> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why can't I edit email templates in my MainWP Dashboard?

> Email template changes not saving may be caused by DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT in wp-config.php. Remove or set this constant to false to enable template editing through the MainWP Dashboard interface.

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.

## What You'll Learn

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

## Prerequisites

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

***

## 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:

```php theme={null}
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
```

This setting is often added by:

* Security plugins
* Managed WordPress hosts
* Security-conscious server administrators

***

## 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 Location                  | If Visible           | If Missing            |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------- | --------------------- |
| Plugins > Plugin File Editor   | File editing enabled | File editing disabled |
| Appearance > Theme File Editor | File editing enabled | File editing disabled |

If both menu items are missing, `DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT` is set to `true`.

***

## Enable Email Template Editing

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access wp-config.php">
    Connect to your Dashboard site via FTP or your hosting file manager and open `wp-config.php`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the constant">
    Search for this line:

    ```php theme={null}
    define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Modify or remove">
    Either remove the line completely, or change `true` to `false`:

    ```php theme={null}
    define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', false);
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the file">
    Save wp-config.php and upload it back to your server.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test template editing">
    Return to your MainWP Dashboard and try editing an email template. Changes should now save successfully.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## 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.

### Alternative Approaches

If you prefer to keep file editing disabled for security:

| Option             | Description                                            |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| Edit via FTP       | Modify template files directly on the server           |
| Temporarily enable | Enable only when editing templates, then disable again |
| Use child theme    | Override templates via a child theme                   |

***

## 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

***

## Related Resources

* [MainWP Dashboard Not Sending Emails](/troubleshooting/my-mainwp-dashboard-not-sending-emails) - Email delivery issues
* [Change From Address](/customization/how-to-change-the-from-address-for-mainwp-emails) - Customize sender email