists, it could be a server-related issue. Contact your hosting provider and explain the issue to them for further assistance.

In conclusion, the "Failed to download PDF" error can be frustrating, but it's not a complex issue to debug. Follow the above steps, and you'll likely fix the issue in no time.