Unable to publish shapefiles as hosted feature layers to ArcGIS Online

Description

In ArcGIS Online, when attempting to add a shapefile as a hosted feature layer on the Content page, the option to create hosted feature layers is unavailable in the ‘New item’ window.

When the ‘Add <shapefile_name> and create a hosted feature layer’ option is selected and publishing the shapefile as a hosted feature layer fails, and the following error message is returned:

Error: 
There was an error while adding this item.

Cause

The following are known causes of this issue:

• The option to create hosted feature layers is unavailable when ArcGIS Online is accessed with a public account. Public accounts do not have the permission to publish hosted feature layers to ArcGIS Online. Refer to FAQ: Can a user with a public account publish hosted feature services to ArcGIS Online? for more information.
• The error message is returned when the organization member’s default role or custom role has insufficient privileges to publish hosted feature layers in ArcGIS Online.

Solution or Workaround

Depending on the cause, use one of the following options to resolve the issue.

Activate ArcGIS Online subscription

Activate an ArcGIS Online subscription for access to the full functionality of ArcGIS Online. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Activate subscription for more information.

Convert the public account to an organizational account

Public account users must request an invitation from their ArcGIS Online administrator to join an ArcGIS Online organization. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Join organization for more information.

Update the member’s default role or custom role to enable the privilege to publish hosted feature layers

Note:
Only an organization's administrator can perform the following workflows.

• Change the member’s role to a default role, such as Publisher or Administrator, with the privilege to publish hosted feature layers. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Change member roles for more information.
• Update the member’s custom role to enable the 'Publish hosted feature layers' option in the 'General privileges' settings. Refer to ArcGIS Online: Configure member roles for more information.