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When editing email templates in MainWP (such as Uptime Monitoring notifications), changes may not save and content resets after refreshing the page. This is typically caused by a WordPress security setting.

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What You’ll Learn

  • Why email template changes don’t save
  • How to check if file editing is disabled
  • How to enable template editing

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Prerequisites

  • Admin access to your Dashboard site
  • FTP or file manager access to edit wp-config.php

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Why This Happens

WordPress includes a security constant that prevents editing theme and plugin files through the admin interface. When enabled, this setting also blocks MainWP from saving email template changes. The constant in wp-config.php: 
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
This setting is often added by:
  • Security plugins
  • Managed WordPress hosts
  • Security-conscious server administrators

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Check if File Editing is Disabled

You can determine if this setting is enabled by looking for these options in your Dashboard site’s WP Admin:
Menu LocationIf VisibleIf Missing
Plugins > Plugin File EditorFile editing enabledFile editing disabled
Appearance > Theme File EditorFile editing enabledFile editing disabled
If both menu items are missing, DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT is set to true.

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Enable Email Template Editing

1

Access wp-config.php

Connect to your Dashboard site via FTP or your hosting file manager and open wp-config.php.
2

Find the constant

Search for this line:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
3

Modify or remove

Either remove the line completely, or change true to false:
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', false);
4

Save the file

Save wp-config.php and upload it back to your server.
5

Test template editing

Return to your MainWP Dashboard and try editing an email template. Changes should now save successfully.

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Security Considerations

The DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT constant exists for security reasons—it prevents attackers who gain admin access from modifying code through the WordPress interface.

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Alternative Approaches

If you prefer to keep file editing disabled for security:
OptionDescription
Edit via FTPModify template files directly on the server
Temporarily enableEnable only when editing templates, then disable again
Use child themeOverride templates via a child theme

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Self-Check Checklist

  • Checked for Plugin/Theme File Editor in WP Admin menus
  • Located DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT in wp-config.php
  • Modified or removed the constant
  • Email template changes now save successfully