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Most web hosts enable these PHP functions by default. Issues typically arise on shared hosting where providers disable certain functions for security reasons. If you experience problems with specific MainWP features, check whether your host has disabled any of these functions.

What You’ll Learn

  • Which PHP functions MainWP requires
  • How to check if functions are enabled
  • How to request function access from your host

Required Functions

FunctionRequired ForPHP Extension
imagepngPDF generation in Pro ReportsGD
mb_internal_encodingPDF generation in Pro Reportsmbstring
allow_url_fopenPDF generation, remote file accessCore PHP setting
bccompGoogle Analytics add-onBC Math
putenvGoogle Analytics add-on, Pro Reports with GA dataCore
curl_init, curl_setoptAdding child sites, API communicationcURL
tmpfileZIP uploads, Favorites add-onCore
set_time_limitLong-running operations, bulk updatesCore

Check If Functions Are Enabled

Option 1: MainWP Server Information

Navigate to MainWP > Info > Server. This page displays your PHP configuration, including disabled functions.

Option 2: PHP Info File

Create a temporary file on your server:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Access it through your browser, then search for “disable_functions” to see which functions are blocked. Delete the file after checking.

Option 3: Contact Hosting Support

Ask your host which functions are disabled and whether they can be enabled for your account.

Symptoms of Disabled Functions

Missing FunctionSymptoms
cURL functionsCannot add child sites, connection errors
tmpfileZIP uploads fail, plugin/theme installation errors
imagepng / mb_internal_encodingPro Reports PDF generation fails
set_time_limitBulk operations timeout on large networks
bccomp / putenvGoogle Analytics data unavailable

Request Function Access

If your host has disabled required functions, contact their support. Here’s a template:
I’m using the MainWP WordPress management plugin, which requires certain PHP functions that appear to be disabled on my hosting account. Could you please enable the following functions for my account?
  • tmpfile (for plugin/theme uploads)
  • [list other functions you need]
These are standard PHP functions used by many WordPress plugins and should not pose a security risk when used by legitimate software.

Host-Specific Guides

Some hosts require specific steps to enable functions: If your host doesn’t allow enabling these functions, consider a different hosting provider. See Hosting Compatibility for recommended hosts.

Self-Check Checklist

  • Checked MainWP > Info > Server for disabled functions
  • Verified cURL is enabled
  • Verified tmpfile is enabled (if using ZIP uploads)
  • Contacted host if functions are disabled
  • Tested affected features after enabling functions