If images added by an importer keep their original filenames in Rename Media Files: Improve Your WordPress SEO, the importer is bypassing the standard WordPress upload hooks. Configure it to use the standard upload functions where possible. Otherwise, rename those files with the Pro Bulk update filename action in the Media Library, or enable Schedule Filename Update.
Symptom #
- Images imported through an auto-import plugin appear in the Media Library with their original names (for example,
IMG_1234.jpg) instead of an SEO-friendly name. - Renaming rules do not trigger for those uploads, even though manual uploads work fine.
Cause #
Automatic renaming relies on the standard WordPress upload hooks (such as sanitize_file_name and add_attachment). Some importers and automation tools write files directly and bypass those hooks, so the renaming filter never runs.
Fix steps #
- Where possible, configure the importer or automation plugin to use the standard WordPress upload functions, so the renaming filters apply on import.
- If that is not possible, process the already-imported files with the Pro Bulk update filename action in the Media Library: select the attachments, then choose Bulk update filename to rename them through the background process.
- For recurring imports, enable the Pro Schedule Filename Update option under WPFactory > File Renaming so newly imported files are picked up automatically on a schedule.
- After renaming, clear any site, CDN, or browser cache and verify the URLs so no references are left pointing at the old filenames.
Back up your site before running a bulk rename, and test with a small batch of imported images first.
Need a hand? Our team answers every ticket on the Rename Media Files support forum.
