Laravel $request->file() returns null
Stefan Izdrail
Founder & Senior Architect · 2026-06-29
Title: Troubleshooting Laravel $request->file() Returning Null while Uploading Files
Body:
Laravel's $request->file('files') returns NULL, but there is an image in the $_FILES array
Introduction
Uploading files in Laravel using AJAX and form-data can sometimes be tricky. You might find yourself in a situation where $request->file('files') returns NULL, indicating your files have not been uploaded successfully. Fret not; this problem is solvable. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various reasons why Laravel may ignore the file and provide solutions to ensure smooth uploading.
Issue Breakdown
- The file being uploaded may not be of the correct content-type. It should ideally be application/octet-stream (binary data) or multipart/form-data (file input). This issue is typically caused by the Content-Type header in your AJAX request, which might not have been set correctly.
- The file being uploaded may be using a different name than the one specified in Laravel. The file's name should match with the one you provided in the form input or $_POST array.
- Your request might be getting caught by CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) protection if your Laravel setup uses this feature, and the token does not match. This is an essential security measure to prevent unauthorized data from being sent to your server.
Possible Solutions
- Set the correct Content-Type header in your AJAX request. In Superagent, you can do this using the following syntax: request.use(function () { this.set('Content-Type', 'application/octet-stream'); });
- Check that the name of the file uploaded matches the one specified in Laravel's input field or $_POST array.
- Ensure you are using a valid CSRF token generated by Laravel. If your Laravel application uses CSRF protection, make sure the token is present and matches with the value stored within the cookie.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- If none of these solutions work, try using a different HTTP method (like POST) in your AJAX request. Make sure the content-type is set correctly, as Laravel might not process requests with non-standard types.
- Check the network tab or logs to ensure there are no errors related to file uploads. It's essential to understand any warnings or error messages that may be preventing your file from being processed by Laravel.
- When all else fails, try using a form instead of AJAX to see if the problem persists. If not, this might indicate an issue with your jQuery code or Superagent library itself.