Back to Community
Home / Community / Plugin → Litespeed cache

Fixing the 'Image Pull Process Failure' Error in LiteSpeed Cache

18 threads Sep 7, 2025 Plugin → Litespeed cache

Content

If you manage a WordPress site with LiteSpeed Cache, you might have encountered a persistent and frustrating error message: Image pull process failure: Failed to pull image [url]. This error indicates that the plugin is struggling to retrieve optimized images from the QUIC.cloud network and download them to your server.

What Causes This Error?

Based on community reports and troubleshooting threads, this error is rarely due to a single cause. It's typically a communication issue between your WordPress server and the QUIC.cloud service. Common culprits include:

  • Server Configuration: Timeouts (like cURL error 28), strict security rules, or firewalls blocking outgoing requests.
  • Plugin/Theme Conflicts: Other plugins, especially security suites, can interfere with the HTTP requests needed to pull images.
  • QUIC.cloud Node Issues: Occasionally, the specific QUIC.cloud server node handling your request might experience a temporary problem.
  • SSL Certificate Problems: Rarely, an invalid SSL certificate on a QUIC.cloud worker node can cause the handshake to fail.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix It

Follow these steps to resolve the 'Image Pull Process Failure' error.

Step 1: Basic Checks and Cleanup

Start with these simple actions, which often resolve the issue.

  1. Clean Up Unfinished Data: In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to LiteSpeed Cache > Image Optimization. Click the "Clean Up Unfinished Data" button. This clears any stuck optimization requests.
  2. Re-send the Optimization Request: After cleaning up, click the "Send Optimization Request" button to start the process again.
  3. Check the URL: Copy the image URL from the error message and try opening it directly in your browser. If it loads, the image exists on QUIC.cloud, and the problem is likely on your server's side. If it returns a 404 or SSL error, the issue may be with the QUIC.cloud node.

Step 2: Force a Different HTTP Library

A common fix suggested by the LiteSpeed Cache team is to force WordPress to use a specific method for remote requests. Add the following line to your wp-config.php file, on the line immediately after <?php.

define('LITESPEED_FORCE_WP_REMOTE_GET', true);

Important: After adding this code, you must go back to Image Optimization and click "Clean Up Unfinished Data" before sending a new request.

Step 3: Investigate Security Plugins and Firewalls

Security plugins are a frequent source of conflict. They can block the external requests to QUIC.cloud.

  • Temporarily Disable: Briefly deactivate your security plugin (e.g., Solid Security, iThemes Security) and try to pull images again. If it works, you know the plugin is the cause.
  • Whitelist QUIC.Cloud: If the plugin is necessary, you must whitelist QUIC.cloud. Ensure the REST API is accessible and allow XHR requests. Most importantly, whitelist the entire list of QUIC.cloud IP addresses in your plugin's and server's firewall settings.
  • Check .htaccess: Look for old, leftover rules from previously installed security plugins in your .htaccess file and remove them (always back up the file first).

Step 4: Advanced Debugging (For Stubborn Cases)

If the error persists, deeper debugging is required. The LiteSpeed Cache team often recommends creating a simple test file to check the server's ability to connect to QUIC.cloud.

Create a file called test.php in your website's root directory (where wp-config.php is located) with the following code. Replace https://example-url.quic.cloud/... with the actual failing URL from your error message.

<?php
require('./wp-load.php');

use WpOrgRequestsAutoload;
use WpOrgRequestsRequests;
use WpOrgRequestsResponse;

if (class_exists('WpOrgRequestsRequests') && class_exists('WpOrgRequestsAutoload') && version_compare(PHP_VERSION, '5.6.0', '>=')) {
    Autoload::register();

    $complete_action = function($response, $id) {
        var_dump($response);
    };

    $requests = array(
        array('url' => 'https://example-url.quic.cloud/...', 'type' => 'GET',)
    );

    $options = array(
        'timeout' => 60,
        'connect_timeout' => 60,
        'complete' => $complete_action,
    );

    $responses = Requests::request_multiple($requests, $options);

} else {
    echo 'No class';
}

Run this file by visiting https://yourdomain.com/test.php. It will output a detailed response. A successful connection will show a status code of 200. A failure might reveal a timeout, connection error, or a redirect (302), which can help pinpoint the issue. Remember to delete this file after testing.

Step 5: Generate a Report

If you've tried everything and are still stuck, your next step should be to gather information. In your WordPress dashboard, go to LiteSpeed Cache > Toolbox > Report.

Click "Send to LiteSpeed" to generate a unique report number. This number is crucial for getting help in community forums, as it allows others to understand your site's configuration.

Conclusion

The "Image Pull Process Failure" error is a common hurdle in image optimization, but it's usually solvable. The process almost always involves checking for conflicts, ensuring proper communication with QUIC.cloud, and methodically testing your configuration. Start with the basic cleanup and the wp-config.php fix, as these resolve the majority of cases. For more persistent issues, delve into security settings and use the advanced debugging script to gather more data.

Related Support Threads Support